For the first time in seven years, Petersburg’s population increased in 2018. That’s according to the latest estimates from the Alaska Department of Labor. The Petersburg borough population was estimated to be 3,198 people in July of 2018, up 61 people from the year before.
Petersburg has been losing population since 2011. With the increase, the borough is back up to the population level from 2014. Most of the increase comes from people moving into the community from elsewhere. But the borough also saw a natural increase, with six more people being born than dying in the community.
The Haines borough, Wrangell, Ketchikan and an area including Hoonah and Angoon also showed increases in people last year. Overall the region as a whole saw a continued loss of people. Statewide the population also dropped slightly last year.
The department produces annual estimates using census data and Permanent Fund dividend applications.
