King Cove, Alaska

King Cove is a city in the Aleutians East Borough on the Pacific side of the Alaska Peninsula, 18 miles southeast of Cold Bay and about 620 miles southwest of Anchorage. It had 757 residents in 2020 and depends almost entirely on commercial fishing and seafood processing.[1]

History

King Cove first appeared on the 1940 census as an unincorporated village and was incorporated as a city on 9 September 1949.[1]

Population

The population was 792 in 2000, 938 in 2010 and 757 in 2020. In the 2000 census 46.72 percent of residents were Native American, 26.77 percent Asian and 15.03 percent White, with a median age of 35.[1]

Economy

The economy depends almost entirely on commercial fishing and seafood processing. The town hosted the largest processing facility of PeterPan Seafoods, which handled crab, pollock, cod, salmon and halibut and employed nearly 500 people at seasonal peaks, and 76 residents hold commercial fishing permits. In April 2024 PeterPan Seafoods announced it would cease operations, including at King Cove.[1]

Location and population

King Cove, called Agdaagux in Aleut, is a city in the Aleutians East Borough on the Pacific side of the Alaska Peninsula, about 18 miles southeast of Cold Bay and 620 miles southwest of Anchorage. The 2020 census counted 757 residents, down from 938 in 2010 [2].

History

King Cove first appeared on the 1940 census as an unincorporated village and incorporated on September 9, 1949 [2].

Fishing economy

The economy depends almost entirely on year-round commercial fishing and seafood processing, and all five salmon species are abundant nearby. About 76 residents hold commercial fishing permits, and subsistence activities supplement incomes. The Peter Pan Seafoods plant, with origins in the early 1900s, was one of Alaska largest cannery operations under one roof; the company announced in April 2024 that it would cease operations, and the plant remained closed as of February 2025 [2].

Transport

King Cove Airport is a state-owned public airport with a gravel runway, served by Eider Air and Grant Aviation, and an Alaska Marine Highway ferry connects the city with Cold Bay and Sand Point [2].

FAQs

Where is King Cove? On the Pacific side of the Alaska Peninsula, southeast of Cold Bay.

What is its main industry? Commercial fishing and seafood processing.

When was it incorporated? 1949.

Where is King Cove? On the Pacific side of the Alaska Peninsula, about 18 miles southeast of Cold Bay [2].

What drives the King Cove economy? Commercial fishing and seafood processing [2].

Sources

1. Wikipedia (via Wikiwand): King Cove, Alaska
2. Wikipedia: King Cove, Alaska

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 13, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue