Cities and Towns in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

Founded in 1986, Northwest Arctic Borough is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. Historically, Northwest Arctic Borough was formed from Kotzebue and 10 other area villages. The city of Kotzebue is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 188, Northwest Arctic Borough has a population of 7,560 and area of 35,663 square miles (92,367 km²).

List of all cities in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ambler, AK	99786	907
Buckland, AK	99727	907
Deering, AK	99736	907
Kiana, AK	99749	907
Kivalina, AK	99750	907
Kobuk, AK	99751	907
Kotzebue, AK	99752	907
Noatak, AK	99761	907
Noorvik, AK	99763	907
Selawik, AK	99770	907
Shungnak, AK	99773	907

Major Cities and Towns in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

Kotzebue

• Area: 28.7 square miles
• Population: 3,102 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99752
• Latitude and Longitude: 66.8983° N, 162.5966° W

Location and History

Kotzebue is the largest city and the hub of the Northwest Arctic Borough, located on the Baldwin Peninsula, where the Noatak, Kobuk, and Selawik rivers meet. The area has been inhabited by the Inupiat people for thousands of years, and Kotzebue’s location has long made it a central trading hub for Native Alaskan communities across the Arctic region. The city is named after Otto von Kotzebue, a Baltic German navigator who explored the area in the early 19th century. Kotzebue has developed into a modern city while maintaining strong ties to traditional Inupiat culture, with many residents engaging in subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering. The city’s economy is based on government services, regional transportation, and the Red Dog Mine, one of the world’s largest zinc mines, located north of Kotzebue.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kotzebue is served by the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, with Kotzebue Middle High School being the primary educational institution. The town is home to several important landmarks, including the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center, which provides exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history, and serves as the visitor center for the nearby Kobuk Valley National Park. Another significant site is the Nullagvik Hotel, a modern facility that offers accommodations and meeting spaces for visitors to the region. The Kotzebue Sound, a large bay that is part of the Chukchi Sea, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and observing marine wildlife, while the surrounding tundra offers a unique Arctic landscape. Kotzebue’s annual events, such as the Kobuk 440 sled dog race and the Qatnut Trade Fair, celebrate the city’s cultural heritage and close-knit community. The city’s blend of modern amenities, traditional culture, and stunning natural environment make Kotzebue a vital and vibrant community in the Northwest Arctic Borough.

Selawik

• Area: 3.5 square miles
• Population: 829 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99770
• Latitude and Longitude: 66.6031° N, 160.0111° W

Location and History

Selawik is a small, predominantly Inupiat village located at the mouth of the Selawik River, near Selawik Lake, in the Northwest Arctic Borough. The area has been inhabited by the Inupiat for thousands of years, with Selawik serving as a traditional gathering place for hunting, fishing, and trade. The village was formally established in the early 20th century and has maintained a subsistence-based lifestyle centered around fishing, hunting, and trapping. The Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds the village, is a vital natural resource, providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including caribou, fish, and migratory birds. Selawik’s remote location and reliance on subsistence activities have helped preserve its cultural heritage and connection to the natural environment.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Selawik is served by the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, with Davis-Ramoth School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is known for its strong community ties and traditional lifestyle. A key landmark in Selawik is the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, which offers opportunities for wildlife observation, fishing, and outdoor recreation in a pristine Arctic environment. The refuge is particularly important for birdwatching, as it hosts large populations of migratory waterfowl during the summer months. The annual Selawik Spirit Camp is a cultural event that brings together residents to teach and learn traditional Inupiat skills, such as hunting, fishing, and crafts, ensuring that these practices are passed down to future generations. Selawik’s remote location, cultural heritage, and close relationship with the natural world make it a unique and resilient community in the Northwest Arctic Borough.

Noorvik

• Area: 1.5 square miles
• Population: 668 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99763
• Latitude and Longitude: 66.8389° N, 161.0222° W

Location and History

Noorvik is a small Inupiat village located on the banks of the Kobuk River, about 30 miles inland from the Chukchi Sea in the Northwest Arctic Borough. The village was established in the early 20th century when families from nearby villages settled in the area to take advantage of the rich fishing and hunting opportunities along the Kobuk River. Noorvik, which means “a place to move to” in Inupiat, quickly became a central hub for the region’s subsistence activities. The village gained national attention in 2010 when it was the first location to be counted in the U.S. Census, highlighting its remote yet integral place in American geography. Noorvik’s economy is largely based on subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering, with many residents still relying on the land and river for their livelihoods.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Noorvik is served by the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, with Aqqaluk Noorvik School providing education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is known for its close-knit community and traditional Inupiat culture. A key landmark in Noorvik is the Noorvik Covenant Church, which has been a central place of worship and community gatherings for many years. The nearby Kobuk Valley National Park, accessible by boat or snowmobile, offers opportunities for exploring the unique sand dunes, caribou migration routes, and ancient archaeological sites. Noorvik’s annual events, such as the Kobuk River Salmon Festival, celebrate the community’s reliance on the river and its abundant resources. The village’s strong cultural heritage, reliance on subsistence activities, and connection to the natural environment make Noorvik a significant and enduring community in the Northwest Arctic Borough.

Kiana

• Area: 0.2 square miles
• Population: 361 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 99749
• Latitude and Longitude: 66.9750° N, 160.4361° W

Location and History

Kiana is a small Inupiat village located at the confluence of the Kobuk and Squirrel Rivers in the Northwest Arctic Borough. The village’s name, which means “where three rivers meet,” reflects its strategic location in the heart of the Kobuk River Valley. Kiana has been a traditional gathering place for the Inupiat people for centuries, serving as a hub for fishing, hunting, and trade. The village was officially established in the early 20th century as a trading post and has maintained its importance as a central community in the region. Kiana’s economy is primarily based on subsistence activities, with residents relying on the rivers and surrounding wilderness for fishing, hunting, and gathering. The village’s remote location and strong cultural ties have helped preserve its traditional way of life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kiana is served by the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, with Kiana School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is known for its beautiful setting at the confluence of two rivers and its vibrant cultural traditions. A key landmark in Kiana is the Kiana Friends Church, which has been a focal point of the community since the early 20th century. The nearby Kobuk Valley National Park offers opportunities for exploring the vast wilderness, including the famous Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the seasonal migrations of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd. The annual Kiana Invitational, a sled dog race that takes place during the winter, is a major community event that celebrates the village’s strong connection to dog mushing and traditional transportation methods. Kiana’s blend of history, culture, and stunning natural surroundings make it a unique and important community in the Northwest Arctic Borough.

Map of Cities in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK