In Alaska, a state known for its stunning natural beauty and vast wilderness, there are still communities struggling with low income and high poverty. According to the latest five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey, the poorest town in Alaska is Alakanuk.
How Much Do People Earn in Alakanuk?
While the average household income in Alaska is $80,287, households in Alakanuk earn just $36,429 per year. That’s a difference of over 54%, making Alakanuk one of the lowest-earning towns in the entire state.
This gap is quite significant and highlights the economic challenges faced by people in this remote part of Alaska.
Poverty Rate in Alakanuk vs. Alaska Overall
The income statistics alone don’t tell the full story. The poverty rate in Alakanuk is 42.8%, compared to 10.4% for the state overall. That means nearly 1 in every 2 people in Alakanuk lives below the poverty line.
In contrast, the rest of Alaska has a poverty rate that is less than one-fourth of Alakanuk’s.
Why Is Alakanuk So Poor?
There are several factors that may contribute to low income and high poverty in towns like Alakanuk:
- Remote location, with limited access to jobs or infrastructure
- Fewer educational and economic opportunities
- Higher cost of living, especially for food, fuel, and essentials
- Dependence on seasonal or subsistence-based economies
Like many rural areas in Alaska, Alakanuk faces unique challenges when it comes to job growth and sustainable income.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
| Metric | Alakanuk | Alaska (Statewide) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income ($) | 36,429 | 80,287 |
| Poverty Rate (%) | 42.8 | 10.4 |
| Income Gap | 54.6% lower | — |
| Number of Towns Compared | 70 | 70 |
what next
Alaska is often seen as a land of opportunity, but not all communities benefit equally. In towns like Alakanuk, residents are living on less than half the state’s average income and facing a poverty crisis that needs attention.
For local and federal policymakers, this data offers a clear signal that targeted help is needed in towns like Alakanuk—whether through infrastructure, education, health, or job programs.
Understanding these realities helps create better, more inclusive growth for all parts of Alaska.
FAQ – Alakanuk, Alaska Income and Poverty (2025)
Q1: What is the median household income in Alakanuk?
The typical household earns $36,429 per year, which is much lower than Alaska’s statewide average of $80,287.
Q2: How high is the poverty rate in Alakanuk?
The poverty rate is 42.8%, compared to 10.4% across Alaska.
Q3: Why is Alakanuk struggling economically?
Due to its remote location, lack of jobs, and high living costs, opportunities in Alakanuk are limited.
Q4: How many towns were studied in Alaska?
The Census compared 70 towns in Alaska to identify income trends and poverty levels.
Q5: What can be done to help towns like Alakanuk?
Solutions may include job creation programs, education access, and government investment in rural infrastructure