Survey: Alaskans slightly more pessimistic about economy

Alaskans are slightly less confident about the state of the economy, according to the results of a new poll by Northern Economics and Alaska Survey Research.

The quarterly Alaska Confidence Index survey, a measure of Alaskans’ views of the economy and their own personal financial status, measured 51.9 points in the first quarter of the year. That’s down 2.6 points from the last quarter of 2017.

The results were reported Monday by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.

Scores above 50 points represent relative confidence, while scores below 50 represent a lack of confidence.

Since 2014, the index reached a high point above 60 points in the third quarter of 2014; it bottomed out below 50 in the first and second quarters of 2016. The poll has been conducted by Alaska Survey Research (formerly Ivan Moore Research) since 2010.

The most recent poll was conducted between March 25 and March 29 and involved calling 761 Alaskans 18 and older, with more than half of the calls going to cellphones. The margin of error is 3.6 percent.


• Contact reporter James Brooks at jbrooks@juneauempire.com or 523-2258.


More in News

The northern lights are seen from the North Douglas launch ramp late Monday, Jan. 19. A magnetic storm caused unusually bright northern lights Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. (Chloe Anderson/Juneau Empire)
Rare geomagnetic storm causes powerful aurora display in Juneau

The northern lights were on full display Monday evening.

Herbert River and Herbert Glacier are pictured on Nov. 16, 2025. (Mari Kanagy / Juneau Empire)
Forest Service drops Herbert Glacier cabin plans, proposes trail reroute and scenic overlook instead

The Tongass National Forest has proposed shelving long-discussed plans to build a… Continue reading

A tsunami is not expected after a 4.4-magnitude earthquake northwest of Anchorage Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (U.S. Geological Survey)
No tsunami expected after 4.4-magnitude earthquake in Alaska

U.S. Geological Survey says 179 people reported feeling the earthquake.

ORCA Adaptive Snowsports Program staff member Izzy Barnwell shows a man how to use the bi-ski. (SAIL courtesy photo)
Adaptive snow sports demo slides to Eaglecrest

Southeast Alaska Independent Living will be hosting Learn to Adapt Day on Feb. 21.

Cars drive aboard the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Hubbard on June 25, 2023, in Haines. (Photo by James Brooks)
Alaska’s ferry system could run out of funding this summer due to ‘federal chaos problem’

A shift in state funding could help, but a big gap likely remains unless a key federal grant is issued.

Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan stands with acting Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday during the after the commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard icebreaker Storis on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in Juneau, Alaska.
Coast Guard’s new Juneau base may not be complete until 2029, commandant says

Top Coast Guard officer says he is considering whether to base four new icebreakers in Alaska.

Students from the Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy program at Harborview Elementary School dance in front of elders during a program meeting in 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Sealaska adds more free Tlingit language courses

The new course is one of many Tlingit language courses offered for free throughout the community.

teaser
New Juneau exhibition explores art as a function of cultural continuity

“Gestures of Our Rebel Bodies” will remain on display at Aan Hít through May.

teaser
Juneau protestors urge lawmakers to defund Homeland Security after Minneapolis killings

Hundreds gathered hours before congressional delegation voted on whether to extend ICE funding.

Most Read