Cities and Towns in North Slope Borough, Alaska

Founded in 1972, North Slope Borough is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska.  The city of Utqiaġvik is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 185, North Slope Borough has a population of 10,972 and area of 88,824 square miles (230,053 km²).

List of all cities in North Slope Borough, AK alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Anaktuvuk, AK	99721	907
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK	99721	907
Atqasuk, AK	99791	907
Barrow, AK	99723	907
	99734	907
	99759	907
	99789	907
	99791	907
Kaktovik, AK	99747	907
Nuiqsut, AK	99789	907
Point Hope, AK	99766	907
Point Lay, AK	99759	907
Prudhoe Bay, AK	99734	907
Wainwright, AK	99782	907

Major Cities and Towns in North Slope Borough, Alaska

Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow)

• Area: 21.0 square miles
• Population: 4,927 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99723
• Latitude and Longitude: 71.2906° N, 156.7886° W

Location and History

Utqiaġvik, formerly known as Barrow, is the northernmost city in the United States, located on the coast of the Chukchi Sea in the North Slope Borough. The area has been inhabited by the Iñupiat people for over 1,500 years, and the name Utqiaġvik means “a place for gathering wild roots” in the Iñupiat language. The town was named Barrow after Sir John Barrow of the British Admiralty, but in 2016, the city officially changed its name to Utqiaġvik to reflect its indigenous heritage. Historically, Utqiaġvik served as a whaling station and trading post, with its economy traditionally centered around subsistence hunting, particularly for bowhead whales, seals, and caribou. Today, while maintaining its cultural heritage, Utqiaġvik is also the administrative center of the North Slope Borough and plays a significant role in Arctic research and climate studies due to its unique location.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Utqiaġvik is served by the North Slope Borough School District, with Barrow High School being the primary educational institution. The town is home to several key landmarks, including the Iñupiat Heritage Center, which offers exhibits on Iñupiat culture, history, and the community’s connection to the Arctic environment. Another significant site is the Point Barrow, the northernmost point of the U.S., which has been a crucial location for scientific research and monitoring of Arctic conditions. The annual Nalukataq whaling festival, held each summer, is a major cultural event in Utqiaġvik, celebrating the successful whale harvest with traditional dances, games, and a community feast. The town’s blend of cultural heritage, scientific importance, and its unique Arctic environment make Utqiaġvik a significant and vibrant community in Alaska.

Prudhoe Bay

• Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
• Population: 1,601 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99734
• Latitude and Longitude: 70.2553° N, 148.3372° W

Location and History

Prudhoe Bay is an unincorporated community located on the North Slope of Alaska, primarily known for its proximity to the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, the largest oil field in North America. The area was named after Captain Frederick William Beechey, who explored the region in 1826. The discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in 1968 marked a significant turning point for Alaska’s economy, leading to the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) and transforming Prudhoe Bay into a bustling industrial hub. The community itself is made up of transient workers who are employed in the oil and gas industry, with infrastructure focused on supporting the operations of the oil fields. Prudhoe Bay is not a residential community in the traditional sense; rather, it is a work site with facilities designed to accommodate the needs of oil field workers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Prudhoe Bay does not have schools or permanent residential neighborhoods, as it primarily functions as an industrial area. However, the area is home to the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, a significant landmark that plays a crucial role in Alaska’s economy and the U.S. energy supply. The nearby Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) begins in Prudhoe Bay and stretches over 800 miles to Valdez, transporting crude oil from the Arctic to the southern coast of Alaska. The Arctic environment around Prudhoe Bay is a stark and unique landscape, with opportunities to witness polar bears, Arctic foxes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. While Prudhoe Bay is not a tourist destination, its significance in the oil and gas industry and its role in Arctic exploration make it an important location in the North Slope Borough.

