A disastrous fire in 1934 destroyed most of the City. The population of Nome is a mixture of Eskimos and non-Natives. Although many employment opportunities are available, subsistence activities are prevalent in the community. Former villagers from King Island also live in Nome. Nome is the finish line for the 1,100-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage, held each March.
Government services provide the majority of employment.
57 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Retail services, transportation, mining, medical and other businesses provide year-round income. Subsistence activities contribute to the local diet. Transportation Nome is a regional center of transportation for surrounding villages. There are two State-owned airports in Nome.