Location and Climate
Red Devil is located on both banks of the Kuskokwim River, at the mouth of Red Devil Creek. It lies 75 air miles northeast of Aniak, 161 miles northeast of Bethel, and 250 miles west of Anchorage. The community lies at approximately 61.761110 degrees North Latitude and -157.312500 degrees West Longitude. (Sec. 06, T019N, R044W, Seward Meridian.) Red Devil is located in the Kuskokwim Recording District. The area encompasses 24.2 square miles of land and 2.2 square miles of water. The climate in Red Devil is continental with temperatures ranging between -58 and 90. Annual snowfall averages 85 inches, with total precipitation of 20 inches. High winds often cause flight delays in fall and winter. The Kuskokwim River is ice-free from mid-June through October.

History, Culture and Demographics
The village was named after the Red Devil Mine, established in 1921 by Hans Halverson when numerous mercury (quicksilver) deposits were discovered in the surrounding Kilbuck-Kuskokwim Mountains. By 1933, the mine was producing substantial quantities of mercury. Although the mine changed ownership twice over the years, it continued to operate until 1971. The mine produced some 2.7 million pounds of mercury during its operation. A post office was established in 1957 and a state school opened in 1958. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community, the Red Devil Traditional Council. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the community consists of 23 people, with 43.48 percent of the population Alaska Native, or part Native. Red Devil is a mixed population of residents with Yup’ik Eskimo, Tanaina Athabascan history, as well as non-Natives. Subsistence activities are prevalent. The sale of alcohol is prohibited, although importation or possession is allowed. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 22, and vacant housing units numbered 5. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 7 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 36.36 percent, although 75.86 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $10,938, per capita income was $5,515 and 40.91 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
Water is derived from individual wells or hauled from the school well. Four of the 17 occupied homes are fully plumbed. Sewage is disposed of on an individual basis. The school and teacher’s housing uses individual septic tanks and drain fields; others use pit privies. A new landfill site is needed. A master plan for water, sewer and waste has been completed. Electricity is provided by Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative. Local hospitals or health clinics include Red Devil Clinic (907-447-3243) and Clara Morgan Sub-Regional Clinic (907-675-4556) in Aniak. Red Devil is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 7A in the Yukon/Kuskokwim Region. Emergency services have river and air access. Auxiliary health care is provided by Sleetmute Health Clinic.

Current Population: 13 (2017 DCCED Certified Population)
Incorporation Type: Unincorporated
Borough Located In: Unorganized
Taxes: No taxing authority:
Coastal Management District: Northwest Arctic Borough

Contact Information

No Village Council

The Kuskokwim Corporation 
4300 B Street, Suite 405
Anchorage, AK 99503
1-800-478-2171