Dillingham Census Area, Alaska
Dillingham Census Area is located in southwest Alaska along Bristol Bay. Around 5,000 people live in the area, spread across several small communities. Dillingham is the main town and serves as a regional hub.
Fishing is the largest industry, particularly salmon fishing. The area is famous for its massive sockeye salmon runs. Since most supplies and transportation depend on planes or boats, there are no interstate highways in the region. The landscape consists mainly of tundra and wetlands, with few trees.
The area has a mix of Yup’ik, Aleut, and Athabascan cultures. Wildlife is abundant, including bears that are attracted by the salmon runs. Climate change is affecting the region through warmer temperatures and changing fish patterns. Despite its remote location, Dillingham has a community college campus.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Census Area Name | Dillingham Census Area |
| Census Area Seat | Unofficial seat: Dillingham (as census areas do not have official seats) |
| Population | Approximately 5,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Dillingham, Aleknagik, Clark’s Point, Ekwok, Koliganek, Manokotak, New Stuyahok, Togiak, Twin Hills |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates or major highways in the census area) |
| FIPS Code | 02-070 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 20,915 square miles (Land: 18,569 sq mi, Water: 2,346 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Bethel Census Area (Northwest), Bristol Bay Borough (Southeast), Lake and Peninsula Borough (East) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 59.0447° N, 158.5081° W |
| Etymology | Named after the city of Dillingham, which was named for U.S. Senator Paul Dillingham from Vermont |
| Major Landmarks | Wood-Tikchik State Park, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Nushagak River, Lake Aleknagik, Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary |
