Goodnews Bay first reported on the 1880 U.S. Census as the unincorporated Inuit village of "Mumtrahamute" with 162 residents (all Inuit). It reported on the 1890 census as "Mumtrahamiut", again returning with an unchanged 162 residents. It next reported in 1920 as "Mumtrakmut." It next reported in 1940 as "Good News Bay." It returned in 1950 as "Mumtrak." From 1960-70, it also returned as Mumtrak with the alternative name of Goodnews Bay. It formally incorporated in 1970 as Goodnews Bay, and has returned as such since 1980.