Census Data Shows Alaska Is a Popular State for Texas Migrants

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — U.S. Census data shows that more people move to Alaska from Texas than from any other state.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports than an estimated 3,172 new Alaskans per year came from Texas between 2009 and 2013.

State Demographer Eddie Hunsinger says the census data isn't perfect, but it's consistent: Texas, Washington and California trade off the top spot on the list for Alaska migrants.

The majority of newcomers age 16 and older work in the labor force, according to a report on census data from the Alaska Department of Labor. Military personnel and higher education students also each make up 16 percent of the migrants.

Hunsinger says Texas' large population plays a factor in its top spot. The state also has a significant military population and a large petroleum industry.