Cordova

Cordova is a small city located at the head of the Orca inlet between Eyak Lake and Prince William Sound. Surrounded by water and wilderness this town of 2,240 residents is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, camping, and skiing. Cordova has immediate access to remote wilderness, and still has daily jet service to Anchorage, Juneau and Seattle.
First founded as a copper mining community in 1906, Cordova grew into a local transportation and fishing hub. Cordova was historically home to the Eyak native group. The last full blooded and native Eyak speaker died in 2008 but native traditions and influences still shape the culture of Cordova.

In March 1989 the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred directly northwest of Cordova. One of the most devastating environmental disasters in North America it severely affected Cordova’s economy and local ecology. Now largely recovered from the oil spill, commercial fishing is the primary industry. Half of all households in Cordova have at least one person involved in commercial fishing or processing.
Tourism is the other dominant industry in Cordova. With easy access to Prince William Sound and the Chugach National Forest it is a prime location for naturalists and adventure seekers. Prince William Sound has more tidewater glaciers than any other region in North America. Migrating shorebirds pass right through Cordova every year making it a popular spot for bird watchers.

Cordova is only accessible by sea or air. No roads connect Cordova to any other towns. Regular ferry service is provided by the Alaska Marine Highway System and operates year round. Air travel is provided by two airports with daily service to Anchorage, Juneau, Seattle and other Alaska towns.
Data from the US Census Bureau showed 1,099 housing units in Cordova, 87.2% of which are occupied. Median family income was $65,625, per capita income was $25,256 and the unemployment rate was 6.9%. 12.4% of individuals live below the poverty line.

Community Information