September Alaska Economic Trends

September Trends uses an original set of area definitions to allow comparisons among neighborhoods in Alaska’s largest city. The article examines the ages, occupancy, and costs of housing as well as the racial and ethnic makeup and income levels of various Anchorage areas. Also this month is a historical outline of Alaska’s water transportation system and a look at its importance to the economy despite its small slice of private jobs. A major part of Alaska’s water transportation, which is outside the scope of a private-sector analysis, is the state-owned Alaska Marine Highway System, which marks its 50th birthday this year. This month’s Trends examines the people who ride and work on the ferries.