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Aleutians East Borough, Alaska

Coordinates: 55°14′N 161°55′W / 55.23°N 161.92°W / 55.23; -161.92
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Aleutians East Borough
Borough
Aghileen Pinnacles Mountains in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Aghileen Pinnacles Mountains in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Official logo of Aleutians East Borough
Logo
Map of Alaska highlighting Aleutians East Borough
Location within the U.S. state of Alaska
Map of the United States highlighting Alaska
Alaska's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 55°14′N 161°55′W / 55.23°N 161.92°W / 55.23; -161.92
Country United States
State Alaska
IncorporatedOctober 23, 1987[1][2]
Named forAleutian Islands
SeatSand Point
Largest cityAkutan
Government
 • MayorAlvin D. Osterback[3]
Area
 • Total15,010 sq mi (38,900 km2)
 • Land6,982 sq mi (18,080 km2)
 • Water8,028 sq mi (20,790 km2)  53.5%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total3.398
 • Density0.4866/sq mi (0.1879/km2)
Time zoneUTC−9 (Alaska)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−8 (ADT)
Congressional districtAt-large
Websitewww.aleutianseast.org

Aleutians East Borough (/əˈljuːʃənz/[4][5]) is a 2nd class borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2020 census the borough's population was 3,420.[6] The borough seat is Sand Point.[7]

History

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According to archaeological evidence, the area has been inhabited by the Aleuts since the last ice age.[citation needed] Early contact was with Russian fur traders who sought sea otters in these islands. Whaling, fishing and cannery operations brought an influx of Scandinavian and European fishermen in the early 1900s. During World War II, the area was a strategic military site for the Aleutian Campaign, and many locals were evacuated to Ketchikan.[citation needed]

Geography

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An area in the city of False Pass, Alaska, looking north.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 15,010 square miles (38,900 km2), of which 6,982 square miles (18,080 km2) is land and 8,028 square miles (20,790 km2) (53.5%) is water.[8]

Aleutians East Borough is located at 57° north latitude and 162° west longitude. It comprises the westernmost portion of the Alaska Peninsula, and a small number of the Aleutian Islands, from which the borough name derives. Also included are the Shumagin Islands, as well as the Pavlof Islands and the Sanak Islands. In all, about 63.9 percent of its land area comprises land on the Alaska Peninsula, while 36.1 percent is on the numerous islands. There are five incorporated cities and two unincorporated villages within the borough.

Temperatures range from -9 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual precipitation is 33 inches and annual snowfall is 52 inches.

National protected areas

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Adjacent boroughs and census areas

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19902,464—
20002,6979.5%
20103,14116.5%
20203,4208.9%
2023 (est.)3,461[9]1.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2018[6]

At the 2000 census there were 2,697 people, 526 households, and 344 families residing in the borough. The population density was 0.386 people per square mile (0.149 people/km2). There were 724 housing units at an average density of 0 per square mile (0/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 23.95% White, 1.67% Black or African American, 37.26% Native American, 26.51% Asian, 0.30% Pacific Islander, 7.38% from other races, and 2.93% from two or more races. 12.57%[12] were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 22.25% reported speaking Tagalog at home, while 13.03% speak Spanish, 2.00% speak Ilokano, and 1.20% Aleut.[13]

Of the 526 households 39.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.10% were married couples living together, 14.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.60% were non-families. 27.40% of households were one person and 3.40% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.30.

The age distribution was 16.80% under the age of 18, 10.20% from 18 to 24, 42.30% from 25 to 44, 28.10% from 45 to 64, and 2.60% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 184.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 207.70 males.

A 2014 analysis by The Atlantic found Aleutians East Borough to be the second most racially diverse county-equivalent in the United States, behind the Aleutians West Census Area.[14]

As of the 2020 census, there were 3,420 people and 890 households residing in the borough. The population density was 0.49 people per square mile. There were 755 housing units at a density of 0.11 per square mile. The racial makeup was 43.4% Asian, 21.1% White, 20.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 14.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% African American, 1.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 3.9% were from two or more races. 2.0% of the population was under the age of 5, 7.6% were under the age of 18, 81.9% were between the ages of 18 and 64, and 10.5% were 65 years old or older. 67.5% of the population were male and 32.5% were female. 4.2% of the population were veterans. The average household size was 2.61 people. 87.3% of households had a computer present with 62.4% having a broadband Internet connection. 85.5% of the population had a high school diploma or higher with 11.5% having a Bachelor's degree or higher. 5.1% of the population under the age of 65 had a disability with 23.3% of the same age group having no health insurance. 81.0% of the population over the age of 16 were in the civilian labor force. (77.6% of females) The median household income was $69,250 in 2019 dollars with the per capita income from May 2019 to April 2020 being $33,939 in 2019 dollars. The poverty rate in the borough was 14.8%.

