The population of Kwethluk City is currently under census protection. The city was first listed in the 1880 U.S. Census as a rural Eskimo community. In the 1940 census, it was listed as the village of "Quithlook." In 1950, the spelling was changed to Kwethluk. In 1975, the town was incorporated into a city.
The high price of gas remains one of the greatest barriers for subsistence fishers. Survey respondents described partnerships that pool resources, as well as long-term investments in motors and boats. Fuel is an ongoing expense and many fishers must carefully measure their gas use. Many quit early when they run out of gas. However, the salmon continues to be an important resource for local families. The city of Kwethluk is not awash in resources.
The harvest levels of king salmon are particularly important. Over the last 10 years, they have stayed fairly consistent, fluctuating by as little as 17 percent. From 2000 to 2010, king salmon accounted for the largest number of catches (averaged 5,892 fish per year). The fishers who were able to harvest were often motivated by their own personal harvest goal and overcame barriers such as poor weather and malfunctioning equipment.