Alaska’s Population Grows Slightly for the First Time in Five Years
©ROBIN BEAN | DREAMSTIME.COM
Alaska’s population increased for the fiscal year ending July 2021, with net births outpacing out-migration, but only barely.
Natural Increase
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development estimates an increase of 932 people, or 0.1 percent, from April 2020 to July 2021. This was the first increase since 2016.
Despite slight overall growth, net migration (in-migrants minus out-migrants) accounted for a loss of 4,398 people. Alaska has lost more movers than it’s gained every year since 2013, but losses slowed during the pandemic as fewer people moved nationwide.
Current Issue
January 2026
Twenty-one of Alaska’s thirty boroughs and census areas lost population over the period. Fairbanks grew the most, gaining 1,860 people, followed by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (1,724). Anchorage lost the most, down by 1,550 during the fiscal year.
Alaska’s under-18 and 18-to-64-year-old populations each declined 1 percent, and the 65-and-older group grew 6 percent. The state’s highest median age was 49 in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area. The Kusilvak Census Area in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta was the youngest at 24.2.
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE
Complete estimates for the state, boroughs/census areas, cities and census-designated places are available on the Department of Labor website. Also available are estimates for census tracts, school districts and Alaska Native Regional Corporations and estimates by age and sex for each borough and census area and for places with populations of 1,000 or more.
Glenfarne Progresses ‘from Planning to Building’ Alaska LNG Pipeline
Pieces are settling into place for the Alaska LNG pipeline, with Glenfarne lining up partners for construction, materials, gas supply, and offtake buyers.
City Hall Sets Example for Anchorage Real Estate Resurgence
The Municipality of Anchorage finally owns City Hall, a transaction that exemplifies the mayor’s goal of adding to the city’s housing stock.
ASRC Federal Wins $2.3B Military Logistics Contract
ASRC Federal, a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, won a $2.3 billion, five-year contract to continue managing military chemical and oil supplies.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!