Recently, there’s been a small but promising shift. According to new estimates from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Alaska’s population grew by 2,274 people from 2023 to 2024—a 0.3 percent increase that brought us above 741,000 residents for the first time since 2018.
That’s encouraging news and worth celebrating. However, it’s essential to understand that, while the overall population ticked up, outmigration is still an issue—especially in rural communities and among younger Alaskans leaving for school or work and not returning. The slight bump in population doesn’t mean the trend has reversed across the board. For many industries, including technology, the challenge of finding and keeping local talent remains very real.
The Brain Drain
Sustaining and expanding Alaska’s population growth means making long-term investments in workforce development and education. We see this moment not as a signal to ease up but as an opportunity to invest in building a stronger, more resilient Alaska, starting with the people who live and work here.
When people leave the state, they’re often looking for opportunities that feel out of reach here at home—jobs, education, affordable housing, or maybe a different lifestyle. But the problem is that when too many leave, it’s not just a personal loss, it’s a loss for the entire community…