Living in Alaska

#43 in population growth

Should you move to Alaska?

Alaska, the Last Frontier, is where unspoiled wilderness and modern living intersect. It’s a state of contrasts, boasting some of the country’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes, from majestic mountains and glaciers to vast tundras and untouched forests.

Alaska’s economy is heavily dependent on oil, fishing, and tourism. Anchorage, the largest city, serves as a commercial hub, while the state’s wild, scenic beauty attracts tourists from all over the world. In addition, Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is one of the largest in the world, with the state’s waters teeming with salmon, crab, and halibut.

Living in Alaska is about embracing a frontier spirit and a deep respect for the environment. From hiking in the breathtaking Denali National Park, fishing in pristine rivers, or witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights, life in Alaska is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.

Alaska is also home to a rich cultural history, with a vibrant Native community that helps preserve the state’s unique heritage. Festivals like the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention and events like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race are among the state’s highlights.

Education is paramount in Alaska, with the University of Alaska system offering diverse programs and playing a significant role in research, particularly in areas of climate change and Arctic studies.

If you crave adventure, yearn for some of the most extraordinary natural beauty in the world, and don’t mind a chilly winter (or a midnight sun in summer), then Alaska could be the place for you. Just remember, the state’s remoteness requires a certain level of self-sufficiency and resilience.

#48 in population

Population

733,583

National Avg 6,652,315

#1 in population

Population Per Square Mile

1

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does Alaska Score?

C
Home Affordability
F
Cost of Living
B
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in Alaska

Climate

How Does Alaska Compare?

#50
in Sunny Days
#37
in Annual Rainfall
#1
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#39

How Does Alaska Compare?

#39
in Healthcare
#6
in Available Beds
#35
in Doctors Per Resident

0

Children's Hospitals

0

VA Medical Centers

4

VA Clinics

Alaska Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#46

How Does Alaska Compare?

#46
in Cost of Living
#21
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#26
in Living Wage

Alaska State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to Alaska? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

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Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in Alaska

#41

Alaska School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #34 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

59%

Proficient or Above

23%

Ranked #44 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

63%

Proficient or Above

26%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
93.3%
Bachelors Degree
30.6%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know Alaska

State Capital

Juneau

Area Codes

907

Time Zone

Alaska Time Zone, Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone

Number of Counties

27

Land Area (square miles)

571,022

Motto

North to the future

State Bird

Willow ptarmigan

Housing

#27
#27 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$293,400

National $440,300

#40 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$1,279

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$617

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

260,561

Persons Per Household

2.72

Rent vs Own

Own 65.7%
Rent 34.3%

Economy

#10 in household income

Median Household Income

80,287

National $70,784

#23 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
63.6%
Poverty Rate
10.5%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$7,856,206

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$2,536,527

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$5,609,025

Per Capita Retail Sales

14,015

Counties

Diversity

#12
White alone
64.1%
Black or African American alone
3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
15.7%
Asian alone
6.7%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
1.7%
Two or More Races
8.2%
Hispanic or Latino
7.7%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
58.8%

Foreign Born Persons

7.9%

Veterans

62744

Persons Under 5 years
6.4%
Persons Under 18 years
24.1%
Persons 65 years and over
13.9%

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