Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is the largest county in the United States by area. It covers 147,842 square miles, making it roughly the size of California. However, only about 5,000 people live in this vast region. Most residents live in small villages along the Yukon and Koyukuk rivers.
There are no cities in the area, and Galena is the largest town. The region is mostly covered by wilderness, including forests and tundra. Many residents continue to depend on hunting and fishing for their livelihood.
Road access is very limited. People mainly travel by plane, boat, or snowmobile. The Iditarod Trail also passes through the area. Yukon-Koyukuk has a strong Athabascan Native culture. Mining was once a major industry, while government jobs are now an important source of employment. Tourism is also growing, attracting visitors interested in hunting, fishing, and wilderness experiences.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Census Area Name | Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area |
| Census Area Seat | Unofficial seat: Galena (as census areas do not have official seats) |
| Population | Approximately 5,300 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Galena, Fort Yukon, Bettles, Nulato, Ruby, Hughes, Kaltag, Allakaket, Huslia, Tanana, Arctic Village, Beaver, Rampart, Stevens Village |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates; Dalton Highway and other local roads provide transportation) |
| FIPS Code | 02-290 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 147,842 square miles (Land: 145,937 sq mi, Water: 1,905 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | North Slope Borough (North), Southeast Fairbanks Census Area (Southeast), Fairbanks North Star Borough (Southeast), Denali Borough (Southeast), Matanuska-Susitna Borough (South), Bethel Census Area (South), Kusilvak Census Area (West), Nome Census Area (West), Northwest Arctic Borough (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 65.3297° N, 152.1137° W |
| Etymology | Named after the Yukon and Koyukuk Rivers, which flow through the region |
| Major Landmarks | Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Yukon River, Koyukuk River, Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (partly) |
