McGrath, Alaska
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McGrath is a city located in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city is 401.
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Geography
AKMap-doton-McGrath.PNG
Location of McGrath, Alaska
McGrath is located at 62°57'7" North, 155°34'38" West (62.952040, -155.577165)Template:GR.
McGrath is located on the south bank of the Kuskokwim River in western Alaska.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 141.4 km² (54.6 mi²). 126.6 km² (48.9 mi²) of it is land and 14.8 km² (5.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 10.48% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 401 people, 145 households, and 99 families residing in the city. The population density is 3.2/km² (8.2/mi²). There are 213 housing units at an average density of 1.7/km² (4.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 42.64% White, 0.00% Black or African American, 43.89% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 11.97% from two or more races. 1.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 145 households out of which 42.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% are married couples living together, 11.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% are non-families. 26.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 4.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.77 and the average family size is 3.34.
In the city the population is spread out with 35.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 104.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 107.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $43,056, and the median income for a family is $44,167. Males have a median income of $41,875 versus $41,389 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,553. 9.8% of the population and 8.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.8% of those under the age of 18 and 17.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
History
The Old Town McGrath site, across the river from present-day McGrath, was a meeting and trading place for Big River, Nikolai, Telida and Lake Minchumina villagers.
In 1904, Abraham Appel established a trading post in Old Town. In 1906, gold was discovered in the Innoko District, and in 1907, and at Ganes Creek. Since McGrath was the northernmost point on the Kuskokwim River accessible by large riverboats, it became a regional supply center. A town was established at the site of Old McGrath in 1907, and was named for Peter McGrath, a local United States Marshal. The Iditarod Trail also contributed to McGrath's role as a supply center. From 1911 to 1920, hundreds of people walked and mushed over the trail on their way to the Ophir gold districts. Mining sharply declined after 1925.
After a major flood in 1933, some residents moved across the river. Changes in the course of the river eventually left the old site on a slough, making it useless as a river stop. In 1940, an airstrip was cleared, the United States Federal Aviation Administration built a communications complex, and a school was opened. McGrath became an important refueling stop for Lend lease equipment during World War II.