Back to Dillingham Census Area Feed

Dillingham Census Area

county

Dillingham 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

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
02-070
Country
United States
County
Dillingham Census Area
Geography
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
Demographics
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.
Economy
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
Education
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)
Infrastructure
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
History
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