Alaska is the U.S.’s northernmost state, separated from the ‘contiguous 48’ by British Columbia, Canada. Although Alaska is one of the least populated states in the nation, it is by far the largest state in terms of area. The state is characterized by a vast and unspoiled natural beauty, extreme and varied climate zones and a rich culture influenced by Native tribes.
      By necessity, Alaska is often described in terms of four unofficial geographic regions: Far North, Interior, Southwest and South Central. This is because the state varies dramatically in climate and landscape and, therefore, statewide averages often don’t reflect the actualities of Alaska living.
      Most of Alaska’s Far North lies within the Arctic Circle, accessible mainly by way of small aircraft. The hub communities here are Nome, which is often used by visitors as a starting point for wilderness exploration and salmon fishing, Kotzebue and Barrow, which are both Inupiat villages where whaling and other subsistence activities are a core part of the culture.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Last Frontier State Capital: Juneau State Flower: Forget Me Not State Bird: Willow Ptarmigan

      Alaska’s Interior main towns are Tok, a commerce center for the local Athabascan Native villages, Delta Junction, Healy, Nenana, Fort Yukon and Fairbanks, considered the transportation hub for the Interior and the Far North.
     Southwest Alaska includes the Aleutian Islands that angle towards Asia, the Kodiak Archipelago, the Alaska Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Yukon-Kuskokwim River Delta and Pribilof Islands. The landscape of this region is dramatic, incorporating the volcanoes of Katmai National Park, rugged cliffs, dense tundra and many miles of coastline.
     The most populous region is Alaska’s South Central. Here, Anchorage appeals to new residents because it has more job openings, particularly in tourism, and a more reasonable cost of living relative to other parts of the state.

The climate is somewhat milder in South Central Alaska as well. The city gets a lot of snow, about 70 inches annually, but also sees more sunshine than other parts of the state.
     Population
The current estimated population of Alaska is 670,000. The state’s population growth rate has been relatively low, and future growth is expected to be driven by natural increase rather than by migration. Alaska’s median age is about 33. The population currently contains a heavier concentration of men than women, at about 106 men per 100 women. This ratio is expected to shift towards the national average in future years, as the number of older female residents increases. The state’s largest ethnic groups are Caucasian, African American, Native American and Native Alaskan.
     Jobs & Commerce
Alaska’s per capita income ranks 20th among the States and slightly above the national average. Most of the employment opportunities are in the services area, particularly within the travel industry and healthcare. The strength of the seafood/fishing industry provides seasonal opportunities and the transportation industry in the cities, particularly Anchorage, is strengthening as well. The state’s largest private employers include Providence Alaska Medical Center, Safeway Stores/Carrs, Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club, Fred Meyer and Alaska Airlines.
      In 2009, the average sales price of condominiums was roughly $180,000. In the same period, the statewide average sales price of a detached, single-family home is around about $144,000, with Anchorage’s average being somewhat higher at about $364,000. Sale prices are down to $195,000 in Anchorage. The home sale activity has decreased due to economic hardships and not as much tourism. In recent years Juneau was a buyers market, with the amount of foreclosed homes home sale activity has decreased causing a drop in home average home prices.
      Schools
The largest university in the state is the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). UAA has five associated community campuses: Matanuska-Susitna College, Kenai Peninsula College, Kodiak College, and Prince William Sound Community College. In addition to UAA, The University of Alaska system contains two other regional university centers, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS).
      Transportation
Road transportation within Alaska is not highly developed. Many communities, including the capital city of Juneau, are accessible only by small aircraft or boat. Two essential systems of transportation are the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and the Alaska Railroad. AMHS is the state ferry system that operates scheduled passenger and vehicle service among Alaskan communities, Washington and British Columbia. The Alaskan Railroad supports industry and development by connecting more remote sections of the state to Anchorage and other cities. Air travel is relied upon heavily as well. The state manages more than 380 public airports, including Anchorage International Airport and Juneau International Airport.