The population of the community consists of 80% Alaska Native or part Native. As a work site, oil is the focus of the local culture. All residents are employees of oil drilling or oil-support companies, and work long consecutive shifts. Living quarters and food are provided to the workforce, and there are a number of recreational facilities. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 1, and vacant housing units numbered 0. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 2 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 0 percent, although 33.33 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $90,957, per capita income was $19,880, and 0 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.
Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
Modern sanitation facilities are available at the group quarters facilities. The North Slope Borough provides a Class 1 landfill 6 miles northwest of Deadhorse, on Oxbow Road. There are also numerous other oil field facilities. Electricity is provided by TDX Power. There are no state operated schools located in the community. Local hospitals or health clinics include Private staff. Prudhoe Bay is classified as an isolated town/Sub-Regional Center, it is found in EMS Region 6A in the North Slope Region. Emergency Services have limited highway, coastal and airport access. Emergency service is provided by paid EMS Service Auxiliary health care is provided by Oil company medical staff; Greater Prudhoe Bay Fire Dept. (659-5646).
Economy and Transportation
The Prudhoe Bay oil fields provide some 20% of the nation's domestic oil supply, and employ over 5,000 individuals in drilling, pipeline operations, cargo transportation and a variety of support positions. U.S. Census population and employment figures reflect only permanent residents of Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay -- most oil field workers travel home to Anchorage or the lower 48 states when off duty. Pre-arranged tours are available through various tour companies.
The airport at nearby Deadhorse is the primary means of public transportation to the North Slope. The State-owned asphalt airstrip at Deadhorse is 6'500' long by 150' wide. A 5,000' by 100' wide private gravel airstrip is owned and maintained by Arco Alaska, Inc. A State-owned heliport is located at Prudhoe Bay. The Dalton Highway is used year-round by trucks to haul cargo to the Slope, although it is restricted to the public north of Wiseman. There are no services beyond this point, and the highway is hazardous during winter months.