Alaska State Population

Sparsely populated.

Alaska's population is remarkably small and sparsely distributed for its vast land area, totaling around 733,000 residents as of recent estimates. Historically, its growth has been characterized by boom-and-bust cycles; major infusions came with the late 19th-century gold rushes, the military buildup during and after World War II, and especially the construction and operation of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and subsequent oil industry expansion in the 1970s and 80s, which spurred significant in-migration. However, in recent decades, Alaska has experienced a reversal of this growth, with the state seeing slow growth, stagnation, and even slight population declines primarily driven by out-migration. This trend is often attributed to factors like declining oil revenues impacting state services and job availability, a high cost of living, and limited economic diversification, making it challenging to retain residents despite its unique appeal.

Data Source: US Census Bureau