Unites States >> States >> Alaska
Alaska Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Alaska is a state located in the Western United States, occupying the northwest extremity of North America. It borders the Canadian province of British Columbia and the territory of Yukon to the east, and has a maritime border with Russia’s Chukotka Autonomous Okrug to the west across the Bering Strait. To the north lie the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas of the Arctic Ocean, while the Pacific Ocean borders Alaska to the south and southwest.
Alaska is the third-least populous U.S. state but the largest by land area. The total land area of Alaska is 571,951 square miles (1,481,951 square kilometers), with an average population density of just 1.26 people per square mile, making it the least densely populated state in the United States. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Alaska had a population of 733,391 (0.73 million).
As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Alaska is 740,133, or approximately 0.74 million people.
👉 Projected Population of Alaska (2026): ~745,000 people
Alaska Population Growth (2010–2020)
Alaska recorded a moderate population growth rate of 3.3% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 23,160 residents over the decade. Despite its vast geography, population growth in Alaska has remained relatively slow compared to most U.S. states. The median age of Alaska’s population is 33.6 years, making it one of the younger states demographically. In terms of gender distribution, Alaska has a noticeable male majority, with 52.2% males and 47.7% females.
Alaska Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 733,391 (0.73 million) |
| Percentage Change (2010–2020) | 3.3% |
| Population Rank | 48th |
| Total Land Area | 571,951 sq mi (1,481,346 km²) |
| Area Rank | 1st |
| Population Density | 1.26 per sq mi (0.49/km²) |
| Capital City | Juneau |
| Largest City | Anchorage |
Alaska Historical Population
Alaska’s population history reflects the state’s unique development, shaped by gold rushes, military expansion, oil discoveries, and migration cycles. While early decades saw sharp fluctuations due to economic booms and busts, population growth accelerated significantly after World War II and Alaska’s statehood in 1959. In recent decades, growth has slowed, with the 2010–2020 period recording one of the lowest increases in the state’s modern history.
Alaska Population by Census Year
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 33,426 | — |
| 1890 | 32,052 | −4.1% |
| 1900 | 63,592 | 98.4% |
| 1910 | 64,356 | 1.2% |
| 1920 | 55,036 | −14.5% |
| 1930 | 59,278 | 7.7% |
| 1940 | 72,524 | 22.3% |
| 1950 | 128,643 | 77.4% |
| 1960 | 226,167 | 75.8% |
| 1970 | 300,382 | 32.8% |
| 1980 | 401,851 | 33.8% |
| 1990 | 550,043 | 36.9% |
| 2000 | 626,932 | 14.0% |
| 2010 | 710,231 | 13.3% |
| 2020 | 733,391 | 3.3% |
Alaska Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations in Alaska
Christianity is the dominant religion in Alaska, with approximately 70% of the population identifying as Christian. Among Christian groups, Protestants form the largest denomination at 46%, followed by Roman Catholics (21%). Smaller Christian communities include Mormons (1%) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (1%).
The religiously unaffiliated population makes up about 24% of Alaska’s residents and includes people who identify as atheist, agnostic, or having no formal religious affiliation. Non-Christian religions account for the remaining 6% of the population and include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths.
👉 For more details, read Religion in Alaska
Race and Ethnicity in Alaska
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, White alone (non-Hispanic) residents make up the largest racial or ethnic group in Alaska, accounting for 57.51% of the total population. The Alaska Native and American Indian population is the second-largest group at 14.84%, reflecting the state’s strong Indigenous presence.
People identifying as Two or More Races represent 9.78% of the population, followed by Asian residents (5.92%) and Hispanic or Latino residents (3.57%). Alaska is among the most racially diverse states in the United States due to its Indigenous heritage and migration patterns.
Ancestry in Alaska
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Alaska are German, Irish, English, American, and Italian. These ancestry patterns reflect Alaska’s settlement history, military presence, and migration from other U.S. states during the 20th century.
👉 For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in Alaska
Top Cities and Boroughs in Alaska
The U.S. state of Alaska is divided into 19 organized boroughs and one Unorganized Borough, which functions similarly to counties in other U.S. states.
The most populous borough in Alaska is the Anchorage Municipality, with a population of 288,121 residents. It is followed by Matanuska–Susitna Borough (110,686) and Fairbanks North Star Borough (95,593).
Anchorage is also the largest city in Alaska, with a population of 291,247 people, making it home to nearly 40% of the state’s total population. Other major cities include Fairbanks (32,515) and Juneau (32,255), the state capital.
👉 Read more about Cities and Boroughs in Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Alaska Population
What is the population of Alaska in 2026?
As per current growth trends and U.S. Census estimates, the projected population of Alaska in 2026 is around 745,000 people, reflecting slow but steady population growth.
Is Alaska the largest U.S. state by area?
Yes. Alaska is the largest U.S. state by land area, covering approximately 571,951 square miles, which is more than twice the size of Texas.
Why is Alaska so sparsely populated?
Alaska’s low population density is due to its harsh climate, remote geography, limited infrastructure, and large areas of protected wilderness.
What is the population density of Alaska?
Alaska has a population density of about 1.26 people per square mile, making it the least densely populated state in the United States.
Which city has the largest population in Alaska?
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, with a population of over 291,000 residents, accounting for nearly 40% of the state’s population.
What is the main religion in Alaska?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Alaska, followed by about 70% of the population, while nearly 24% of residents are religiously unaffiliated.
Which racial group is the largest in Alaska?
The White (non-Hispanic) population is the largest racial group in Alaska, followed by Alaska Natives, who form one of the highest Indigenous population shares in the U.S.
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