North Slope Borough
Borough
Point Barrow Refuge Station
Point Barrow Refuge Station
Official seal of North Slope Borough
Seal
Map of Alaska highlighting North Slope Borough
Location within the U.S. state of Alaska
Map of the United States highlighting Alaska
Alaska's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 69°18′N 153°27′W / 69.3°N 153.45°W / 69.3; -153.45
Country United States
State Alaska
IncorporatedJuly 2, 1972[1][2]
Named forAlaska North Slope
SeatUtqiaġvik
Largest cityUtqiaġvik
Government
 • MayorJosiah Patkotak
Area
 • Total94,796 sq mi (245,520 km2)
 • Land88,695 sq mi (229,720 km2)
 • Water6,101 sq mi (15,800 km2)  6.4%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total11,031
 • Estimate 
(2022)
10,805 Decrease
 • Density0.12/sq mi (0.045/km2)
Time zoneUTC−9 (Alaska)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−8 (ADT)
Congressional districtAt-large
Websitewww.north-slope.org
Rolling green tundra hills and a river on the North Slope
The Anaktuvuk River flows North toward the Arctic Ocean. Much of the North Slope Borough is characterized by vast, uninhabited gently rolling tundra.

The North Slope Borough is the northernmost borough in the US state of Alaska and thus, the northernmost county or equivalent of the United States as a whole. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,031.[3] The borough seat and largest city, comprising nearly 1/2 of the borough’s population, is Utqiaġvik (known as Barrow from 1901 to 2016), the northernmost settlement in the United States.

History

The borough was established in 1972 by an election of the majority Indigenous people in the region, following Congressional passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Most are Inupiat. The borough was named for the Alaska North Slope basin. In 1974 it adopted a Home Rule Charter, enabling it to exercise any legitimate governmental power. The borough has first-class status and exercises the powers of planning, zoning, taxation, and schools.[4]

In 2020 airline Ravn Alaska went into bankruptcy and ended operations. The government of North Slope Borough attempted to take control of the airline's assets in an attempt to keep flights and shipments coming to the community, but the Alaska Attorney General stated that the borough did not have that authority.[5]

Government

The borough is governed by an eleven-member assembly, elected to staggered three-year terms, which meets monthly. Representation on the assembly is apportioned among the various communities; Barrow is allotted six seats, Nuiqsut, Point Hope and Wainwright one seat apiece, while the remaining two seats combine two communities; Anaktuvuk Pass with Kaktovik, and Atqasuk with Point Lay.[6] The borough's executive and administrative powers are vested in a mayor, who is limited to two consecutive three-year terms.

Mayors

  • 1972–1980: Eben Hopson (died in office)
  • 1980–1981: Jacob Anaġi Adams, Sr.
  • 1981–1984: Eugene Brower
  • 1984–1990: George Ahmaogak, Sr.[7]
  • 1990–1993: Jeslie Kaleak
  • 1993–1996: George Ahmaogak, Sr.
  • 1996–1999: Benjamin Nageak
  • 1999–2005: George Ahmaogak, Sr.
  • 2005–2011: Edward Itta
  • 2011–2016: Charlotte Brower
  • 2016–2023: Harry Brower, Jr.
  • 2023–present: Josiah Patkotak

Politics

United States presidential election results for North Slope Borough[8]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 1,197 47.92% 1,134 45.40% 167 6.69%
2016 802 34.58% 1,090 47.00% 427 18.41%
2012 735 32.92% 1,407 63.01% 91 4.08%
2008 1,252 52.69% 1,041 43.81% 83 3.49%
2004 1,171 57.68% 767 37.78% 92 4.53%
2000 1,485 57.99% 843 32.92% 233 9.10%
1996 949 43.10% 927 42.10% 326 14.80%
1992 666 35.02% 763 40.12% 473 24.87%
1988 916 53.32% 713 41.50% 89 5.18%
1984 929 60.09% 575 37.19% 42 2.72%
1980 507 43.59% 460 39.55% 196 16.85%
1976 339 32.85% 655 63.47% 38 3.68%
1972 325 35.10% 560 60.48% 41 4.43%
1968 473 34.91% 690 50.92% 192 14.17%
1964 243 23.55% 789 76.45% 0 0.00%
1960 348 39.55% 532 60.45% 0 0.00%

