Cities and Towns in Aleutians East Borough, Alaska
Founded in 1987, Aleutians East Borough is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of Sand Point is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 13, Aleutians East Borough has a population of 3,398 and area of 6,985 square miles (18,091 km²).
List of all cities in Aleutians East Borough, AK alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Adak, AK | 99571 | 907 |
| Akutan, AK | 99553 | 907 |
| Cold Bay, AK | 99571 | 907 |
| False Pass, AK | 99583 | 907 |
| King Cove, AK | 99612 | 907 |
| Nelson Lagoon, AK | 99571 | 907 |
| Sand Point, AK | 99661 | 907 |
Major Cities and Towns in Aleutians East Borough, Alaska
Sand Point
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 28.04 square miles
- Population: 976 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99661
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 55.3397° N
- Longitude: 160.4972° W
Location and History
Sand Point, located on Popof Island in the Aleutians East Borough, is the largest community in the borough. It was founded in 1898 by a San Francisco fishing company as a trading post and cod fishing station. The town quickly became a hub for commercial fishing, particularly for salmon and crab, industries that continue to drive its economy today. The Aleut people, who are indigenous to the region, have a strong presence in Sand Point, contributing to the town’s cultural richness. Sand Point is also known for its scenic beauty, with rugged landscapes, volcanic mountains, and proximity to the Bering Sea making it a unique and remote community. Despite its isolation, Sand Point has a vibrant community and plays a key role in the regional economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sand Point is served by the Aleutians East Borough School District, with students attending Sand Point School, which provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town’s most notable landmarks include the Sand Point Harbor, a vital facility for the local fishing industry, and the Russian Orthodox Church, which reflects the area’s deep historical ties to Russian America. The surrounding natural environment offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Shumagin Islands, of which Popof Island is a part, are known for their rich biodiversity and serve as an important area for both commercial and subsistence fishing.
King Cove
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 29.86 square miles
- Population: 938 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99612
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 55.0614° N
- Longitude: 162.3103° W
Location and History
King Cove is a small city located on the western end of the Alaska Peninsula in Aleutians East Borough. Founded in 1911 by Pacific American Fisheries as a salmon cannery site, King Cove has a rich history tied to the fishing industry. The city’s location along the Bering Sea makes it a prime area for commercial fishing, particularly for salmon and groundfish. The Aleut community has been an integral part of King Cove’s history and continues to play a significant role in the city’s cultural and economic life. King Cove is known for its rugged terrain, with mountains, glaciers, and coastline defining the landscape. The city is relatively isolated, with transportation primarily by air and sea, but it remains a vibrant and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
King Cove is served by the Aleutians East Borough School District, with students attending King Cove School, which provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Notable landmarks in the city include the King Cove Harbor, which supports the local fishing fleet, and the Peter Pan Seafoods cannery, one of the oldest and most significant employers in the area. The surrounding natural environment offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Alaska Peninsula. The city’s proximity to Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, known for its diverse bird populations and wetlands, adds to its appeal for nature enthusiasts.
Cold Bay
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 70.96 square miles
- Population: 108 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99571
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 55.2069° N
- Longitude: 162.7178° W
Location and History
Cold Bay is a small town located on the western edge of the Alaska Peninsula in Aleutians East Borough. The town was established during World War II as a military base known as Fort Randall, which served as a strategic outpost for U.S. forces in the North Pacific. After the war, the town’s population decreased significantly, but it remained an important location due to its large airfield, one of the longest runways in Alaska. Cold Bay’s economy is primarily based on government services, transportation, and wildlife management, given its proximity to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. The town’s location near the Bering Sea gives it a unique climate, with cold, windy conditions and frequent fog, making it one of the most challenging environments in Alaska.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cold Bay is part of the Aleutians East Borough School District, with students typically attending school in King Cove or other nearby communities. The town’s most significant landmark is the Cold Bay Airport, which serves as a critical transportation hub for the region, providing access for both residents and supplies. The Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is another key landmark, offering opportunities for birdwatching, particularly for migratory waterfowl, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Alaska Peninsula. Cold Bay’s history as a former military site is also reflected in the remnants of World War II-era buildings and infrastructure, which serve as a reminder of its strategic importance during the war.
False Pass
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 26.82 square miles
- Population: 397 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99583
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 54.8506° N
- Longitude: 163.4156° W
Location and History
False Pass is a small city located on the eastern end of Unimak Island in Aleutians East Borough, at the gateway to the Aleutian Islands. The city was named for the nearby False Pass strait, which appears navigable but is actually shallow and treacherous. False Pass was established in the early 20th century as a fishing and trading post and has maintained its connection to the fishing industry ever since. The city’s location near the Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean makes it a strategic point for commercial fishing, particularly for salmon and crab. False Pass is one of the few communities in the Aleutians accessible by both sea and air, making it an important hub for the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
False Pass is served by the Aleutians East Borough School District, with students attending False Pass School, which provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town’s most notable landmark is the False Pass Harbor, which supports the local fishing fleet and serves as a vital connection point for transportation in the Aleutians. The surrounding natural environment, including the rugged Unimak Island and nearby active volcanoes, offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. False Pass is also near several important archaeological sites that reflect the long history of Aleut occupation in the region, providing a connection to the cultural heritage of the area.
