10 Alaska Towns Where Getting Out Is Harder Than Getting In

From the air, an Alaska town can look almost impossibly permanent. But beyond the cruise ships and the fishing industry, the reality is that some communities are quietly slipping away. In this video, we explore the real reasons why people leave small Alaska towns and what keeps the rest of the population there. We compare the 2020 census data with the state's official 2025 estimates to see where residents are moving and why. Is it a lack of jobs? The high cost of living? Or something deeper, like family, culture, or a deep connection to the land? For communities like Huna, the contrast between the busy cruise ship season and the quiet winter months tells a different story than the headlines suggest. As we countdown the numbers, we look at regional hubs and fishing villages that are losing people but remaining central to the lives of those who stay. Some towns rely on a world-famous salmon fishery, while others are struggling to maintain year-round services. We also hear from those who remain, explaining that even with fewer residents, the sense of purpose and community ties keep them rooted. Timestamps: 0:00 An Impossibly Permanent Town 3:34 A Shrinking Wrangel 5:00 Number Eight: Dillingham 7:04 Number Seven: Cordova 10:30 Historical Sitka Landscape 11:53 Number Four: Ketchikan 14:45 Roads and Systems in Kotzebue 18:18 Kotzebue: A Transport Hub It is not just about the numbers. It is about what is being preserved. These towns carry fisheries, ports, cultural histories, and families who are determined to keep them alive. Which of these communities surprised you? If you live in one, tell us what the numbers leave out. And if there is another Alaska town whose population story deserves a closer look, share it below. The most important question is not only who has left—it is what the people who remain are determined to keep alive.