Did you know that Alaska is the biggest state in the United States? Interestingly, it is one of the least populated states in the country. There are few cities which have a low population because the living conditions are not up to the standard.
Many people live in the remote cities of the state where for generations people have been residing. Cities with the most population are the highlights of this state with their hustle and bustle.
To know more about the state, check out the most populated cities in Alaska.
1. Anchorage
Anchorage is the largest city in the U.S. state of Alaska by population. With a population of 292,545 in 2020, it contains nearly 40% of the state’s population. The Anchorage metropolitan area, which includes Anchorage and the neighboring Matanuska-Susitna Borough, had a population of 398,328 in 2020, accounting for more than half the state’s population.
At 1,706 sq mi (4,420 km2) of land area, the city is the fourth-largest by area in the United States and larger than the smallest state, Rhode Island, which has 1,212 sq mi . Anchorage is best known for trails, wildlife, and glaciers, and it is the state’s cultural soul as well. The city is home to more artists and musicians than any other place in Alaska.
2. Fairbanks
Fairbanks’ population from the 1930s experienced significant growth. In 1960, the city had over 13,000 residents. This number had more than doubled at the time of the 1990 census. However, the next poll showed a population loss of 2%.
In 2010, however, the population grew again at a rate of over 4%. Current estimates indicate that the population is up nearly 4% to 33,018 since the last census was taken. This shows that while the city is still growing, it is not growing quite as rapidly as it was during its early history.
3. Juneau
State, city and federal governments are the primary employers for residents of Juneau. The University of Alaska Southeast is also a top employer. During the summer months, the tourism industry is also booming, with cruise ships bringing over 1 million tourists to the area from May through September. In 1906, whaling and fur trade declines led to the government to move.
It was the largest city at the time. In 1911, the capitol building was authorized to be built. However, there were significant delays and construction did not begin until 1929 and was finished two years later.
These are the biggest cities in Alaska.
4. Knik-Fairview
Knik-Fairview is a city located in Alaska. With a 2020 population of 20,171, it is the 4th largest city in Alaska and the 2274th largest city in the United States. Knik-Fairview is currently growing at a rate of 2.21% annually and its population has increased by 4.53% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 19,297 in 2020. Spanning over 84 miles, Knik-Fairview has a population density of 242 people per square mile.
5. Badger
Badger is a city located in Alaska. With a 2020 population of 18,941, it is the 5th largest city in Alaska and the 2415th largest city in the United States. Badger is currently declining at a rate of -0.24% annually and its population has decreased by -0.47% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 19,031 in 2020. Spanning over 67 miles, Badger has a population density of 289 people per square mile.
6. College
College is a city located in Alaska. With a 2020 population of 11,006, it is the 6th largest city in Alaska and the 3815th largest city in the United States. College is currently declining at a rate of -1.46% annually and its population has decreased by -2.88% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 11,332 in 2020. Spanning over 19 miles, College has a population density of 588 people per square mile.
Take a look at our of the cheapest cities to live in Alaska.
7. Tanaina
Tanaina is the 9th largest city in Alaska and the 4464th largest city in the United States. Tanaina is currently growing at a rate of 0.70% annually and its population has increased by 1.41% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 8,817 in 2020. Spanning over 31 miles, Tanaina has a population density of 295 people per square mile. The average household income in Tanaina is $94,169 with a poverty rate of 7.95%.
8. North Lakes
In the Moreton Bay Region of Queensland, Australia, you’ll find the suburb known as North Lakes. The population of North Lakes was 23,030 at the time of the census that was taken in 2021.
9. Wasilla
Wasilla is a city located in Matanuska-Susitna County Alaska. With a 2020 population of 9,298, it is the 8th largest city in Alaska and the 4354th largest city in the United States. Wasilla is currently growing at a rate of 1.33% annually and its population has increased by 2.69% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 9,054 in 2020. Spanning over 13 miles, Wasilla has a population density of 750 people per square mile.
10. Sitka
Sitka in 2020 population of 8,374, it is the 11th largest city in Alaska and the 4702nd largest city in the United States. Sitka is currently declining at a rate of -0.50% annually and its population has decreased by -0.99% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 8,458 in 2020. Spanning over 4815 miles, Sitka has a population density of 3 people per square mile.
11. Kalifornsky
Kalifornsky, with a 2022 population of 8,615, it is the 10th largest city in Alaska and the 4579th largest city in the United States. Kalifornsky is currently growing at a rate of 0.75% annually and its population has increased by 1.51% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 8,487 in 2020. Spanning over 70 miles, Kalifornsky has a population density of 125 people per square mile.
12. Meadow Lakes
Meadow Lakes is a city located in Alaska. With a 2020 population of 9,523, it is the 7th largest city in Alaska and the 4281st largest city in the United States. Meadow Lakes is currently growing at a rate of 1.74% annually and its population has increased by 3.54% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 9,197 in 2020. Spanning over 79 miles, Meadow Lakes has a population density of 126 people per square mile.
13. Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a city located in Ketchikan Gateway County Alaska. With a 2020 population of 8,220, it is the 12th largest city in Alaska and the 4787th largest city in the United States. Ketchikan is currently growing at a rate of 0.17% annually and its population has increased by 0.34% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 8,192 in 2020. Spanning over 5 miles, Ketchikan has a population density of 2,155 people per square mile.
14. Kenai
Kenai is located in Kenai Peninsula County Alaska. With a 2020 population of 7,488, it is the 13th largest city in Alaska and the 5088th largest city in the United States. Kenai is currently growing at a rate of 0.43% annually and its population has increased by 0.86% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 7,424 in 2020. Spanning over 36 miles, Kenai has a population density of 257 people per square mile.
15. Steele Creek
Steele Creek is the 14th largest city in Alaska and the 5651st largest city in the United States. Steele Creek is currently declining at a rate of -0.34% annually and its population has decreased by -0.68% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 6,437 in 2020. Spanning over 93 miles, Steele Creek has a population density of 69 people per square mile.
16. South Lakes
In the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, in the United States of America, South Lakes is a census-designated place. Following the division of the preceding CDP of Lakes, it was not initially recorded as a CDP until just before the year 2020 census.
17. Gateway
In the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, in the United States of America, you’ll find the community known as Gateway. It is included in the Metropolitan Statistical Area that encompasses Anchorage, Alaska. The population was 5,748 at the time of the census in 2020, representing an increase from 5,552 in 2010. The CDP of Gateway has the borough’s fifth-highest population overall.
18. Bethel
Bethel located in Bethel County Alaska. With a 2020 population of 6,373, it is the 15th largest city in Alaska and the 5664th largest city in the United States. Bethel is currently growing at a rate of 0.38% annually and its population has increased by 0.76% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 6,325 in 2020. Spanning over 50 miles, Bethel has a population density of 143 people per square mile.
With this list of the most populated cities in Alaska, you can figure out which ones to visit first based on their special features. Good luck exploring!