Alaska Population Projection: 2015-2045.

• Position: ALASKA TRENDS

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Research and Analysis has released population projections for Alaska between 2015 and 2045 by age and sex as well as for the Alaska Native population. Because Alaska is unique in that its population is dependent upon a number of unpredictable events (such as oil and gas industry fluctuations, seasonal work demand or lack thereof, and the political climate, especially with regard to resource development) these particular projections are based on past and hypothetical future population trends, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Alaska ranks 48th in the country in terms of total population, according to the 2017 World Population Review. With its immense surface area of more than 665,000 square miles, Alaska is by far the largest state in the Union. With a population less than that of most major US cities, Alaska is also the most sparsely populated state in the United States, with an average of 1.2 people per square mile. For those seeking space, Alaska is clearly the place. Alaska's population is expected to see a relatively small increase over the thirty year period from 737,625 in 2015 to 899,825 in 2045, keeping the state's vast rural regions intact. As the population ages, annual natural growth is expected to slow. Alaska's population aged 65 and older is expected to grow at the fastest rate at 86 percent, followed by those ages 0 to 19 at 19 percent. The slowest growing populations by age are the 20 to 64 year olds at just 13 percent, the organization reports.

The Alaska Native demographic represents approximately 20 percent of the state's total population. With high fertility and relatively low rates of migration, population growth for Alaska Natives is expected to remain stable during this time period.

Components of Alaska Native Population Change Average Annual 2015-2045 Net Population Growth Births Deaths Migration Change Rate 2015-2020 3,225 987 -805 1,433 10%...