Nome

The city of Nome is one of Alaska’s oldest. Incorporated in 1901 it was once the most populous city in the state. Nome is located on the southern Seward Peninsula facing Norton Sound, part of the Bering sea. Nome is the commercial hub of northwest Alaska and is the finish point of the 1,049 mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
The Inupiat native people lived in the area around Nome for hundreds of years but it was not until 1898 with the discovery of gold in the area that modern Nome was founded. The gold rush dramatically affected the area. From a population below 1000 it was estimated to have reached as high as 20,000 in ten years. At the time Nome was the largest city in the Alaska Territory. As gold fever began to wane the population dropped precipitously.


In 1925 a Diphtheria outbreak led to the famous Diphtheria serum run. Dog sleds played a large part in transporting the serum through the harsh winter conditions. The serum run is now remembered every year with the 1,049 mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

During World War II, Nome was the last stop for planes flying from the United States to the Soviet Union for the lend-lease program. The current municipal airport uses the same airstrip. The US Military still maintains a base there.
Gold production and mining remains the main economic activity in Nome. Sea and Air travel are also important industries

Data from the US Census Bureau showed a population of 3,505 living in 1,356 housing units, 87.3% of which are occupied. Median family income was $68,804, per capita income was $23,402 and the unemployment rate was 11.0%. 6.3% of individuals live below the poverty line.