Alaska Sees Population Increase Despite Outward Migration
Alaska experienced a 0.31% increase in population from 2023 to 2024, despite more people leaving the state than entering it. The growth is attributed to a higher number of births compared to deaths and outward migration, according to data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The state’s population is estimated to have reached 741,147 people based on Census Data from 2020 and state data.
State demographer David Howell expressed surprise at the growth but noted that the state has been able to increase its population through natural increase, which is the difference between births and deaths. In 2023 to 2024, there were 15,143 births and 3,437 deaths, resulting in a population increase of 2,274 after accounting for outward migration.
While Alaska has seen consistent loss to outward migration over the past 12 years, it has still managed to see population increases each year from 2020 to 2024. However, 21 out of 30 boroughs and census-designated areas in Alaska saw a decrease in population, with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Fairbanks North Star Borough experiencing the most growth.
As Alaska’s population ages, there has been a decrease in the working-age population and children under 17. Although Alaska has a high fertility rate, there is a declining birth rate year over year, mirroring the trend seen across the country.
The population increase in 2023 to 2024 aligns with state projections, which predicted a loss of 0.48% to an increase of 1.01%. Despite challenges like outward migration and aging population, Alaska continues to see growth through natural increase.
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