Races (alone or in combination with other) in Aleutians East Borough (2020 United States Census) [15]
Race Percentage of Population
White 25.15%
Black or African American 9.59%
American Indian or Alaska Native 28.10%
Asian 23.95%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 1.58%
Some other race 19.33%
Top 10 Most Reported Ancestries in Aleutians East Borough (American Community Survey 2020 5 year estimates) [16] [17] [18] [19] [20]
Ancestry Percentage of Population
Aleut 40.54%
Filipino 23.01%
Russian 7.64%
German 6.61%
Black or African American 4.96%
Mexican 4.84%
Norwegian 4.84%
Alaska Native tribes, not specified 3.63%
Irish 2.83%
English 2.54%
Dominican 2.39%

Government and politics

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Alvin D. Osterback is the mayor of the Aleutians East Borough. The borough has an elected assembly. Members of the assembly are Warren Wilson (King Cove), Paul Gronholdt (Sand Point), Chris Babcock (King Cove), Brenda Wilson (King Cove), Carol Foster (Sand Point), Josephine Shangin (Akutan), and Denise Mobeck (Sand Point). There are three advisory members, Dailey Schaack (Cold Bay), Samantha McNeley (Nelson Lagoon), and Tom Hoblet (False Pass).[21] There is also an elected school board.

There are seven schools located in the Borough, with 273 students enrolled.

The Sand Point Clinic is managed by Eastern Aleutian Tribes, Inc. and inhabited a new facility in 2006. The clinic is staffed by low-level professionals and Community Health Aide/Practitioners (CHAs). The CHA role is unique to Alaska and Native Health Care.

United States presidential election results for Aleutians East Borough, Alaska[22]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 336 61.31% 180 32.85% 32 5.84%
2016 305 55.76% 172 31.44% 70 12.80%
2012 292 53.19% 234 42.62% 23 4.19%
2008 447 66.12% 205 30.33% 24 3.55%
2004 314 74.41% 98 23.22% 10 2.37%
2000 447 73.28% 112 18.36% 51 8.36%
1996 249 46.72% 239 44.84% 45 8.44%
1992 300 50.25% 164 27.47% 133 22.28%
1988 321 65.91% 152 31.21% 14 2.87%
1984 367 72.96% 121 24.06% 15 2.98%
1980 207 47.81% 138 31.87% 88 20.32%
1976 198 63.87% 106 34.19% 6 1.94%
1972 181 65.34% 86 31.05% 10 3.61%
1968 160 50.79% 120 38.10% 35 11.11%
1964 60 17.60% 281 82.40% 0 0.00%
1960 72 30.00% 168 70.00% 0 0.00%

Economy

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The borough's economy is cash-based. Commercial fishing and fish processing dominate and occur almost year-round. 222 borough residents hold commercial fishing permits. Sand Point is home to the largest fishing fleet in the Aleutian Chain. Salmon and Pacific cod processing occur at Peter Pan Seafoods (Port Moller and King Cove), Trident Seafoods (Sand Point and Akutan), and Bering Pacific (False Pass). The Peter Pan cannery in King Cove is one of the largest operations under one roof in Alaska. Transportation and other services provide year-round employment.

Transportation

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Several airports are accessible in the Borough, and float planes can land in many communities. Marine cargo vessels also provide transportation. The State Ferry operates during the summer. Local transportation is primarily by fishing boats or skiffs since there are no roads.

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated place

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Unincorporated communities

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Ghost town

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Substantial Changes to Counties and County Equivalent Entities: 1970–Present". United States Census Bureau, Geography Division. May 24, 2002. Archived from the original on May 6, 2009. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
  2. ^ 1996 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory. Juneau: Alaska Municipal League/Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs. January 1996. p. 1.
  3. ^ 2023 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory (PDF). Juneau: Alaska Municipal League. January 2023. p. 14. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  4. ^ "Aleutian". Oxford Dictionaries UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press.[permanent dead link][permanent dead link][dead link]
  5. ^ "Aleutian". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  7. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  8. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  9. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  10. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  12. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  13. ^ Aleutians East Borough demographics Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, mla.org. Accessed April 29, 2022.
  14. ^ Narula, Svati Kirsten (April 29, 2014). "The 5 U.S. Counties Where Racial Diversity Is Highest—and Lowest". The Atlantic. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  15. ^ "2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer".
  16. ^ "DP05: ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES".
  17. ^ "B04006: PEOPLE REPORTING ANCESTRY".
  18. ^ "B02018: ASIAN ALONE OR IN ANY COMBINATION BY SELECTED GROUPS".
  19. ^ "AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE (AIAN) ALONE OR IN ANY COMBINATION BY SELECTED TRIBAL GROUPINGS".
  20. ^ "B03001: HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN BY SPECIFIC ORIGIN".
  21. ^ "Annual Report: Fiscal Year 2021". Aleutians East Borough. 2021.
  22. ^ Elections, RRH. "RRH Elections". rrhelections.com. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
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55°14′N 161°55′W / 55.23°N 161.92°W / 55.23; -161.92

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