Cities and Towns in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
Founded in 1963, Kodiak Island Borough is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of Kodiak is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 150, Kodiak Island Borough has a population of 12,787 and area of 6,689 square miles (17,324 km²).
List of all cities in Kodiak Island Borough, AK alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Akhiok, AK | 99615 | 907 |
Chiniak, AK | 99615 | 907 |
Karluk, AK | 99608 | 907 |
Kodiak, AK | 99615 | 907 |
99619 | 907 | |
99697 | 907 | |
Larsen Bay, AK | 99624 | 907 |
Old Harbor, AK | 99643 | 907 |
Ouzinkie, AK | 99644 | 907 |
Port Lions, AK | 99550 | 907 |
Uscgs, AK | 99619 | 907 |
Major Cities and Towns in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
Kodiak
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 4.9 square miles
- Population: 6,130 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99615, 99619
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 57.7900° N
- Longitude: 152.4072° W
Location and History
Kodiak is the largest city on Kodiak Island, located off the southern coast of Alaska in the Kodiak Island Borough. The city was founded in 1792 by Russian settlers, making it one of the oldest European settlements in Alaska. Kodiak served as the capital of Russian Alaska until the transfer of Alaska to the United States in 1867. The city has a rich history tied to the fishing industry, which remains a cornerstone of its economy today. Kodiak is often referred to as the “King Crab Capital of the World” due to its thriving crab fishing industry. The city’s location on Kodiak Island, the second-largest island in the United States, makes it a key hub for both commercial fishing and tourism. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, and the island’s rugged terrain and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kodiak is served by the Kodiak Island Borough School District, with Kodiak High School, Kodiak Middle School, and several elementary schools providing education to local students. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which offers exhibits on the area’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including the famous Kodiak brown bears. The Baranov Museum, housed in the oldest surviving Russian-built structure in Alaska, provides insights into Kodiak’s history as a Russian outpost. The nearby Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park offers hiking trails, World War II-era fortifications, and stunning coastal views, making it a popular spot for both history buffs and nature lovers.
Larsen Bay
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 6.1 square miles
- Population: 87 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99624
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 57.5356° N
- Longitude: 153.9789° W
Location and History
Larsen Bay is a small community located on the west side of Kodiak Island in the Kodiak Island Borough. The village was established as a fishing outpost in the early 20th century and has a long history tied to the commercial fishing industry. Larsen Bay’s remote location and access to the rich fishing grounds of the Shelikof Strait have made it an important site for salmon processing and other seafood-related activities. The village is named after Peter Larsen, a Norwegian immigrant who was one of the area’s early settlers. Today, Larsen Bay remains a close-knit community with a strong reliance on fishing and subsistence activities. The village is accessible primarily by boat or small aircraft, underscoring its isolation and the self-sufficiency of its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Larsen Bay is part of the Kodiak Island Borough School District, with Larsen Bay School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village’s most notable landmarks include the nearby Alutiiq archaeological sites, which offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient history and the lives of the indigenous Alutiiq people. The surrounding wilderness provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, with the rugged coastline and mountainous terrain offering stunning scenery. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center, located near Larsen Bay, provides visitors with a chance to see the island’s famous brown bears in their natural habitat, making it a key attraction for both locals and tourists.
Old Harbor
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 10.7 square miles
- Population: 218 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99643
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 57.2025° N
- Longitude: 153.3050° W
Location and History
Old Harbor is a small village located on the southeast coast of Kodiak Island in the Kodiak Island Borough. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Alutiiq people, who have a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land and sea. Old Harbor was established as a Russian fur trading post in the late 18th century and later became a key site for commercial fishing. The village was severely impacted by the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake and tsunami, which destroyed much of the community. However, Old Harbor was rebuilt with the help of federal aid, and today it remains a vibrant community with a strong reliance on fishing and subsistence activities. The village is known for its stunning coastal views and its close-knit, predominantly Alutiiq population.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Old Harbor is served by the Kodiak Island Borough School District, with Old Harbor School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is home to several important cultural landmarks, including the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church, which reflects the area’s Russian heritage and continues to be a central part of the community’s spiritual life. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making Old Harbor a prime location for fishing, particularly for salmon and halibut. The Alutiiq culture is also celebrated through traditional crafts, dances, and subsistence practices, which are integral to the community’s way of life. The nearby Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation, further enhancing Old Harbor’s appeal as a destination for those seeking a connection to nature and indigenous culture.
Port Lions
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 10.4 square miles
- Population: 194 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99550
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 57.8678° N
- Longitude: 152.8861° W
Location and History
Port Lions is a village located on the northern coast of Kodiak Island in the Kodiak Island Borough. The village was established in 1964 by the displaced residents of Afognak, which was destroyed by the Good Friday Earthquake and tsunami. The village was named in honor of the Lions Club International, which provided significant aid in rebuilding the community. Port Lions was constructed with modern infrastructure, including schools, homes, and a harbor, and it quickly developed into a thriving fishing community. The village’s economy is primarily based on commercial fishing, with many residents also engaged in subsistence activities such as hunting and gathering. Port Lions is accessible by boat and small aircraft, with regular flights connecting it to the larger community of Kodiak.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Port Lions is served by the Kodiak Island Borough School District, with Port Lions School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is known for its modern harbor facilities, which support both commercial and recreational fishing activities. The surrounding waters of Kizhuyak Bay and Afognak Island offer excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, making Port Lions a popular destination for sport fishermen and nature enthusiasts. The village also has a strong cultural heritage, with traditional Alutiiq practices such as basket weaving and carving being passed down through generations. The annual Port Lions Silver Salmon Derby is a key event in the community, drawing participants from across the region and celebrating the village’s close connection to the sea.