Imagine a square mile of land. Now, picture just one or two people within that space. That’s the kind of spaciousness Alaska offers. Contrast that with the same square mile packed with over ten thousand individuals. The difference highlights the incredible scale of Alaska and how sparsely populated it is compared to many parts of the United States. While Alaska boasts vast open spaces, its population isn’t uniformly spread. Instead, you’ll find communities clustered in Alaskan cities and towns. This contrast in population density is just one of many ways Alaska stands apart when compared to the rest of the U.S.
Alaska’s Sheer Size: A Land of Immense Scale
To truly grasp the size of Alaska compared to the US, it’s helpful to visualize its immense scale. Think again of that square mile. In many parts of the contiguous United States, you might find hundreds, even thousands, of people living within that area. However, in Alaska, the average population density is incredibly low. This vastness is a defining characteristic of Alaska, setting it apart from the more densely populated lower 48 states. The sheer amount of land in Alaska offers a sense of remoteness and wilderness that is increasingly rare in other parts of the country. This difference in scale impacts everything from lifestyle to infrastructure, making Alaska a truly unique part of the United States.
Population Density: Alaska vs. The Lower 48
While some are drawn to Alaska for its remote, off-grid living, others seek the quiet and open spaces with fewer neighbors. For those who desire community, Alaska does have cities, although they are smaller and fewer compared to many states in the contiguous US. Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, has a population of approximately 288,970. While this may seem substantial for Alaska, when you compare Anchorage to cities in the rest of the United States, a clearer picture emerges. Anchorage ranks as the 68th largest city in the U.S. To provide context, it’s slightly smaller in population than Cincinnati, Ohio, and a bit larger than St. Louis, Missouri. This comparison helps illustrate that even Alaska’s biggest city is moderate in size when placed against the backdrop of US urban centers.
If Anchorage feels too bustling, Fairbanks, the second-largest city in Alaska, offers a different pace. With a population of around 30,917, Fairbanks is the 1,002nd largest city in the U.S. To further understand its size relative to other US cities, Fairbanks has a similar population to:
- Manassas, VA (35,205)
- Lewiston, ME (35,131)
- San Juan Capistrano, CA (34,793)
These comparisons highlight that even Alaska’s larger cities are comparable in size to smaller cities and towns in other US states. This difference in urban scale is a key factor when considering life in Alaska compared to the more urbanized parts of the United States. When choosing where to settle in Alaska, considering transportation and accessibility becomes crucial, especially given the state’s unique infrastructure.
Roadways and Transportation: Alaska’s Unique Infrastructure
Alaska’s infrastructure, particularly its roadways, is another significant point of comparison to the rest of the US. Alaskans are known for their resourceful approach to transportation, utilizing planes, ferries, snowmachines (snowmobiles), and even dog sleds. This adaptability is partly due to the Alaskan spirit and partly due to the limited road network. Alaska has only 14,336 miles of public roads. When compared to other large states, this figure is strikingly low. Consider this chart:
Miles of Public Roads:
- Alaska: 14,336
- Texas: 679,917
- California: 394,383
- Montana: 150,257
- New Mexico: 161,015
- Delaware: 14,069
Remarkably, Alaska, despite being the largest state, has roughly the same amount of public road mileage as Delaware, the second-smallest state in the US. This stark contrast underscores the infrastructural differences between Alaska and the more road-dense contiguous United States. While the limited roadways might present transportation challenges, they also contribute to Alaska’s unique character and the preservation of its vast wilderness. Mastering various modes of transport is essential for navigating Alaska and exploring its numerous extraordinary sites.
Unique Alaskan Features: Mountains and National Parks
What truly sets Alaska apart from other states? The answer is multifaceted, varying depending on individual perspectives. However, two prominent features undeniably distinguish Alaska: its towering mountains and expansive national parks. Alaska is home to twelve of the thirteen highest mountain peaks in the United States, including Denali, formerly known as Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America.
Highest Major Summits in the United States
- Denali: 20,310 ft. (AK)
- Mount Saint Elias: 18,009 ft. (AK & Canada’s Yukon)
- Mount Foraker: 17,400 ft. (AK)
- Mount Bona: 16,550 ft. (AK)
- Mount Blackburn: 16,390 ft. (AK)
- Mount Sanford: 16,237 ft. (AK)
- Mount Fairweather: 15,325 ft. (AK & British Columbia)
- Mount Hubbard: 14,951 ft. (AK & Canada’s Yukon)
- Mount Bear: 14,831 ft. (AK)
- Mount Hunter: 14,573 ft. (AK)
- Mount Whitney: 14,505 ft. (California)
- Mount Alverstone: 14,500 ft. (AK & Canada’s Yukon)
- University Peak: 14,470 ft. (AK)
Beyond its majestic peaks, Alaska boasts the second-most national parks in the United States, just behind California’s nine. However, when measured by acreage, Alaska far surpasses any other state. Alaska has dedicated a staggering 32,526,051 acres to National Park Land, while California has 6,313,164 acres. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the US, at 8.3 million acres, is also found in Alaska. This abundance of protected wilderness distinguishes Alaska from much of the contiguous United States, offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and experiencing pristine natural landscapes.
Exploring Alaska’s Diverse Regions
Alaska is further differentiated from the rest of the US by its diverse geographical regions. Exploring Alaska’s five distinct regions reveals dramatically different lifestyles and environments. The experience of living in rainy Juneau in Southeast Alaska contrasts sharply with urban life in Anchorage in Southcentral Alaska. Here’s a brief overview of each region:
- Southcentral Alaska: With the most roads and access to Anchorage, this region is among the most accessible in Alaska. It combines convenience with natural beauty, including Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Chugach National Forest. Southcentral Alaska is the most populated region, with 40% of Alaskans residing in Anchorage and 54% in the broader Anchorage/Mat-Su Economic Region.
- Southeast Alaska: Known as the Inside Passage, this region is characterized by islands and mountains. While winters are milder relative to other parts of Alaska, it experiences significant rainfall year-round. Transportation relies heavily on boats and airplanes due to limited roads.
- Southwest Alaska: The population is largely centered in the Kodiak Island Borough, with a significant Alaska Native population (27% identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native). Yup’ik and Aleut communities are prominent. Like Southeast Alaska, transportation is primarily by air and sea due to the absence of roads.
- Interior Alaska: Fairbanks is a major hub in this region, home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a substantial military presence at bases like Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base.
- Far North Alaska: Famous for the Dalton Highway (featured in “Ice Road Truckers”), this region faces extreme weather and prolonged winter darkness, making it a challenging environment. However, the Inupiat people maintain a presence in over 30 villages here.
Understanding these regional differences is crucial when comparing Alaska to the more geographically uniform regions of the contiguous United States. Each Alaskan region offers a unique experience, further highlighting the state’s diversity.
Getting a Clearer Picture of the Frontier State
Having explored some of Alaska’s defining features and compared them to the rest of the United States, a clearer understanding of what makes Alaska unique emerges. Whether this inspires a move to the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” a return to the lower 48, or staying put is a personal decision. However, the distinct characteristics of Alaska, from its vast size and sparse population to its unique infrastructure and unparalleled natural beauty, undeniably set it apart within the United States.
If you are considering a move to, from, or within Alaska, remember that navigating this unique state requires specialized expertise. Our Anchorage-based team at Royal Alaskan Movers is ready to assist with moves to even the most remote Alaskan locations. Contact us for a quote and let us help you find your place in the largest and most extraordinary state in the Union.
