Cities and Towns in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska
Founded in, Aleutians West Census Area is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 16, Aleutians West Census Area has a population of 5,059 and area of 4,393 square miles (11,378 km²).
List of all cities in Aleutians West Census Area, AK alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Adak, AK | 99546 | 907 |
| Atka, AK | 99547 | 907 |
| Cold Bay, AK | 99546 | 907 |
| Dutch Harbor, AK | 99692 | 907 |
| Nikolski, AK | 99638 | 907 |
| Saint George, AK | 99591 | 907 |
| Saint George Island, AK | 99591 | 907 |
| Saint Paul Island, AK | 99591 | 907 |
| 99660 | 907 | |
| Unalaska, AK | 99547 | 907 |
| 99685 | 907 | |
| 99692 | 907 |
Map of Cities in Aleutians West Census Area, AK
Major Cities and Towns in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska
Unalaska
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 212.66 square miles
- Population: 4,376 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99685
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 53.8680° N
- Longitude: 166.5318° W
Location and History
Unalaska is the largest city in the Aleutians West Census Area, located on Unalaska Island and neighboring Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Islands. The city is known for the port of Dutch Harbor, one of the busiest fishing ports in the United States, particularly for the crab industry, which is prominently featured in the television show “Deadliest Catch.” Unalaska has a long history dating back to the Aleut people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The Russian fur trade brought European influence to the area in the 18th century, leading to the establishment of a Russian Orthodox Church that remains a key historical site. The area was also significant during World War II as a military outpost, with the Battle of Dutch Harbor marking one of the few attacks on U.S. soil during the war.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Unalaska is served by the Unalaska City School District, which includes Unalaska City School, providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Notable landmarks in the city include the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Ascension, one of the oldest and most well-preserved Russian Orthodox churches in Alaska. The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area commemorates the region’s role in the war, with exhibits and remnants of military installations. Dutch Harbor is not only a key economic center but also a picturesque spot for visitors to learn about the local fishing industry and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings, including opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and boating.
Adak
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 127.94 square miles
- Population: 326 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99546
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 51.8794° N
- Longitude: 176.6502° W
Location and History
Adak is a city located on Adak Island, the westernmost municipality in the United States, situated in the Aleutians West Census Area. Adak was established as a military base during World War II, playing a critical role as a staging area for operations in the Aleutians. The military presence continued during the Cold War, with Adak serving as a strategic location for monitoring Soviet activities in the Pacific. After the base was closed in the 1990s, the city transitioned to a civilian community, though much of its infrastructure remains from its military days. Adak’s remote location and challenging weather conditions make it a unique and isolated community, with a focus on subsistence living and limited commercial activity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Adak is part of the Aleutian Region School District, with Adak School providing education to local students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town’s most significant landmarks include the remnants of its military past, such as abandoned bunkers, barracks, and the Adak Army Base and Naval Operating Base Historic District. The nearby volcanic peaks and rugged coastline offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching, particularly for those interested in exploring one of the most remote parts of Alaska. The Aleutian Islands Wilderness area, which surrounds Adak, provides a stark and beautiful landscape that attracts adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
Atka
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 36.88 square miles
- Population: 61 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99547
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 52.1961° N
- Longitude: 174.2008° W
Location and History
Atka is a small city located on Atka Island in the Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska. The city has a long history, with the Aleut people inhabiting the island for thousands of years. Atka became a center for the Russian fur trade in the 18th century, and the influence of Russian culture is still evident today, particularly in the local Russian Orthodox Church. During World War II, the residents of Atka were evacuated, and much of the village was destroyed by the U.S. military to prevent it from falling into Japanese hands. After the war, the community was rebuilt, and Atka remains a small but resilient Aleut community with a strong focus on subsistence fishing and cultural preservation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atka is served by the Aleutian Region School District, with Atka School providing education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The city’s most notable landmarks include the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which reflects the deep cultural ties to Russian history. The surrounding environment offers a rugged and pristine landscape, with opportunities for fishing, hunting, and exploring the natural beauty of the Aleutians. Atka Island is also home to several archaeological sites that provide insights into the ancient Aleut way of life, making it a place of both cultural and historical significance.
St. George
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 34.92 square miles
- Population: 102 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99591
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 56.6000° N
- Longitude: 169.5417° W
Location and History
St. George is a small city located on St. George Island in the Pribilof Islands, part of the Aleutians West Census Area. The island was discovered by Russian explorers in 1786, and it quickly became a center for the fur seal trade, which dominated the local economy for over a century. The Aleut people were brought to St. George by the Russians to harvest seals, and their descendants make up much of the current population. The fur seal trade declined in the 20th century, and today the economy of St. George is primarily based on commercial fishing and government services. The island’s remote location in the Bering Sea makes it one of the most isolated communities in Alaska, with a strong focus on traditional ways of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. George is served by the Pribilof School District, with St. George School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Notable landmarks in the city include the St. George Russian Orthodox Church, which is a central part of the community’s cultural and spiritual life. The surrounding Pribilof Islands are known for their abundant wildlife, particularly seabirds and marine mammals, making the area a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The nearby St. George Island National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities to observe fur seals, sea lions, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat, providing a unique glimpse into the ecological richness of the Bering Sea.
