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The Bethel Census Area in Alaska has an annual GDP of approximately 782 million dollars, translating to a GDP per capita of about 42,207 dollars. This reflects a modest growth rate of 2.5% over the last year, although the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past 13 years has been negative at -0.92%. The region's economy is heavily reliant on the service sector, which contributes 64.3% to its GDP, while goods-producing industries account for only 4.2%. In comparison to the state of Alaska, which has a higher GDP per capita of 89,408 dollars and a negative growth rate of -1.4%, Bethel's economic performance is relatively stable. However, it lags behind more urbanized areas like Anchorage, which boasts a GDP per capita of 95,672 dollars, indicating a significant disparity in economic vitality within the state.
The Bethel Census Area in Alaska exhibits a notably low employment rate of 60.9% for individuals aged 20-64, significantly below the state average of 69.3% and the national average of 73.8%. However, it boasts a high employment rate of 85% for those with a Bachelor's degree, indicating that higher education is a strong asset in this region. The area also has a relatively high employment rate of 74.1% among Black residents, which is above the national average of 57.2% and the state average of 59.6%. Despite these strengths, the overall employment landscape remains challenging, particularly for high school graduates, where the rate is only 58.9%, lower than both state and national figures. Comparatively, Bethel's employment metrics highlight a unique dichotomy of educational attainment versus broader employment opportunities, reflecting the region's economic complexities.
The Bethel Census Area in Alaska exhibits significant economic challenges compared to both state and national averages. With a mean household income of $64,094 and a median household income of $85,288, Bethel lags behind Alaska's state averages of $86,370 and $110,602, respectively. The income per capita in Bethel is notably low at $25,859, reflecting a higher concentration of households earning less than $20,000 (16.5%) compared to the state (9.5%) and national averages (12.1%). The Gini index of 0.4603 indicates a moderate level of income inequality, which is higher than the state average of 0.4304. This economic landscape suggests that Bethel faces unique challenges, likely influenced by its remote location and reliance on specific industries, contrasting sharply with more prosperous areas like Anchorage and Juneau.