Moving to Alaska

Alaska, otherwise known as ‘The Last Frontier’, is a enjoyable state to work and live. If you are moving or relocating to AK, we have created a detailed list of some important facts and useful data to help make your move an easy transition.

Geography

Located in the Pacific Region of the country, Alaska is bordered by and None. With a total land area of over 663,267.26 Square Miles, it comes in as the 1st largest state.

Population

Currently, the population of AK is 741,894 making it the 2nd least populated state in the union and the -1 least densely populated. The state capital, Juneau, has a population of 31118. which is the 5th smallest capital in the country.

Notable Alaskans

Alaska is home to many famous and some infamous citizens such as, Aleksandr Baranov a prominent trader, public official is from Russia and Margaret Elizabeth Bell a memorable author is from Anchorage.

Climate

Alaska’s vast expanse and geographical variation lead to a variety of climate types. Four main factors influence the state’s climate: its northerly latitude crossing the Arctic circle, its wide range of elevation from sea level to the highest peak in the United States, proximity (or lack thereof) to the ocean, and seasonal distribution of sea ice along its western and northern boundaries. Average annual temperatures range from the mid-40s (°F) in the south where maritime influence is strong to about 10°F in the Arctic region north of the Brooks Range. The greatest seasonal changes in temperature occur in the state’s interior where average summer maximum temperatures are in the upper 70s and average winter minimums are 20-30°F below zero. The highest temperature ever recorded in Alaska was 100°F at Fort Yukon in the interior (June 27, 1915). The coldest temperature was -80°F at Prospect Creek, also in the interior

Average annual temperature has increased
since 1925, but with large multi-decadal variations;
most of the increase has occurred in the winter
and spring seasons. Under a higher emissions
pathway, historically unprecedented warming
is projected by the end of the 21st century.

Average annual precipitation is projected to increase by 10% or more across all of Alaska by the middle of the 21st century under a higher emissions pathway.

Late summer Arctic sea ice extent and thickness has decreased substantially in the last several decades. Climate models project that Arctic waters will be virtually ice-free by late summer before 2050.

National Parks

Alaska is home to 8 beautiful national parks.

• Denali

  Centered on Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, Denali is serviced by a single road leading to Wonder Lake. Denali and other peaks of the Alaska Range are covered with long glaciers and The Boreal forest. Wildlife includes grizzly bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and gray wolves.

• Gates of the Arctic

  The country’s northernmost park protects an expanse of pure wilderness in Alaska’s Brooks Range and has no park facilities. The land is home to Alaska Natives who have relied on the land and caribou for 11,000 years.

• Glacier Bay

  Glacier Bay contains tidewater glaciers, mountains, fjords, and a temperate rainforest, and is home to large populations of grizzly bears, mountain goats, whales, seals, and eagles. When discovered in 1794 by George Vancouver, the entire bay was covered by ice, but the glaciers have since receded more than 65 miles (105km).

• Katmai

  This park on the Alaska Peninsula protects the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an ash flow formed by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, as well as Mount Katmai. Over 2,000 grizzly bears come here each year to catch spawning salmon. Other wildlife includes caribou, wolves, moose, and wolverines.

• Kenai Fjords

  Near Seward on the Kenai Peninsula, this park protects the Harding Icefield and at least 38 glaciers and fjords stemming from it. The only area accessible to the public by road is Exit Glacier; the rest must be viewed or reached from boat tours.

• Kobuk Valley

  Kobuk Valley protects 61 miles (98km) of the Kobuk River and three regions of sand dunes. Created by glaciers, the Great Kobuk, Little Kobuk, and Hunt River Sand Dunes can reach 100 feet (30m) high and 100F (38C), and they are the largest dunes in the Arctic. Twice a year, half a million caribou migrate through the dunes and across river bluffs that expose well-preserved ice age fossils.

• Lake Clark

  The region around Lake Clark features four active volcanoes, including Mount Redoubt, as well as an abundance of rivers, glaciers, and waterfalls. Temperate rainforests, a tundra plateau, and three mountain ranges complete the landscape.

• Wrangell St. Elias

Crime Statistics

Safety and security should always be an important consideration when relocating to a new state. A state’s crime rate affects more than just the security of its resident, it drastically affects property value, economics and the overall quality of life. Based on the last FBI Crime Statistics, Alaska’s violent crime rate is 63 per 10k residents which is greater than the national average of 37.3. In addition, the state’s property crime rate is 276per 10k residents which is greater than the national average of 248.7.

Alaska ranks #2 in the US for violent crime and #22 for property crime.

Schools & Education

Whether you are a student, have children, or neither, a state’s educational system is not only important to those attending, it’s vital to the overall quality of life, culture and economics of the state. Based on data from multiple public and private sources, we were able to rank Alaska’s educational system.

Overall Grade: C

Alaska spends on average $19000.00 per pupil, which is greater than the national average ($11,900). AK ranks #24 in the US compared to the rest of the country. While AK ranks #24 in spending, the latest graduation rate is 75.60%%.

Another important factor is the percentage of families that enroll their young children (ages 3-4) in an accredited pre-school program. Alaska ranks #43 with over 37.70% of children attending a early educational program.

Taxes

The current income tax rate for Alaska is 0.00% which ranks 1st favorable amongst other states. If you are purchasing property, you may want to consider the the property tax burden rate. This is the amount you pay in taxes per $1000 earned. AK’s rate is $49.97 which ranks 47th in the US.

Currently, AK sales tax is $5.60 for which it comes in as 5th compared to other states.

Sports

Unfortunately Alaska does’nt have any major league teams.

Utility Companies

Before you move to Alaska, it’s advised that you know who your utility companies are. We have an extensive list of both public and private utility companies in AK.

Other Resources

For more information about moving to Alaska, visit their website at http://www.state.ak.us/