In this article, we list and discuss the 9 Largest Counties in the US by Area. If you would like to see our detailed discussion of the topic, you can go to the 20 Largest Counties in the US by Area instead.
9. Nome Census Area, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 22,969.50
Ranked 9th on the list, Nome Census Area is also the 9th largest county in Alaska by total area. With a solid 62.6% homeownership rate, out of the 4,095 total units, 3,030 houses in this county are occupied. Moreover, the Nome Census Area has a population of 9,763 people and a population density of 0.4 people per square mile. Of these, 18.3% have attained higher education, while 54.3% are employed.
9 Largest Counties in the US by Area
8. Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 23,831.80
Lake and Peninsula Borough is the 8th largest county in Alaska by total area as well as the 8th largest county by area in the country. The county has a population of 1,331 people, of which 15.5% have attained higher education, and 63.8% are employed. The population density in this county of Alaska is 0.1 people per square mile.
7. Copper River Census Area, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 24,692.10
7th on the list, the Copper River Census Area is home to over 2,600 people, which brings the county’s population density to about 0.1 people per square mile. The median household income in the county is $70,606, while the poverty rate stands at 11.2%. Moreover, the county has an employment rate of 56.7% and about 2,769 housing units.
6. Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 24,706.97
With a population of 115,239 people, a population density of 4.3 people per square mile, and a land area of nearly 24,707 square miles, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska is the 6th largest county by area in the US. In this county, 56.3% of the residents are employed, and the employment sectors vary widely. Construction and retail trade sectors lead the way, while education, healthcare, transportation, and public administration also contribute to shaping the borough’s economic landscape.
5. Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 24,831.10
Fifth on the list, the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area of Alaska is home to around 7,077 people. The housing landscape in the county is quite healthy, with 75.0% of the total housing units being owner-occupied, boasting a median value of $222,200. Additionally, the median household income in the county stands at $75,378.
4. Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 35,663.28
Ranked 4th, the Northwest Arctic Borough is also the 4th largest county in Alaska by total land area. It has a population of 7,361 people, of which 50.9% are employed and 18.5% face poverty. Of those employed, 42% are appointed in government positions, 33.4% work with private companies, and 3.1% are self-employed. The median household income in the county is $77,647, with families earning a median income of over $77,000, and married couples earning a median income of $108,571.
3. Bethel Census Area, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 40,627.10
Bethel Census Area, with a population of Y, and a land full of scenic locations, is the third largest county in the US. It has around 6,018 units, of which 59.0% are owner-occupied and have a median value of $120,600. Monthly costs in the county vary, with mortgage holders paying around $1,867 while mortgage-free owners pay $398. Renters enjoy a median rate of $1,408, ensuring diverse living opportunities.
2. North Slope Borough, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 88,823.63
The North Slope Borough of Alaska ranks 2nd among the largest counties in the US by area. The county’s population experienced a slight decline of -3.9%, from 10,811 in 2022 to 10,603 in 2023, highlighting shifting demographics. Of the total population of the North Slope Borough, 73.4% are employed and 14.2% have attained higher education.
1. Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska
Total Land Area (in square miles): 145,575.60
The largest county by total area in the US, and the largest county in Alaska, the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of Alaska is larger than the US state of Montana. The county has diverse industries that drive employment. The transportation, education, healthcare, retail trade, public administration, manufacturing, and construction sectors play a vital role in the progress of the county’s economy. Overall, the community thrives on a broad spectrum of services, ensuring economic resilience. Of the 5,129 people who live in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, 58.2% are employed and 14.1% have attained higher education.
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