Former mayor Eugene Brower, Charlotte Brower's husband, was convicted of tax evasion involving contractor kickbacks in the 1980s.[9]

Former mayor George Ahmaogak had billed the Borough for a family vacation in Hawaii.[9] His wife Maggie, was later convicted of embezzlement from the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission in 2015.[9][10]

Edward Itta succeeded George Ahmaogak and served two terms, 2005–2011.[11] In 2011 Charlotte Brower defeated Ahmaogak in a runoff election after his Hawaii vacation was revealed.[9] She was recalled in April 2016, after it was reported the year before that her office had made numerous donations to individuals (including family members), sports clubs and other groups that amounted to more than $800,000 since 2011.[12]

In July 2016 Harry K. Brower Jr., Charlotte Brower's brother-in-law,[11] was first elected in a run-off election to serve the rest of Charlotte Brower's second term.[12]

Harry K. Brower Jr. ran for a full term as mayor in October 2017, but was forced into a November runoff against his nephew, Frederick Brower, where he easily won a full 3-year term.[13][14]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 94,796 square miles (245,520 km2), of which 88,695 square miles (229,720 km2) is land and 6,101 square miles (15,800 km2) (6.4%) is water.[15] The borough is larger than 39 states.[16]

Its western coastline is along the Chukchi Sea, while its eastern shores (beyond Point Barrow) are on the Beaufort Sea.

The North Slope Borough is the largest county-level political subdivision in the United States by area, with a larger land area than the state of Utah (Utah is the 13th-largest state in the nation). Although the adjacent Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is larger in area, it has no borough-level government. The borough is the fourth-least densely populated county-level entity in the United States. (The Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is the least densely populated county-level entity).

Adjacent boroughs and census areas

It shares its eastern border with Yukon, Canada, which has no subdivisions.

National protected areas

Map of northern Alaska showing location of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPRA).

Other federal areas

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19602,133—
19702,66324.8%
19804,19957.7%
19905,97942.4%
20007,38523.5%
20109,43027.7%
202011,03117.0%
2022 (est.)10,805[17]−2.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]
1790-1960[19] 1900-1990[20]
1990-2000[21] 2010-2020[3]

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 11,031 people and 1,979 households in the borough. The population density was 0.12 inhabitants per square mile (0.046/km2). There were 2,631 housing units at an average density of 0.03 inhabitants per square mile (0.012/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 53.2% Native American or Alaska Native, 32.7% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 1.6% African American, and 5.3% were from two or more races. 4.6% of the population were veterans and 6.3% of the population was born outside of the United States. The average household size was 3.36 people. 7.9% of the population were under the age of 5, 26.8% were under the age of 18, 65.7% were between the ages of 18 and 64, and 7.5% were age 65 or older. 62.4% of the population were male and 37.6% were female. 86.2% of households contained a computer with 69.8% of households having a broadband Internet connection. 89.7% of the population had a high school diploma or higher with 16.5% having a Bachelor's degree or higher. 79.0% of the population were in the civilian labor force. (72.8% of women) The median household income was $79,306 with the average per capita income from May 2019 to April 2020 was $48,730. 11.4% of the population were in poverty.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 9,430 people, 2,109 households, and 1,524 families residing in the borough. The population density was 12.03 square miles (31.2 km2) per person. There were 2,538 housing units at an average density of 35 square miles (91 km2) per unit. The racial makeup of the borough was 33.37% White, 1% Black or African American, 54.08% Native American, mostly Iñupiat, 4.51% Asian, 1.1% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 5.23% from two or more races. 2.64% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.[22] 42.84% reported speaking Iñupiaq or "Eskimo" at home, while 4.21% reported speaking Tagalog.[23]

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 7,385 people. The racial makeup was 17.09% White, 0.72% Black or African American, 68.38% Native American, mostly Iñupiat, 5.92% Asian, 0.84% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 6.55% from two or more races. 2.37% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,109 households, out of which 48.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 21.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.45 and the average family size was 4.05.

