Texans top list of Alaska newcomers

  • Sunday, August 9, 2015 11:14pm
  • News

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — U.S. Census data shows that more people move to Alaska from Texas than from any other state.

An estimated 3,172 new Alaskans per year came from Texas between 2009 and 2013.

State Demographer Eddie Hunsinger says the census data isn’t perfect, but it’s consistent: Texas, Washington and California trade off the top spot on the list for Alaska migrants.

The majority of newcomers age 16 and older work in the labor force, according to a report on census data from the Alaska Department of Labor. Military personnel and higher education students also each make up 16 percent of the migrants.

Hunsinger says Texas’ large population plays a factor in its top spot. The state also has a significant military population and a large petroleum industry.

More in News

Rep. Bill Elam speaks during a legislative update to the joint Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘Nothing prepares you’

Rep. Bill Elam reports back on his freshman session in the Alaska House of Representatives.

The entrance to the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is barricaded on Overland Avenue in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai OKs $75 fine for cutting through parking lots

The move comes after months of action to prevent drivers from crossing through the parking lot of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.

Erin Thompson (courtesy)
Erin Thompson to serve as regional editor for Alaska community publications

Erin Thompson is expanding her leadership as she takes on editorial oversight… Continue reading

A woman stands with her sign held up during a rally in support of Medicaid and South Peninsula Hospital on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Homer residents rally in support of South Peninsula Hospital and Medicaid

The community gathered on Wednesday in opposition to health care cuts that threaten rural hospitals.

Hunter Kirby holds up the hatchery king salmon he bagged during the one-day youth fishery on the Ninilchik River on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 in Ninilchik, Alaska. Photo by Mike Booz
Ninilchik River closed to sport fishing

The closure is in effect from June 23 through July 15.

Señor Panchos in Soldotna, Alaska, is closed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna restaurant owner remains in ICE custody; federal charges dropped

Francisco Rodriguez-Rincon was accused of being in the country illegally and falsely claiming citizenship on a driver’s license application.

Brent Johnson speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough to provide maximum funding for school district

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will receive less money from the state this year than it did last year.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Pool manager and swim coach Will Hubler leads a treading water exercise at Kenai Central High School on Tuesday.
Pools, theaters, libraries in jeopardy as cuts loom

The district issued “notices of non-retention” to all its pool managers, library aides and theater technicians.

Most Read