Nuiqsut

• Area: 9.2 square miles
• Population: 469 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99789
• Latitude and Longitude: 70.2175° N, 150.9769° W

Location and History

Nuiqsut is a small Iñupiat village located on the Colville River Delta in the North Slope Borough, about 35 miles from the Beaufort Sea. The village was established in 1973 by a group of Iñupiat families who relocated from Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) to reestablish a traditional community in the area where their ancestors had lived. Nuiqsut’s economy is primarily based on subsistence activities, including hunting, fishing, and gathering, with caribou, fish, and waterfowl being essential resources for the community. In recent years, Nuiqsut has also been involved in the oil industry, with several nearby oil fields providing employment opportunities, though this has also raised concerns about the impact of industrial development on the environment and traditional subsistence practices.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Nuiqsut is served by the North Slope Borough School District, with Trapper School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is known for its strong cultural heritage and close connection to the land. A key landmark in Nuiqsut is the Nuiqsut Heritage Center, which showcases traditional Iñupiat crafts, tools, and artifacts, and serves as a gathering place for cultural events and education. The nearby Colville River is a vital resource for the community, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and hunting. The annual Kivgiq, or Messenger Feast, is a significant cultural event in Nuiqsut, bringing together residents to celebrate with traditional dances, songs, and feasts. Nuiqsut’s remote location, cultural significance, and reliance on subsistence activities make it a unique and resilient community in the North Slope Borough.

Kaktovik

• Area: 1.0 square mile
• Population: 239 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99747
• Latitude and Longitude: 70.1319° N, 143.6108° W

Location and History

Kaktovik is a small Iñupiat village located on Barter Island, along the Arctic coast in the North Slope Borough. The village’s location on Barter Island has historically been a trading hub for indigenous peoples, with the island serving as a gathering place for trade between the Iñupiat and other Native Alaskan groups. The modern settlement of Kaktovik was established in the early 20th century, and it has since become known for its strong cultural traditions and close relationship with the surrounding Arctic environment. Kaktovik is the only community within the boundaries of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), which has made it a focal point in discussions about conservation, subsistence rights, and potential oil exploration. The village’s economy is primarily based on subsistence hunting, fishing, and tourism, with visitors coming to see the polar bears that often gather near the village in the fall.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kaktovik is served by the North Slope Borough School District, with Harold Kaveolook School providing education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is known for its unique location and cultural significance. A key landmark in Kaktovik is the Kaktovik Community Hall, where many of the village’s social and cultural events take place. The surrounding Arctic National Wildlife Refuge offers stunning landscapes and opportunities to observe a wide range of wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds. The village has become an important destination for ecotourism, particularly for those interested in seeing polar bears in their natural habitat. Kaktovik’s annual events, such as the Nalukataq whaling festival, celebrate the community’s cultural heritage and subsistence lifestyle. The village’s remote location, cultural importance, and role in Arctic conservation make Kaktovik a unique and significant community in the North Slope Borough.

Point Hope

• Area: 6.4 square miles
• Population: 735 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99766
• Latitude and Longitude: 68.3475° N, 166.8089° W

Location and History

Point Hope, known as Tikigaq in Iñupiat, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America, with archaeological evidence of occupation dating back over 2,500 years. The village is located on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Chukchi Sea in the North Slope Borough. Point Hope has long been a center of Iñupiat culture, with whaling playing a central role in the community’s subsistence and social life. The village was historically an important trade center, where Iñupiat from different regions would gather to exchange goods and socialize. Despite its remote location, Point Hope has maintained its cultural traditions and is known for its successful bowhead whale hunts, which remain a cornerstone of the community’s identity and economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Point Hope is served by the North Slope Borough School District, with Tikigaq School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is home to several significant landmarks, including the Old Town Site, where ancient sod houses and other archaeological remains provide insights into the early history of the Iñupiat people. The nearby Tikigaq Peninsula is a critical area for subsistence activities, including whaling, fishing, and hunting. The community’s Whaling Festival, held each spring, is a major cultural event that celebrates the successful bowhead whale harvest with traditional songs, dances, and feasts. Point Hope’s combination of ancient history, cultural significance, and reliance on traditional subsistence activities make it one of the most culturally rich and historically important communities in the North Slope Borough.

Map of Cities in North Slope Borough, AK