Why does Alaska have such high unemployment? (Anchorage: unemployment rate, standard of living)

[travel360]

I am surprised that unemployment is so high in Alaska. The standard of living seemed high when I took a trip there. I didn't see the kind of poverty you see in some lower 48 cities.

[AlaskaErik]

Some people are more comfortable being on public assistance. I've never had a problem finding a job and I see help wanted sign everywhere. Those who want to work should have no trouble finding a job.

[phlinak]

Yes, the economy is not as booming as many want to believe.


The economy is very reliant on the petroleum and coal industry and many refuse to see and/or accept the obvious truth, that an economy that is not diverse and is so dependent on one or two industries is very shaky and not sustainable.

[Alaskan Mutt]

Many of the industries in Alaska are very seasonal. On top of that many of the industries that accounted for many of the jobs have seen a huge decline in the number of jobs.

Then there all the people that come to Alaska because they heard the state gives everyone lots of money. Many of these people show up with only basic job skills and no savings to pay their way out of Alaska. Many of these people arrive thinking they will just live off the land.

[Arktikos]

If you just consider Anchorage it's pretty much in line with the rest of the country. Unemployment rates are higher in smaller towns and villages, always have and always will be.