Kodiak is a city on the eastern shore of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, about 90 miles southwest of the Kenai Peninsula. It had 5,581 residents in 2020, and is a fishing port, a former Russian colonial headquarters and the site of a major U.S. Coast Guard presence.[1]
| Borough | Kodiak Island Borough |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,581 (2020) |
| Alutiiq presence | At least 7,000 years |
| Key institutions | Coast Guard Base Kodiak; Air Station Kodiak |
History
Alutiiq people have lived in the archipelago for at least 7,000 years. Russian traders arrived in the 1700s, and the Shelikhov-Golikov Company moved its post from Three Saints Bay, founded in 1784, to St. Paul’s Harbor in 1792, the site of modern Kodiak. The Russian-American capital moved to Novoarkhangelsk (Sitka) in 1804.[1]
1964 earthquake
A tsunami from the 1964 Alaska earthquake struck the city with waves about 30 feet high, killing 15 people and causing about $11 million in damage.[1]
Economy
Commercial fishing has been the mainstay of the economy since the Alaska Purchase of 1867. The U.S. Coast Guard has a major presence, including Coast Guard Base Kodiak and Air Station Kodiak.[1]
FAQs
Where is Kodiak? On the eastern shore of Kodiak Island.
What is Kodiak’s population? 5,581 at the 2020 census.
How did the 1964 tsunami affect Kodiak? Waves about 30 feet high killed 15 people.
Sources
Key facts
- Population 5,581 (2020)
- Russian post moved 1792
- 1964 tsunami killed 15
Quick checkWho first lived on Kodiak Island?Show answer
The Alutiiq, for at least 7,000 years.
Sources
- Wikipedia. Kodiak, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue