The Kenai Peninsula Borough showed growth in the latest census population estimates, despite Alaska’s overall population declined.
From 2010 to 2013 Alaska’s population grew from 710,231 to 735,662 but the 2014 estimates were 735, 601.
While that is only a loss of 61 people in on year, the trend is notable due to the first decline in 25 years.
Population changes are made up of three things according to Alaska Demographer Eddie Hunsinger: births, deaths and net migration.
In that year from July 2013 to July 2014 net migration produced a loss of nearly 7,500 people.
As far as age profiles, Demographer Dean Howell said one is making a difference.
Howell: “The biggest change in demographic is going to be this aging of the baby boomer generation.”
From 2010 to 2014 the 45 to 49 year-old population declined by nearly 8,500 people and, in step with that trend, the 55 plus population increased dramatically by about 28,000.
The 65 plus population increased by 29 percent at 16,000.
The Kenai Peninsula added 400 people overall in those four years. Besides substantial growth in Seward from the Spring Creek Correctional Facility, the K-Beach and Ridgeway areas showed significant growth.