Aleutians East Borough, Alaska

Aleutians East Borough (/əˈljuːʃənz/[3][4]) is a 2nd class borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2010 census the borough's population was 3,141.[5] The borough seat is Sand Point.[6]

Aleutians East Borough
Borough
Aghileen Pinnacles Mountains in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
Location within the U.S. state of Alaska
Alaska's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 55°14′N 161°55′W
Country United States
State Alaska
IncorporatedOctober 23, 1987[1][2]
Named forAleutian Islands
SeatSand Point
Largest cityAkutan
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
 (2010)
 • Total3,141
 • Estimate 
(2019)
3,337
 • Density0.21/sq mi (0.081/km2)
Time zoneUTC−9 (Alaska)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−8 (ADT)
Congressional districtAt-large
Websitewww.aleutianseast.org

History

According to archaeological evidence, the area has been inhabited by the Unanga since the last ice age. 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.

Geography
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.[7]

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

Adjacent boroughs and census areas

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
19902,464—
20002,6979.5%
20103,14116.5%
2019 (est.)3,337[8]6.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1990-2000[10] 2010-2018[5]

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/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%[11] 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 .

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 2nd most racially diverse county-equivalent in the United States, behind the Aleutians West Census Area.[12]

Government and Politics

This information is available on a community basis. Communities located within the borough include: Akutan, Belkofski, Cold Bay, False Pass, King Cove, Nelson Lagoon, Pauloff Harbor, Sand Point, and Unga. There are 7 schools located in the borough, attended by 273 students. 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 or CHAs. The CHA role is unique to Alaska and Native Health Care.

United States presidential election results for Aleutians East[13]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
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

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

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

Cities

Census-designated place

Other places

See also

References
  1. "Substantial Changes to Counties and County Equivalent Entities: 1970–Present". United States Census Bureau, Geography Division. 24 May 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. "Aleutian". Oxford Dictionaries UK Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  4. "Aleutian". Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  5. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  6. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  9. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  10. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  11. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  12. Narula, Svati Kirsten (April 29, 2014). "The 5 U.S. Counties Where Racial Diversity Is Highest—and Lowest". The Atlantic. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
  13. Elections, RRH. "RRH Elections". rrhelections.com. Retrieved January 12, 2020.

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