Whittier City Demographics

Whittier, located in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, had a population of approximately 272 as of the 2020 Census. The median age was around 49 years. The gender breakdown was about 56% male and 44% female. Racially, the population was 64% White, 24% Native American or Alaska Native, 4% Asian, and 8% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up about 2% of the population.

Whittier City Housing

Whittier, in Valdez-Cordova, AK, features a unique housing market where most residents live in the 14-story Begich Towers. About 65% are renters and 35% own their homes. The median home value is around $182,000, while average rents hover near $900/month. Housing types are primarily condos and apartments, with few single-family options. Property values have remained relatively steady, with minimal annual growth. Neighborhood options are limited due to the city’s compact size. Property taxes average 1%, and local sales tax is 5%. Whittier’s market is stable and affordable compared to Alaska’s statewide averages.

Education in Whittier City

Whittier, in Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, has one main K-12 school, Whittier Community School, serving around 50 students. The school offers standard programs but limited advanced courses due to its size; no high schools or colleges are within the city. Approximately 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated high, with low incident reports. Adult education opportunities are minimal locally, but remote learning options exist. Educational programs focus on core academics with some enrichment activities, and the school’s statewide score averages around 4 out of 10, reflecting limited resources.

Transportation in Whittier City

Whittier, in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, has unique transportation patterns due to its isolated location and limited road access via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Most of its approximately 250 residents commute locally, with a mean travel time of around 5.7 minutes (2020 U.S. Census). Over 80% of commuters drive alone, while public transportation usage is negligible. Vehicle ownership is high, with over 90% of households owning at least one vehicle. Transportation infrastructure includes the tunnel, harbor, and Alaska Marine Highway. Major employment centers include the harbor, city services, and tourism-related businesses.

Whittier City Healthcare

Whittier city, in Valdez-Cordova, AK, has limited local healthcare infrastructure, with no hospitals in the city itself; residents rely on nearby clinics such as Whittier Community Health Clinic, staffed by mid-level providers and serving around 300 year-round residents. For emergencies or specialist care, patients are typically referred to Providence Valdez Medical Center, approximately 60 miles away. The population is predominantly White and Alaska Native. Medicaid and Indian Health Service coverage are common, with an estimated 77% of residents insured. Common health issues include diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory conditions related to the region’s climate and employment.

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