Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, AK, had a population of approximately 5,753. The median age is around 41.6 years. The gender distribution is roughly 53% male and 47% female. Racially, about 54% are White, 31% Alaska Native or Native American, 1% Asian, and 9% identify as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise about 3% of the population.
Elections
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska, has approximately 4,000 residents, with around 2,100 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include local borough, state, and national races, typically with voter turnout near 50%. Polling locations are situated in major communities such as Craig and Hydaburg. The area’s administration is managed at the local and borough level, with issues often focused on fisheries, subsistence rights, and infrastructure. Major parties are Democratic, Republican, and Alaska Independence, though many voters are non-affiliated. Recent results in the 2022 general election showed Democratic candidates narrowly leading by 3-5% margins.
Education, Employment and Housing
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, AK, has about 11 public schools serving K–12, including one high school. The high school graduation rate is approximately 85%, while only around 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The region provides some adult education and vocational programs. Average test scores are below the national average, reflecting challenges in resources and access. School safety is generally rated positively, with low incidents reported. Educational programs often focus on Alaska Native culture and local industry needs.
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, AK, has an employment rate of approximately 57%, with key industries including forestry, fishing, hunting, and tourism. Around 19% of employed residents work in public administration, 13% in education and health services, and 12% in retail trade. Occupations are mainly in management (18%), sales and office roles (17%), and natural resources (20%). The average commute time is around 17 minutes, with over 70% of workers employed within their home census area. Remote work and commuting to Ketchikan are also common due to limited local opportunities.
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, AK, features a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with a median home value near $179,300 and median gross rent around $911 (2022 ACS). The market remains stable, showing modest price upticks in recent years. Housing stock consists mainly of single-family detached homes, with some mobile and multi-unit options. Key communities include Craig, Klawock, and Thorne Bay. Property taxes are low compared to national averages, averaging under 1% of property value, as Alaska does not levy state property taxes, though some local municipalities may impose their own.
County Crime & Safety
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to the FBI’s 2022 statistics, the region saw approximately 120 reported crimes, with about 18 violent crimes and 102 property crimes. The overall crime rate remains under 20 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and prompt reporting, supporting quick response times. Despite rural challenges, proactive policing and neighbor vigilance help keep the safety rate high, making Prince of Wales-Hyder one of the safer areas in Alaska.
Other Counties in Alaska
- Aleutians East
- Aleutians West
- Anchorage
- Bethel
- Bristol Bay
- Denali
- Dillingham
- Fairbanks North Star
- Haines
- Hoonah Angoon
- Juneau
- Kenai Peninsula
- Ketchikan Gateway
- Kodiak Island
- Lake And Peninsula
- Matanuska Susitna
- Nome
- North Slope
- Northwest Arctic
- Petersburg
- Sitka
- Skagway
- Southeast Fairbanks
- Valdez Cordova
- Wade Hampton
- Wrangell
- Yakutat
- Yukon Koyukuk