Why is Alaska’s Population Declining?

The Department of Labor published Alaska’s annual population numbers in January. It shows a reduction of 3,048 people in FY19. That is the third annual loss in population in a row.    On a quarterly basis, the available U.S. Census data suggests we’ve been losing population for 12 consecutive quarters (beginning in October 2016). And[…]

Alaska by the Numbers – October 2019

Here is your free monthly update on what’s going on in Alaska’s economy. The Labor Market Keeps Improving According to the Department of Labor numbers released last week, Alaska extended its winning streak to 12 consecutive months of job growth. The jobs count in September 2019 was a total of 2,000 jobs higher than in[…]

Alaska by the Numbers – November Edition

Here’s the big news that broke last month, and how it impacts Alaska’s economy. GMT1 Production Started Ahead of Schedule ConocoPhillips announced that they started flowing oil from the Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit on October 5th. This is a full two months ahead of schedule. While initial flows are only around 8,000 barrels per day[…]

4 Reasons for Alaska’s High Unemployment Rate

You’ve probably heard by now that Alaska currently has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. While this is true, it doesn’t quite mean what people think it does. Here a few reasons why. 1. Alaska has a higher “natural rate” of unemployment than other States There are many reasons a person might[…]