Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Median household income
1980–2023Census/ACS, nominal dollars.
GDP
Alaska's economy produces about $70 billion in annual gross domestic product, ranking 48th among US states despite a high per-capita output driven by oil.
Real GDP (chained 2017 dollars)
1997–2025BEA, chained 2017 dollars (FRED AKRGSP).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP ($B) | 70 | 27700 |
- •Oil and gas extraction remains the single largest driver of Alaska's GDP.
- •Alaska's GDP per capita ranks among the top ten states nationally.
GDP Growth
Alaska's GDP growth has been volatile in recent years, swinging with oil prices and production levels at North Slope fields.
Real GDP growth
1998–2025Annual % change in BEA real GDP (AKRGSP).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 GDP Growth (%) | 2.3 | 2.8 |
- •Alaska's GDP fell nearly 8% in 2020 amid the pandemic oil price collapse.
- •Growth rebounded sharply in 2021 as oil prices recovered.
Personal Income
Total personal income in Alaska is boosted by resource-sector wages and the yearly Permanent Fund Dividend paid to every resident.
Per capita personal income
1970–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED AKPCPI).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| PFD Payment ($) | 1702 | 0 |
- •The 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend paid $1,702 to every eligible resident.
- •The dividend fluctuates yearly based on fund investment performance.
Median Household Income
The typical Alaska household earns $89,700 a year, above the national median, supported by high wages in resource extraction and public sector jobs.
Median household income (CPS)
1984–2025Census CPS ASEC, current dollars (FRED MEHOINUSAKA646N).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income ($) | 89700 | 80610 |
- •Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend adds extra income to nearly every household each year.
- •Median household income grew by over $12,000 between 2019 and 2023.
Poverty Rate
Alaska's poverty rate stands at 10.9%, slightly below the national average, though rural and Alaska Native communities often face much higher hardship rates.
Poverty rate, all ages (SAIPE)
1989–2024Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (FRED PPAAAK02000A156NCEN).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate (%) | 10.9 | 11.1 |
- •Poverty rates in remote Alaska Native villages can be several times the statewide average.
- •High costs for food and fuel in rural areas amplify the effects of low income.
Inflation
Consumer prices in Anchorage and other Alaska markets have tracked national inflation trends closely, though remote communities face additional price pressure from shipping costs.
CPI inflation, U.S.
2007–2024BLS CPI-U U.S. city average, annual average change (CPIAUCNS).
- •Freight costs mean price swings often reach rural Alaska villages with a delay.
- •Gasoline prices in Alaska tend to run above the national average.
Economic Output
Alaska generates roughly $94,700 in GDP per capita, placing it among the top ten states thanks to its concentrated oil and gas sector.
Nominal GDP (current dollars)
1997–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED AKNGSP).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP per Capita ($) | 94700 | 85800 |
- •Alaska's per-capita GDP outpaces the national average by about 10%.
- •Oil and gas alone accounts for a large share of total state output despite employing a small share of workers.
Industry Breakdown
Alaska's economy is dominated by oil and gas extraction, government, fishing/seafood processing, and seasonal tourism tied to summer cruise traffic.
Government jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED AKGOVT).
Manufacturing jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED AKMFG).
Construction jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED AKCONS).
| Indicator | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Union Membership (%) | 17.4 | 9.9 |
- •Alaska is one of the top seafood-producing states in the country.
- •Union membership in Alaska is among the highest of any state, at 17.4%.