Alaska, located in the far northwestern region of the United States, is composed of 19 organized boroughs and 1 unorganized borough divided into census areas. Admitted to the Union as the 49th state in 1959, Alaska is known for its vast wilderness, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural heritage. This guide provides a detailed look at Alaska’s borough and city structure.
✅Alaska County Map
The map below shows the geographical distribution of Alaska’s boroughs and census areas:
✅Alaska Boroughs and Census Areas with County Seats, Founded Dates, and Areas
| Borough / Census Area | Seat | Founded | Area (sq mi) | Notes / Major Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage Municipality | Anchorage | 1975 | 1,946 | Largest city in Alaska; economic and cultural center |
| Fairbanks North Star Borough | Fairbanks | 1964 | 7,444 | Interior Alaska; University of Alaska Fairbanks |
| Matanuska-Susitna Borough | Palmer | 1964 | 25,258 | Rapidly growing suburban area; agriculture |
| Kenai Peninsula Borough | Soldotna | 1964 | 24,752 | Fishing, tourism, and oil economy; includes Kenai and Homer |
| Kodiak Island Borough | Kodiak | 1963 | 4,588 | Fishing industry; Kodiak Island |
| Juneau City and Borough | Juneau | 1970 | 3,254 | State capital; Alaskan government and tourism center |
| Ketchikan Gateway Borough | Ketchikan | 1963 | 2,037 | Southeast Alaska; fishing and cruise tourism |
| Valdez-Cordova Census Area | Valdez | 1963 | 40,340 | Oil transport and tourism; Prince William Sound |
| Bristol Bay Borough | King Salmon | 1962 | 888 | Salmon fishing and remote communities |
| Nome Census Area | Nome | 1900 | 28,278 | Gold rush history; Bering Sea coast |
| North Slope Borough | Barrow | 1972 | 88,824 | Oil production; Arctic coastal region |
| Northwest Arctic Borough | Kotzebue | 1986 | 38,000 | Remote communities; subsistence lifestyle |
| Skagway Municipality | Skagway | 2007 | 448 | Historic gold rush town; cruise tourism |
| Wrangell City and Borough | Wrangell | 2008 | 3,476 | Timber industry; fishing |
| Haines Borough | Haines | 2002 | 2,815 | Arts community; access to Glacier Bay |
| Yakutat City and Borough | Yakutat | 1992 | 9,459 | Fishing; remote coastal community |
| Unorganized Borough | None | 1961 | Over 500,000 | Largest unincorporated area in the U.S.; includes 11 census areas |
Major Cities in Alaska
- Anchorage: Alaska’s largest city; economic and cultural hub.
- Fairbanks: Interior Alaska city; University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Juneau: State capital; government and tourism center.
- Wasilla: Matanuska-Susitna Borough; suburban growth and agriculture.
- Ketchikan: Southeast Alaska; cruise tourism and fishing.
Geographical and Cultural Diversity
Alaska encompasses a wide range of geographical features, from coastal fjords and islands in the southeast to vast tundra and mountain ranges in the interior and north. The state is home to diverse Indigenous cultures, including the Aleut, Inuit, and Tlingit peoples. Population density is low, with urban centers such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau contrasting sharply with remote communities and wilderness regions.
Geography and Climate
Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., with an area of over 663,000 square miles. It features extreme climate variations, from maritime temperate zones in the southeast to arctic tundra in the north. Summers can be mild and long in interior Alaska, while winters are harsh with heavy snowfall and low temperatures, especially in northern regions.
Culture and Lifestyle
Alaska’s lifestyle is shaped by outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, dog sledding, and hiking. The state celebrates Indigenous traditions, winter festivals, and summer solstice events. Residents adapt to seasonal extremes and maintain a strong connection to nature.
Economy and Tourism
Alaska’s economy is driven by oil, natural gas, fishing, tourism, and mining. Visitors are attracted to national parks, glaciers, and wildlife viewing. Cruise tourism and ecotourism play a significant role in coastal economies, while oil and gas production support state revenues.
Natural Wonders
- Denali National Park: Home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali, and diverse wildlife.
- Glacier Bay National Park: Coastal fjords and glaciers; ideal for cruising and hiking.
- Bristol Bay: Renowned for salmon fisheries and pristine natural environments.