Economy Profile

Fairbanks North Star Borough

TSAC-CFD-02090

Snapshot

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GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 6803651
AVG Real Growth (2017-2022)
-0.78 %
Unemployment Rate (May, 2024)
4 %
Labor Force Size
45881
Number of Businesses
2421
Average Annual Wage
$ 66401

Economy Structure

Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.

GDP

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, has an annual GDP of approximately 6.8 billion dollars, with a GDP per capita of about 70,651 dollars. The region experienced a GDP growth rate of -2% in the last year, reflecting a decline that contrasts with the national growth rate of 1.9% and the state's negative growth of -1.4%. Over the past 13 years, Fairbanks has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.78%, indicating a long-term economic stagnation. The borough's economy is heavily influenced by government contributions, which account for 35.2% of its GDP, significantly higher than the national average of 11.4%. Compared to other Alaskan counties, Fairbanks has a relatively high GDP but lower per capita income than Anchorage and Juneau, highlighting its unique economic challenges and reliance on government sectors.

GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 6803651
GDP Per Capita
$ 70651
GDP Growth Rate (2022)
-2 %
Average Growth Rate (2017-2022)
-0.78 %
Goods Producing Contribution (%)
14.6%
Service Providing Contribution (%)
50.3%
Goverment Contribution
35.2%
GDP Historical Growth Rate
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis | CAGDP2, CAGDP11
GDP by Sectors
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis | CAGDP2, CAGDP11
GDP Growth by Sectors
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis | CAGDP11

Monthly Employment

Total Labor Force
45881
Labor Force Growth
0.05%
Unemployment
1823
Unemployment Rate
4%
Unemployment Rate
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment Profile

Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK, exhibits an employment rate of 63.1% for individuals aged 20-64, which is notably lower than the state average of 69.3% and significantly below the national average of 73.8%. The employment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree stands at 75.7%, also trailing behind Alaska's 80% and the national figure of 84.3%. High school graduates in Fairbanks have a 59.3% employment rate, which is lower than both the state (64.9%) and national (67.9%) averages. Interestingly, the borough has a higher employment rate of 13.9% for those aged 75 and older compared to the state (8.2%) and national (6.8%) figures, indicating a potentially unique demographic trend. Overall, Fairbanks lags behind other Alaskan counties like Anchorage and Juneau, which have higher employment rates across various educational levels.

Employment Rate (20-64 y.o.)
63.1%
Employment Rate (with Bachelor's Degree)
75.7%
Employment Rate (75+ y.o.)
13.9%
Employment Rate (Black)
56.8%
Employment Rate (Female)
68.5%
Employment Rate by Segment
Source: Census.gov | S2301
Employent Rate Comparison
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment by Sectors

Number of Companies
2421
Number of Employment
36145
Annual Average Wages
$ 66401
Wage CAGR (2010-2022)
Goods-producing (avg pay)
$ 96786
Service-providing (avg pay)
$ 56897
Historical Annual Average Wage
Source: BLS
Number of Establishments
Source: BLS
Company Indicators
Source: BLS

Income

Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK, exhibits a mean household income of $81,655 and a median household income of $107,852, positioning it slightly below the state averages of $86,370 and $110,602, respectively. The income per capita stands at $42,744, which is also lower than Alaska's average of $42,828. Notably, 11.4% of households earn over $200,000, indicating a relatively affluent segment, while 8.6% fall below $20,000, suggesting some economic disparity. Compared to other counties in Alaska, Fairbanks performs better than Kenai Peninsula Borough but lags behind Anchorage Municipality and Juneau City, which have higher income levels and lower poverty rates. This data highlights Fairbanks as a region with moderate income levels and a diverse economic landscape, reflecting both opportunities and challenges.

Household Income (Mean)
$ 81655
Household Income (Median)
$ 107852
Per Capita Income
$ 42744
Per Capita Income Growth (2010-2022)
40.6 %
Gini Index
0.4242*
Poverty Rate
6.9 %
Per Capita Income
Source: Census.gov | B19301
Income Distribution by Household
Source: Census.gov