Akhiok, Alaska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Akhiok, Alaska
Kasukuak
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Protection of the Theotokos Chapel
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 Akhiok, Alaska
Location in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Kodiak Island |
| Incorporated | November 20, 1972 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9.61 sq mi (24.89 km2) |
| • Land | 7.40 sq mi (19.17 km2) |
| • Water | 2.21 sq mi (5.72 km2) |
| Elevation | 30 ft (9 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 63 |
| • Density | 8.51/sq mi (3.29/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-8 (AKDT) |
| ZIP code |
99615
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| Area code | 907 |
| FIPS code | 02-00650 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1398007 |
Akhiok is a small city in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska, United States. Its name in the Alutiiq is Kasukuak. Akhiok is the southernmost village on Kodiak Island.
In 2020, about 63 people lived there. Akhiok is a rural place, sometimes called Alitak after a nearby bay.
Contents
Where is Akhiok and what is its weather like?
Akhiok is located at the southern end of Kodiak Island. It is about 80 miles (129 km) southwest of the city of Kodiak. It is also about 340 miles (547 km) southwest of Anchorage.
The city covers about 9.6 square miles (24.89 km2). Most of this area is land, but some is water.
The weather in the Kodiak Islands is greatly affected by the ocean. It rarely gets very cold, and there is a moderate amount of rain. It is often cloudy and foggy. Strong storms are common from December to February. The average temperature ranges from 25°F (-4°C) to 54°F (12°C).
Akhiok's History and Culture
Akhiok is a village of the Alutiiq people, who have lived in this area for a very long time. The community relies on fishing and gathering food from nature. The first village, Kashukugniut, was a place where people hunted sea otters.
In 1881, the people moved to the current location at Alitak Bay. This move happened because they started to focus more on fishing. Many families earn their living by fishing for salmon and halibut. Some also work at a nearby fish cannery.
The community's Russian Orthodox church, called Protection of the Theotokos Chapel, was built around 1900. In 1933, a post office was opened. After the big 1964 earthquake and tsunami destroyed their village, people from nearby Kaguyak moved to Akhiok. Akhiok officially became a city in 1972.
How Akhiok's Population Has Changed
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 114 | — | |
| 1890 | 420 | 268.4% | |
| 1910 | 106 | — | |
| 1920 | 94 | −11.3% | |
| 1930 | 86 | −8.5% | |
| 1940 | 82 | −4.7% | |
| 1950 | 72 | −12.2% | |
| 1960 | 84 | 16.7% | |
| 1970 | 115 | 36.9% | |
| 1980 | 105 | −8.7% | |
| 1990 | 77 | −26.7% | |
| 2000 | 80 | 3.9% | |
| 2010 | 71 | −11.2% | |
| 2020 | 63 | −11.3% | |
| 2022 (est.) | 65 | −8.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Akhiok first appeared in the U.S. Census in 1880 with 114 Native Alaskan residents. The population has changed over the years. For example, in 1890, it was listed as "Alitak" and included more people because of a cannery nearby.
By 2000, there were 80 people living in Akhiok. Most residents were Native American. The population has seen some ups and downs, but it remains a small community.
Public Services in Akhiok
Akhiok has important services for its residents. The city has a system that brings treated water to all homes. It also has a sewer system. A new landfill is being built for waste. The City of Akhiok provides electricity to the community.
There is one school in Akhiok, called Akhiok School. It is part of the Kodiak Island Borough School District. About 16 students attend this school.
For health care, there is the Akhiok Medical Clinic. This clinic provides basic health services. Akhiok is considered an isolated village, so emergency services are important. Volunteers and a health aide help in emergencies. If needed, people can be flown to Kodiak or Anchorage for more medical care.
Economy and Getting Around Akhiok
Many people in Akhiok work for the government or have seasonal jobs. However, most residents rely heavily on traditional ways of life. This means they get much of their food by fishing and hunting. They catch salmon, crab, shrimp, and clams. They also hunt ducks, seal, deer, rabbit, and bear.
Some residents have special permits for commercial fishing. The community is interested in building a place to smoke fish and a cold storage facility. After the Exxon Valdez oil spill many years ago, the community received money to help. Since 2003, each Akhiok shareholder received money from a special fund.
Akhiok can only be reached by air or by water. Island Air Service offers regular flights to the city. You can also take regular or charter flights from the city of Kodiak. There is a state-owned gravel airport runway in Akhiok. There is also a place for seaplanes at Moser Bay. Barges sometimes deliver goods to the village.
See also
In Spanish: Akhiok para niños
