Recent economic analyses have named Soldotna the poorest town in Alaska for 2024. This ranking is based on key economic factors such as median household income and poverty rates.
With a population of about 4,394, Soldotna has the second-lowest median household income in the state and the highest poverty rate among cities in Alaska with more than 2,000 residents. The town’s economic struggles can largely be attributed to low-paying jobs and a lack of employment opportunities.
Economic Struggles in Soldotna
Soldotna’s situation stands out when compared to other cities in Alaska. While neighborhoods in Anchorage, such as Mountain View, also experience significant poverty, Soldotna remains the poorest incorporated city in the state for 2024. Despite being a larger city, it faces the challenges of a low median income and a high poverty rate.
Comparison with Remote Villages
While remote villages like Chevak, Goodnews Bay, Nunapitchuk, and Akiak face similarly high poverty rates and limited job opportunities, Soldotna’s position at the bottom for 2024 is notable.
These villages, though struggling economically, are not incorporated cities and often have even fewer resources available for economic improvement. Soldotna’s ranking highlights the economic disparity between rural villages and more established cities in the state.
Sources:
1. https://mywaynecountynow.com/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-wyoming/
2. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/poorest-cities-every-us-state-130000229.html
3. https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-alaska/
