Dillingham Census Area
countyDillingham Census Area is located in southwestern Alaska, on Bristol Bay. It's a remote region characterized by tundra and wetlands, serving as a hub for several smaller communities. The area is known for its significant seasonal population fluctuations due to the commercial fishing industry, particularly the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon harvest. The largest community in the census area is the city of Dillingham, which acts as the economic and transportation center. The economy of Dillingham Census Area is heavily reliant on commercial fishing and fish processing. The area hosts multiple onshore and floating processing facilities that operate during the fishing season. Besides the fishing industry, key sectors include public administration, healthcare, and educational services. The absence of road access emphasizes the importance of air and sea transportation for the region. Dillingham Census Area offers unparalleled access to Alaska's wilderness, including Wood-Tikchik State Park and Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. These areas provide opportunities for outdoor recreation such as sportfishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and hiking. The region's unique blend of Yup'ik, Aleut, and Athabascan cultures enriches its historical and cultural significance.
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 02-070
- Country
- United States
- County
- Dillingham Census Area
- Region
- Southwestern Alaska
- Total Area
- 20,915 sq mi
- Land Area
- 18,569 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2,346 sq mi
- Latitude
- 59.0447
- Longitude
- -158.5081
- Climate
- The area experiences a subarctic climate with significant seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.
- Notable Features
- Wood-Tikchik State Park · Togiak National Wildlife Refuge · Nushagak River · Lake Aleknagik · Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary
- Neighboring Areas
- Bethel Census Area · Bristol Bay Borough · Lake and Peninsula Borough
- Population (2020)
- 4,857
- Est. Population (2026)
- 4,674
- Median Age
- 30.9
- Median Income
- $74,250
- Poverty Rate
- 16.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 63.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the census area is approximately 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 14.3% White, 9.14% Two or More Races, 1.69% Asian, and 3.43% Hispanic or Latino.
- Unemployment Rate
- 8.3%
- Economic Profile
- Highly seasonal, driven by Bristol Bay sockeye salmon harvest
- Employment Sectors
- Public Administration · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Commercial fishing · Fish processing
- Major Employers
- Fish processing plants
- Students
- 403
- Teachers
- 35
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.3:1
- School Districts
- Dillingham City School District · Southwest Region School District
- Colleges & Universities
- University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus (BBC)
- Transportation
- Air access via regularly scheduled flights and smaller air services · Sea access via personal and commercial vessels
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Limited internet access; some Starlink in remote camps
- Major Facilities
- Hospital · Airport
- Founded
- 1980
- Named After
- U.S. Senator Paul Dillingham
- Historical Significance
- The Dillingham Census Area has been a significant center for trade, fishing, and cultural exchange in southwestern Alaska, with a long history of Native Alaskan settlement and Russian and American influence.
- Key Events
- Area inhabited by Eskimos and Athabascans · Alexandrovski Redoubt Post established in 1818 · Russian Orthodox mission established in 1837 · First salmon cannery in Bristol Bay region constructed in 1884 · 1918-1919 influenza epidemic



