🗺️ Alaska County Map (Borough Map Download)
When most people think about U.S. counties, they picture the traditional county divisions seen in states like Texas or Georgia. But Alaska is unique — instead of counties, it’s divided into boroughs and census areas. Together, these make up the full state, serving a similar purpose to counties in other states.
In this post, you’ll find a detailed Alaska county (borough) map with clear labels, as well as information on how Alaska’s system differs from the rest of the country.
📍 Alaska’s Boroughs and Census Areas
Alaska has:
- 19 organized boroughs, which function much like counties elsewhere.
- 1 Unorganized Borough, which covers nearly half the state’s land area and is subdivided by the U.S. Census Bureau into 10 census areas for statistical purposes.
That makes 29 total regions — each with its own geography, culture, and natural beauty.
Here are some examples:
- Anchorage Municipality – Alaska’s largest city and economic center.
- Fairbanks North Star Borough – Home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and famous for northern lights.
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough – Known for its scenic valleys and agriculture.
- Juneau Borough – The state capital, accessible only by boat or plane.
- North Slope Borough – Covers the Arctic region and major oil fields.
đź—ľ Download or View the Alaska County Map
Below is a detailed Alaska County (Borough) Map showing each region clearly labeled:
👉 Download Alaska County Map (High-Resolution PNG)
Each borough and census area is labeled, making it perfect for educational use, research, or travel planning.
🧠Why Alaska’s Map Is Different
Unlike most U.S. states, Alaska’s system was designed to give local governments flexibility in vast, sparsely populated regions. The Unorganized Borough covers areas where there’s no formal local government — the state handles most administrative tasks directly.
This structure helps balance governance across a state that’s over 663,000 square miles in size — larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined!
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Counties
Does Alaska have counties?
No — Alaska does not have counties. Instead, it is divided into boroughs and census areas, which serve a similar purpose to counties in other states.
How many boroughs and census areas are in Alaska?
Alaska has 30 county-equivalent divisions, including 19 organized boroughs and 11 census areas (which are part of the unorganized borough).
What is the largest borough by population?
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Anchorage Municipality are the most populated areas of Alaska.
Which is the largest borough by land area?
The North Slope Borough is the largest by area, covering over 88,000 square miles — larger than most U.S. states.
Which borough has the smallest population?
The Yakutat City and Borough and several remote census areas, such as the Skagway Municipality, have some of the smallest populations.
What is Alaska’s capital city and where is it located?
The state capital is Juneau, located in the Juneau Borough in the southeastern panhandle region.
What is the Unorganized Borough?
The Unorganized Borough is a large region of Alaska not part of any organized borough. It’s divided into 11 census areas for statistical purposes by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Why doesn’t Alaska use counties like other states?
Because of its vast size and low population density, Alaska developed its own system of boroughs and census areas to provide local government services more efficiently.
What are Alaska’s main regions?
Alaska is often divided into several broad regions:
- Southeast Alaska (Panhandle)
- Southcentral Alaska
- Interior Alaska
- Southwest Alaska
- North Slope / Arctic region
Which boroughs include major cities?
- Anchorage Municipality – Anchorage
- Fairbanks North Star Borough – Fairbanks
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough – Wasilla and Palmer
- Juneau Borough – Juneau