Spanning over 28,000 square miles, the Nome Census Area is a vast, rural Alaskan frontier.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: With a population density of just 0.4 people per square mile, the Nome Census Area is a sprawling, unorganized region of Alaska. It encompasses the Seward Peninsula and remote islands, serving as a unique case study in Arctic geography, demographics, and the challenges of life in one of America's most isolated territories.

The Nome Census Area is a massive county-equivalent in Alaska, covering a total area of 28,278 square miles. Of this, 22,962 square miles is land, while 5,316 square miles consists of water. As an unorganized borough, it lacks a central borough seat, with the city of Nome serving as its largest community. The region also includes St. Lawrence Island, a significant landmass located offshore that accounts for approximately 14 percent of the total population and hosts the cities of Gambell and Savoonga.

Demographically, the area is distinct, with 74.8 percent of the population identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native alone. The region is entirely rural, with no urban areas reported. Life here is characterized by a young demographic, where 31.9 percent of residents are under the age of 18, and only 10.4 percent are 65 years or older. Economic activity is diverse but sparse, with 174 employer establishments recorded in 2023. Transportation and warehousing remain vital sectors, generating over $94 million in receipts and revenue as of 2022.

The region faces unique logistical and economic realities. With a median household income of $78,681, the area maintains a poverty rate of 22.4 percent. Despite the vast distances, connectivity is high, with 96.4 percent of households possessing a computer and 88.2 percent subscribing to broadband internet. The area's geography, which includes parts of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, creates a landscape where travel time to work is remarkably short, averaging just 6.3 minutes. This reflects the localized nature of employment in smaller, tight-knit communities spread across the Alaskan tundra.

The Nome Census Area is the seventh-largest county-equivalent in Alaska. Its history and development are deeply tied to the rugged environment of the Seward Peninsula. As of July 2025, the population was estimated at 9,830, reflecting a slight decline from the 10,046 residents counted in the 2020 census. This vast, sparsely populated territory continues to function as a critical hub for the indigenous cultures and modern industries that define the remote reaches of the American North.

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