In the borough, the population was spread out, with 38.2% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 18.10% from 45 to 64, and 4.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.90 males.

2020 Census

Races (alone or in combination with other) in North Slope Borough (2020 United States Census) [24]
RacePercentage of population
White34.97%
Black or African American2.28%
American Indian or Alaska Native57.76%
Asian7.03%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander4.12%
Some other race3.40%
Top ten most self-reported ancestries in North Slope Borough (American Community Survey 2020 five year estimates) [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30]
AncestryPercentage of population
Iñupiat50.72%
Alaska Native tribes, not specified5.82%
Filipino5.21%
Black or African American3.78%
Samoan2.85%
Irish2.45%
German1.95%
Mexican1.40%
Alaskan Athabaskan0.94%
Native Hawaiian0.78%
European0.75%

Economics

"Among all North Slope Borough communities, a higher percentage of Nuiqsut households use subsistence resources for more than half of their diet."[31]

Communities

Cities

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated places

Education

The borough has a single school district: North Slope Borough School District.[32]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "North Slope Borough Local Emergency Planning District (LEPD)". Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. December 31, 2007. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  2. ↑ 1996 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory. Juneau: Alaska Municipal League/Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs. January 1996. p. 13.
  3. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Your Government", North Slope Borough; accessed November 3, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Attorney general: North Slope Borough can't seize Ravn assets". Associated Press. April 8, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  6. ↑ Assembly Members
  7. ↑ "North Slope Economy, 1965 to 2005" (PDF). Northern Economics Inc.
  8. ↑ "RRH Elections". rrhelections.com. February 2, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Mayor Brower investigated for ethics violation, Arctic Sounder, Carey Restino, July 18, 2015. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  10. ↑ Whaling panel's former director gets prison time, Alaska Journal of Commerce, November 30, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  11. 1 2 DeMarban, Alex (November 6, 2016). "Edward Itta dies: Inupiaq whaling captain and former North Slope mayor". Alaska Dispatch News. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  12. 1 2 Lisa Demer, "North Slope Borough mayor ousted in recall election", Alaska Dispatch News, May 17, 2016; accessed November 3, 2016.
  13. ↑ Associated Press, "Former mayor's brother-in-law elected North Slope Borough mayor", KTUU News
  14. ↑ Harry Brower retains mayoral seat in North Slope Borough runoff election, Alaska Dispatch News, Lisa Demer, November 8, 2017. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  15. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  16. ↑ Reiss, Bob (July 18, 2010). "The Mayor at the Top of the World". Parade. Retrieved July 5, 2013. He governs the Wyoming-sized North Slope Borough of Alaska, a territory larger than 39 of our 50 states
  17. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  18. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Population of North Slope County, AK – Census 2010 and 2000 Interactive Map, Demographics, Statistics, Quick Facts - CensusViewer". censusviewer.com. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  23. ↑ "MLA Language Map Data for North Slope County, Alaska". Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  24. ↑ "2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer".
  25. ↑ "DP05: ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES".
  26. ↑ "B04006: PEOPLE REPORTING ANCESTRY".
  27. ↑ "B02018: ASIAN ALONE OR IN ANY COMBINATION BY SELECTED GROUPS".
  28. ↑ "AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE (AIAN) ALONE OR IN ANY COMBINATION BY SELECTED TRIBAL GROUPINGS".
  29. ↑ "B02019: NATIVE HAWAIIAN AND OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER ALONE OR IN ANY COMBINATION BY SELECTED GROUPS".
  30. ↑ "B03001: HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN BY SPECIFIC ORIGIN".
  31. ↑ North Slope Borough. 2016. NSB 2015 Economic Profile and Census. Barrow, AK. quoted in Willow Master Development Project Record of Decision, 2020 page 18
  32. ↑ "2020 CENSUS – SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: North Slope Borough, AK" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved July 31, 2022. – Text list
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