Alaska's cities vary greatly in size and population, with Anchorage being the largest, home to nearly 291,000 residents and serving as Alaska’s main economic and cultural hub. Fairbanks, the second-largest city, has about 32,000 people and is known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle. Juneau, the state capital, is accessible only by air or sea, with around 32,000 residents as well. Many Alaskan cities are gateways to vast wilderness areas, serving as hubs for tourism, industry, and government in this expansive, sparsely populated state.
Explore map of Alaska with cities to locate all the major cities of Alaska state of United States of America.
Cities of Alaska
Alaska’s cities are known for their unique blend of urban development surrounded by expansive wilderness, providing a gateway to the state’s natural beauty. With a low population density and vast geographical area, each city serves as a central hub for its region, supporting local economies, culture, and infrastructure.
Anchorage
Overview
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, with a population of approximately 291,000, representing nearly 40% of the state’s total population. It is located in south-central Alaska along the Cook Inlet, providing easy access to both coastal and mountain landscapes. Anchorage serves as the economic and transportation center of Alaska, hosting the state’s largest airport, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Economy and Industry
Anchorage's economy is diverse, driven by industries such as oil and gas, transportation, tourism, and military presence. The Port of Anchorage handles over 90% of Alaska’s consumer goods, making it crucial for supplying goods across the state. Anchorage is also a major hub for healthcare and education, housing institutions like the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Culture and Attractions
Anchorage is known for cultural landmarks like the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which highlight the state’s indigenous history and art. Outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing, are popular due to the city’s proximity to Chugach State Park.
Fairbanks
Overview
Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, has a population of around 32,000. Located in the interior of Alaska along the Tanana River, it is known for its subarctic climate, with extreme seasonal temperature variations. Fairbanks is about 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, making it a popular destination for viewing the Northern Lights.
Economy and Industry
Fairbanks has a mixed economy supported by education, military, tourism, and mining. The city is home to Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base, contributing to local employment and economic stability. The University of Alaska Fairbanks, the oldest in the state, is a leading institution for Arctic research and a major employer.
Culture and Attractions
Popular attractions in Fairbanks include the Museum of the North and the annual Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. In summer, the Midnight Sun Baseball Game takes advantage of Fairbanks’ nearly 24 hours of daylight, a unique phenomenon in the region.
Juneau
Overview
Juneau, the state capital of Alaska, has a population of about 32,000. Uniquely, it is accessible only by air or sea due to its mountainous terrain and surrounding waterways. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Juneau is nestled between Gastineau Channel and the Coast Mountains.
Economy and Government
As the capital, Juneau’s economy is largely driven by government employment, with state and federal government offices providing stable job opportunities. Tourism is also significant, with cruise ships bringing thousands of visitors annually to see landmarks like the Mendenhall Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park. Additionally, fishing and mining contribute to the city’s economy.
Culture and Attractions
Juneau is known for its vibrant arts community, historic downtown, and annual events like the Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival. The city’s remote location and natural beauty make it a destination for outdoor activities such as whale watching, hiking, and kayaking.
Wasilla
Overview
Wasilla is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, approximately 43 miles north of Anchorage. With a population of around 10,000, it has grown into a commuter city for Anchorage workers while maintaining a rural character. Wasilla is best known as the hometown of former Governor Sarah Palin.
Economy and Industry
The economy of Wasilla includes retail, tourism, and small businesses, with many residents commuting to Anchorage for work. Wasilla serves as a commercial center for the Mat-Su Valley, which is one of the fastest-growing regions in Alaska. Outdoor tourism, particularly dog sledding and fishing, supports the local economy.
Culture and Attractions
Popular attractions in Wasilla include the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters and the Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry. The city’s location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby wilderness areas, including Hatcher Pass and the Knik River.
Nome
Overview
Nome, located on the Seward Peninsula along the Bering Sea, has a population of around 3,800. Known for its gold rush history, Nome remains one of Alaska’s most historic cities, attracting visitors interested in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which ends in Nome.
Economy and Industry
Nome’s economy centers around government services, mining, and subsistence activities, with fishing and hunting playing essential roles for local residents. Small-scale mining for gold is still active in Nome, a legacy of the early 1900s gold rush.
Culture and Attractions
Nome’s rich history is evident in attractions like the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum and historic gold dredges. Nome’s isolated location and arctic climate make it unique, with outdoor activities like dog sledding and wildlife viewing attracting visitors.
Barrow (Utqiagvik)
Overview
Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, is the northernmost city in the United States, located along the Arctic Ocean. With a population of around 4,400, it is one of the most remote cities in Alaska. The city experiences extreme cold, with average winter temperatures well below freezing.
Economy and Indigenous Culture
The economy of Utqiagvik is heavily based on government services, with the North Slope Borough providing significant employment. The Inupiat, the indigenous people of this region, maintain a strong cultural presence, and subsistence hunting, particularly for whale, remains central to life in Utqiagvik.
Culture and Attractions
Utqiagvik offers unique cultural experiences, including the Whale Bone Arch and the Inupiat Heritage Center. Visitors come to experience Arctic culture, see polar bears, and witness the Midnight Sun or Polar Night, where the sun doesn’t rise or set for several weeks.
Ketchikan
Overview
Ketchikan is located in southeastern Alaska, on Revillagigedo Island, and has a population of about 8,300. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan is a popular stop for cruise ships, providing a gateway to the stunning landscapes of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Economy and Industry
Ketchikan’s economy relies on tourism, fishing, and timber. The city is one of Alaska’s busiest cruise ship ports, drawing thousands of tourists each summer. Commercial fishing, particularly for salmon, halibut, and crab, is also vital to the local economy.
Culture and Attractions
Ketchikan is renowned for its Native Alaskan heritage, with the largest collection of totem poles in the world at locations like Totem Bight State Historical Park and Saxman Native Village. Visitors can explore the scenic Misty Fiords National Monument and the historic Creek Street boardwalk.
List of Major Cities in Alaska
City
Population
Location
Area (Square Miles)
Notable Features
Anchorage
291,000
South-Central Alaska
1,944
Largest city in Alaska; major hub for business, transport, and culture; close to Chugach State Park
Fairbanks
32,000
Interior Alaska
32.7
Known for Northern Lights viewing, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and military presence
Juneau
32,000
Southeast Alaska
3,254
State capital; accessible only by air or sea; nearby Mendenhall Glacier
Wasilla
10,000
South-Central Alaska
13.6
Commercial center of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley; gateway to recreational areas
Nome
3,800
Seward Peninsula, Bering Sea
21.5
Historic gold rush town; finish line for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Utqiagvik (Barrow)
4,400
Northern Alaska, Arctic Ocean
21
Northernmost U.S. city; unique polar climate and cultural significance for the Inupiat people
Ketchikan
8,300
Southeast Alaska, Revillagigedo Island
5.9
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”; popular cruise ship destination
Palmer
6,000
Matanuska-Susitna Valley
3.8
Famous for agriculture, Alaska State Fair, and scenic views of Pioneer Peak
Homer
5,700
South-Central Alaska, Kachemak Bay
22.4
Known for arts and fishing; the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World”
Bethel
6,300
Western Alaska, Kuskokwim River
44.5
Serves as a regional hub for remote villages; accessible primarily by air
Kodiak
6,100
Kodiak Island, Gulf of Alaska
4.9
Largest island in Alaska; major fishing port and home to Kodiak bears
Valdez
4,000
Prince William Sound
277.1
Major oil terminal; known for scenic fjords and outdoor activities
Sitka
8,500
Southeast Alaska, Baranof Island
4,815
Historic city with Russian heritage; surrounded by the Tongass National Forest
