Wade Hampton County Public RecordsAlaska

As of the 2020 Census, the population of Wade Hampton Census Area (now Kusilvak Census Area), Alaska, was approximately 8,368. The population is predominantly Alaska Native (92.5%), with small percentages of White (2.1%), Asian (0.7%), and other groups. The median age is around 22 years, reflecting a young community, and about 52% are male. The area remains largely rural, with most residents identifying as Yup’ik Eskimo.

There is no Wade Hampton County in Alaska; however, the former Wade Hampton Census Area was renamed Kusilvak Census Area in 2015. In Kusilvak Census Area, voter registration is low, with under 3,500 registered voters (2022). Elections include local, state, and federal offices, with turnout often below 35%. Polling locations are primarily in community centers in villages. Key issues include infrastructure and education. Election administration is coordinated by the Alaska Division of Elections. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, though many residents are unaffiliated. In 2020, over 60% of votes went to the Democratic presidential candidate.

Wade Hampton County, AK, now called Kusilvak Census Area, has limited educational facilities, with around 12 public schools and no post-secondary institutions. Only about 62% of adults hold a high school diploma, while just 6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools face challenges; average proficiency scores are below Alaska’s state averages. Programs focus on K-12 education, Native language, and culture. School safety and resources can be a concern, with schools participating in state initiatives to improve outcomes. Adult education opportunities are available through distance learning and regional training centers.

There is no Wade Hampton County in Alaska; the former “Wade Hampton Census Area” was renamed Kusilvak Census Area in 2015. As of 2022, Kusilvak Census Area had an employment rate of about 48%. Major employment sectors include education, healthcare, and public administration, each comprising roughly 20-25% of jobs. The leading occupation types are education and support roles. Approximately 80% of workers are employed within their home communities due to limited road infrastructure, resulting in minimal commuting. Unemployment remains among the highest in Alaska, often exceeding 20%.

Wade Hampton Census Area, now called Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, has a homeownership rate around 51% and a median property value of about $115,000 (2022). Median gross rent is approximately $838 monthly. Housing consists primarily of detached single-family homes and some multi-unit dwellings, with villages like Hooper Bay and Mountain Village as main neighborhoods. Property taxes are minimal, as many rural Alaska locations have limited taxation; median annual property taxes are often under $1,000. Recent years show modest property value increases, but the market remains much less volatile and lower-priced than in urban Alaska regions.

Wade Hampton Census Area, now known as Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, consistently reports higher crime rates compared to state averages. In 2021, the area’s violent crime rate was approximately 1,300 incidents per 100,000 residents, more than double Alaska’s average of 640 per 100,000. Property crime rates are also elevated, with around 3,600 per 100,000 people. Reporting can be inconsistent due to remote villages and limited law enforcement presence, contributing to challenges in crime prevention and response. Despite these issues, ongoing community initiatives aim to improve overall safety.