eneration Z is coming to rescue the Alaska Panhandle. At least, twentysomethings are a demographic bright spot, in contrast to a gloomy population trend facing Southeast. The region lost 1 percent of its population from 2022 to 2023 (the latest year with complete data), but adults aged 20 to 29 increased by 3 percent. That’s barely more than 200 individuals; twice as many aged 15 and younger moved away from Southeast, comprising the bulk of the population decrease.

These findings come from an economic report by the Southeast Conference, a regional development organization. Since statehood, the Southeast Conference has given voice to the challenges and opportunities of Panhandle communities. Looming large as both a challenge and opportunity is the reliance on the state ferry system, as described this month in “Alaska Marine Highway Update” by Alexandra Kay. The executive director of the Southeast Conference, Robert Venables, appreciates the pivot toward greater certainty, stating in the annual report, “While we are ecstatic about the large federal investments in mariculture and now heat pumps, we are even more pleased to see the future of [Alaska Marine Highway System] come into focus.”

Southeast has transformed repeatedly within the lifetime of current residents. This month’s article on “Tongass Trading Company” by Katie Pesznecker recounts Ketchikan’s evolution from Gold Rush town to fish cannery to timber mill to cruise ship destination, and that microcosm extends all along the Alexander Archipelago and into Juneau, Haines, and Skagway. This edition of Alaska Trends illustrates the latest snapshot from the Southeast Conference and its research analyst Rain Coast Data. Through successive industries and shifting demographics, the region remains resilient.