Shungnak, on the west bank of the Kobuk River, was originally located 10 miles further upstream at Kobuk until river erosion and flooding forced the village to relocate. Issingnak is the Iñupiat word for jade, which is found throughout the neighboring hills. Shungnak is an Iñupiat village where subsistence is an important part of the economy.

ShungnakIssingnak
Demographics and Socioeconomics
Year Incorporated
1967
Community Type
2nd Class City
Federally Recognized Tribe
Native Village of Shungnak
Population (2020)
272
Median Age (2016-2020)
27.7
Percent Alaska Native / American Indian alone or in combination (2016-2020)
97%
Average Household Size (2016-2020)
3.78
Fuel Cost (2022)
$14.03/gallon (Gasoline)
$15.05/gallon (Heating Oil)
$15.05/gallon (Heating Oil)
Median Household Income (2016-2020)
$60,000
Denali Commission Distressed Community (2018)
Yes
Infrastructure
Electric Utility
Alaska Village Electric Coop
Water System
Circ
Wastewater System
Gravity
Landfill Class
III
Road Access
No
Air Access
Gravel Airport
Runway 1
4,001 ft x 60 ft
Dock/Port
Yes
Barge Access
Seasonal
Employment
Top Employers
Employees
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
10-19
Shungnak School
10-19
Shungnak Native Store
5-9
Shungnak Clinic
5-9
Shungnak City Office
5-9
Number of Active Business Licenses (2019)
4
Schools
Shungnak School:
Grades
Pre K-12
Enrollment
86
Year Built
1975