Akiak, Alaska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Akiak
Akiaq
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Aerial view of Akiak, 1996
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 Akiak, Alaska
Location in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Bethel |
| Incorporated | July 9, 1970 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.00 sq mi (7.77 km2) |
| • Land | 1.89 sq mi (4.89 km2) |
| • Water | 1.11 sq mi (2.88 km2) |
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 462 |
| • Density | 244.70/sq mi (94.48/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-8 (AKDT) |
| ZIP code |
99552
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| Area code | 907 |
| FIPS code | 02-00870 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1398012 |
Akiak (pronounced ACK-ee-ack) is a small city in Alaska, United States. It is located in the Bethel Census Area. In 2020, about 462 people lived there. Akiak is also home to the Akiak Native Community, a group of Alaska Native people.
Contents
Where is Akiak?
Akiak is found in a part of Alaska known as the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta. It sits on the west bank of the Kuskokwim River. This river is about 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Bethel, another city in Alaska.
Akiak's Land and Water
The city covers a total area of about 3 square miles (7.8 square kilometers). A little less than 2 square miles (4.9 square kilometers) is land, and the rest is water.
Weather in Akiak
Akiak has a cold climate. It gets about 16 inches (41 cm) of rain each year, and about 50 inches (127 cm) of snow.
- In summer, temperatures are usually between 42°F (6°C) and 62°F (17°C).
- In winter, it gets much colder, with temperatures from -2°F (-19°C) to 19°F (-7°C).
Akiak's History and Culture
The village of Akiak was first recorded in 1880. Back then, it was called Akkiagamute and had 175 residents. The name Akiak means "the other side." This is because the area was a winter crossing point to the Yukon River basin for the local Yupiit people.
A post office was set up in Akiak in 1916. In the 1920s, a hospital was built by the U.S. Public Health Service. Akiak officially became a city in 1970.
The people of Akiak are mostly from the Yup'ik culture. They often rely on traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering food from nature to support themselves.
Akiak Native Community
The Akiak Native Community is a special group of Alaska Native people. They are officially recognized by the United States government. This community is an important part of life in Akiak.
Who Lives in Akiak?
Akiak has grown over the years. In 1880, there were 175 people. By 2020, the population had reached 462.
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 175 | — | |
| 1890 | 97 | −44.6% | |
| 1920 | 150 | — | |
| 1930 | 228 | 52.0% | |
| 1940 | 209 | −8.3% | |
| 1950 | 168 | −19.6% | |
| 1960 | 187 | 11.3% | |
| 1970 | 171 | −8.6% | |
| 1980 | 198 | 15.8% | |
| 1990 | 285 | 43.9% | |
| 2000 | 309 | 8.4% | |
| 2010 | 346 | 12.0% | |
| 2020 | 462 | 33.5% | |
| 2022 (est.) | 451 | 30.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Most people in Akiak are Native American, especially Yup'ik. Families in Akiak are often large, with many children living at home. The average household has about 4 to 5 people.
Services in Akiak
Akiak has important services for its residents:
- Water and Sewer: The city has a modern water treatment plant. Many homes have their own wells and septic systems. There are also plans to improve the water and sewer system for more homes.
- Electricity: The city of Akiak provides electricity to its residents.
- School: There is one school in the community, which teaches about 99 students.
- Healthcare: The Edith Kawagley Memorial Clinic provides basic healthcare services. It's an important resource for the isolated village.
- Museum: Akiak is home to a very large museum of taxidermy, which is the art of preserving animal bodies.
Jobs and Getting Around
Most jobs in Akiak are with the city government, the school, or other public services. Some people also earn money from commercial fishing or fighting wildfires for the BLM. Fishing is very important to the community, but sometimes there are not enough fish, which can make things hard.
Transportation
Akiak does not have roads connecting it to other towns.
- Air Travel: The city has a gravel airport runway. Small planes can land here all year round. Several airlines offer passenger flights.
- Local Travel: People use snow machines, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), and small boats (skiffs) to travel between nearby villages.
- There are no large docking facilities for boats.
Local Rules
Akiak does not have sales tax or property tax. The community also has rules about alcohol.
Notable People
- Nora Guinn (1920–2005), a judge from Akiak.
See also
In Spanish: Akiak (Alaska) para niños
