The smallest village in the Borough, Kobuk is located along the Kobuk river. The village was founded in 1899 as a supply point for mining activities. When the village relocated to Shungnak, remaining residents re-named the existing village Kobuk. The local economy is primarily based on subsistence activities.

KobukLaugviik
Demographics and Socioeconomics
Year Incorporated
1973
Community Type
2nd Class City
Federally Recognized Tribe
Native Village of Kobuk
Population (2020)
191
Median Age (2016-2020)
18.1
Percent Alaska Native / American Indian alone or in combination (2016-2020)
87%
Average Household Size (2016-2020)
4.7
Fuel Cost (2022)
$13.91/gallon (Gasoline)
$15.45/gallon (Heating Oil)
$15.45/gallon (Heating Oil)
Median Household Income (2016-2020)
$38,125
Denali Commission Distressed Community (2018)
Yes
Infrastructure
Electric Utility
Kobuk Valley Electric Coop Association
Water System
Circ
Wastewater System
Gravity
Landfill Class
III
Road Access
No
Air Access
Gravel Airport
Runway 1
4,020 ft x 75 ft
Runway 2
4,780 ft x 75 ft
Dock/Port
Yes
Barge Access
Seasonal
Employment
Top Employers
Kobuk School
10-19
Kobuk Store Inc
5-9
Native Village of Kobuk
5-9
Kobuk Airport-OBU
1-4
Nana Regional Corp Kobuk
1-4
Number of Active Business Licenses (2019)
7
Schools
Kobuk School:
Grades
Pre K-12
Enrollment
50
Year Built
1967