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The Region's Population


In 2000, community populations varied from approximately 3,600 in Nome (52% Alaska Native), to 133-757 persons in surrounding villages (each at least 90% Alaska Native). Approximately 1/3 of the Region's population resides in Nome, the Region's largest community and commercial hub. The second, third and fourth largest communities are Unalakleet (757), Gambell (653), and Savoonga (652) respectively (Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development).

2000 Population of the Bering Strait Region by Community


* Communities marked with an asterisk are occupied during the summer and fall months for camping
and subsistence purposes, and are generally not populated year round.

Source:Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development


From 1996 to 2000, the Region's population grew by 214. Communities experiencing the greatest amount of growth were Nome (+105), Savoonga (+41), and Stebbins (+40). Communities experiencing the greatest decline in population were Unalakleet (-39) and Diomede (-37).

1996-2000 Population Change by Community



Source: Alaska Department of Labor
Educational Attainment


In 1990, nearly 34% of the Region's population who were 20 years and older did not have high school diplomas. The highest percentage of persons 20 years and older without high school diplomas were village residents (41%). (NCES & MESA 1990) This may be attributed to the fact that older segments of the population were too old to attend public schools when they were established in the villages during the 1960s-1970s. Nearly 87% of the state's population 20 years and older have high school degrees or higher, whereas only 66% of the Region's population have a high school education or more. (Ibid.)

1990 Educational Attainment Rates in the Region were Lower


Source: National Center for Educational Statistics, and The MESA Group
Labor Force Participation & Unemployment


From 1990 to 1999, the percent of the state's population in the labor force grew by 1.8%, while the nation's labor force participation rate remained steady. The labor force participation rate for the Bering Strait Region, however, declined by 4.6%. In 1999, 33.8% of the Region's population was either employed or seeking employment; approximately 17% and 33% less than the state and national averages, respectively. Despite a steady decline in unemployment in the nation and state from 1990 to 1999, unemployment in the Bering Strait Region rose from 8.9% to 11.4%
Labor Force Participation Rates by Area, 1990 - 1999
   Unemployment Rates by Area, 1990 - 1999
State Data Source: AKDOL Research & Analysis Section
National Data Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Income & Poverty Levels


In 1997, the median household income for the State of Alaska was $43,657, more than $6,000 greater than median income levels for the region and nation ($36,633 and $37,005 respectively). From 1989 to 1997, median household income levels declined for the all three areas. The decline in median household income was greatest for the state (-$9,940), while the decline for the region and nation was -$2,384 and -$1,898 respectively.


Source: US Census Bureau

In 1989, 30% of the region's population lived in poverty, nearly 3 times more than the state average, and more than twice the national average. (US Census Bureau). From 1989 to 1997, the region experienced the greatest decline in poverty (down to 24%), while poverty levels for the state and nation remained relatively constant (11% and 13% respectively). Despite this decline, poverty levels for the region were still nearly double the state and national averages.

Cost of Living Expenses


Unlike the lower 48, Alaska's urban locations such as Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau have lower cost of living expenses than its rural locations. Food costs tend to have three tiers in Alaska. The Alaska's urban areas have the lowest food costs, while higher costs exist for communities located on or near Alaska's rail belt or marine highways. The highest food costs are found in isolated communities whose commodities are transported primarily by air, and where the marketplace is small (Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research & Analysis Section, June 2001). While food expenses in Nome have declined by half since the late 1970's, they continue to remain 1.5 times higher than costs in Anchorage.


Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Research and Analysis Section


Cash & Subsistence Economy


A mixed economy based on cash and subsistence practices exists in the Bering Strait Region. While the rural cash economy consists mainly of federal, tribal, state and local government jobs, a subsistence economy exists year round and includes hunting and gathering of land and marine mammals; seafood; birds; and plant life. Variations and extensions of subsistence practices are processing foods, hides, and other animal parts or resources for consumption and utilization. Other examples include bartering, sharing, and selling harvested foods; carving, sewing, beading and basket making; and boat and sled building.
Preparing to travel to the south side
of St. Lawrence Island to hunt walrus
 A "Angyapik" being prepared for whaling
activities on St. Lawrence Island
 Sailing along the south side
of St. Lawrence Island
Photo Credit: Kawerak, Inc. & Mary Kingeekuk

In the Bering Strait Region the need for cash is critical. Many people throughout the Norton Sound communities depend on both economies for their livelihood and survival. It is necessary for many residents to combine subsistence practices with a cash income in order to purchase hunting equipment such as tents, stoves, guns and ammunition, all terrain vehicles, boats and outboard motors. Additional items such as food, fuel, supplies, parts, and seasonal clothing contribute to the expenses necessary for participating in a mixed economy. Due to transportation costs associated with shipping these items to village locations, these expenses often equal or exceed the price of a new car or truck. However, dollars and cents can not measure the underlying importance of subsistence. Subsistence reaches far beyond hunting and gathering practices and encompasses an entire way of life passed on from generation to generation since time immemorial. Subsistence is vital to the livelihood of our Region's economy and is based on historical indigenous cultures and traditions, not monetary and material possessions. The subsistence lifestyle of our indigenous people continues to be critical to the socioeconomic well being of our Region.
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