How Big is Alaska Compared to the US? Alaska Size Comparisons

Alaska spans approximately 665,384 square miles, making it the largest state in the United States, over twice the size of Texas. Its sheer size is highlighted by its ability to cover more land area than Texas, California, and Montana combined.

Introduction

When you set out to move to Alaska, it's about a lot more than just moving logistics. You must grasp the enormity of the vast land of Alaska you're heading to. Alaska is incredibly huge. It covers approximately 665,384 square miles, making it the largest state in the United States. That's a size that dwarfs the second-largest state, Texas, by covering an area about 2.5 times bigger, and it towers over the combined area of the next three largest states: Texas, California, and Montana.

Tip

Considering the vastness of Alaska in your relocation plans can help you better prepare for the logistical challenges.

To understand the scale of Alaska, consider that it is larger than many countries, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, and it exceeds 179 countries across the globe that have United Nations recognition. Of course, only 15 countries can match or exceed Alaska's size in terms of land area. And yet, in this enormous expanse, we find just 731,545 residents, meaning that Alaska has a remarkably low population density.

Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Alaska has a lot more to offer than mere magnitude. Its 6,640-mile-long coastline makes up half of the U.S. coastline. And then there are the lakes—over 3 million of them—and the rivers—about 3,000—that make moving and storing things a real challenge in the state. That challenge leads to introverted or extroverted solutions, depending on what you're trying to move and where you're trying to put it.

When thinking about the relocation to Alaska, one must consider not just the space but also the natural beauty and the logistical issues associated with it. Nature's vanity in Alaska is pure and simple—its natural beauty is breathtaking. Still, even beyond the natural beauty lies the need to consider what it means to logistically be part of such a huge and wild state for a lifetime.

Alaska's Size in the US Context

If you're considering a move to Alaska, you need to understand not just its size but also its geographical wonders. Alaska is far and away the largest state in the Union, stretching approximately 665,384 square miles. Comparisons with familiar states serve to impress and underscore this vastness. Alaska is about 2.5 times larger than Texas and more than four times larger than California. The area that encompasses Alaska is filled with a number of unique features, both natural and human-made, that pose special challenges to the way that life is lived in Alaska.

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Alaska's land area is extensive enough to cover the combined territories of Texas and California.

When we explore these comparisons further, we find that Alaska's land area could easily cradle the combined territories of Texas and California. In addition, the state's sprawling geography encompasses more than 6,640 miles of coastline—almost half of the total coastal space in the United States—hugging its vast reach into the Pacific and Arctic Oceans.

This vast territory presents an astonishing counterpoint. Despite Alaska's size, it is one of the smallest when it comes to population. Around 731,545 people live in the state—a figure that has remained relatively constant in recent years. The population density hovers at about 1.1 individuals per square mile. In many ways, that's a good thing, especially if you treasure peace and quiet, as the state's remoteness guarantees that you'll hardly see a neighbor. On the other hand, not a lot of people in Alaska means some pretty significant challenges for the folks considering a move to the "Last Frontier."

The unusual geography here enables a way of life that is close to nature. Huge mountains, like Denali, and a long chain of islands, like the Aleutians, make for the natural beauty we see every day. Our vast wilderness and isolation let us choose not just a home but an adventure, a less-traveled path.

Whether you're drawn to its unmatched natural beauty or the opportunity for a fresh start, understanding the scale of Alaska is key to appreciating the experience it offers.

Global Comparisons

Alaska's sheer size becomes apparent when we compare it to other places around the world. If you were to superimpose Alaska over Europe, you'd find that Europe encompasses an area about 6.87 times larger than that of Alaska. Furthermore, Alaska's total land mass covers a region of about 1,723,000 square kilometers. Thus, we can say that Europe is about 6.87 times larger than Alaska.

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Comparing Alaska's size to Europe highlights its substantial land area relative to global standards.

Alaska has a firm hold on its status as the largest state in America. It is bigger than a number of large countries; the combined area of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom doesn't equal Alaska's area. Its total area is around 663,267 square miles, give or take a few. If it were to be considered a country in and of itself, it would rank as the 18th largest in the world—bigger than 179 countries that are recognized by the United Nations, according to Sea France Holidays.

Alaska's size is something that can be difficult to comprehend, but it is a reality that impresses itself upon the observer in any number of ways. For one, Alaska covers more total territory than the largest three U.S. states—Texas, California, and Montana—combined. This singular scale of Alaska commands attention and respect, of course, when we talk about U.S. geography; there are simply very few landforms this side of a mountain range that can rival it. And then, too, there are the numbers—Alaska covers about 21% of the lower 48 states.

Alaska's vastness is not just a matter of academics; it truly matters for anyone contemplating a relocation to this northern wilderness. Take, for instance, the very basic need for moving and storage services when making sudden and not-so-sudden life changes. The companies that provide these essential services must themselves contend with a wild and enormous working environment. What's it like to run such a business? Or be a client of said business? Or, hey, what if you're already up in Alaska and have to deal with recent developments in the working world?

This vastness beckons to those considering a move to its incredible size and distinctive features.

Water vs. Land Area

Alaska's true geographic distinction comes not just from its sheer landmass but also from the vast quantity of water that fills its nooks and crannies. In all, Alaska spans 665,384 square miles. But of that, 94,743 square miles is outright water—rivers, lakes, and the like. That's 14.2 percent of the state's total area, which makes Alaska, not surprisingly, the state with the largest water area in the country. By contrast, Michigan—sometimes referred to as the Water Wonderland—has only 40,175 square miles of water, a figure that begs for some context. This makes it the state with the largest water area in the U.S. and vastly larger than Michigan's 40,175 square miles of water, showcasing the significant role water plays in Alaska's geographical identity.

Fact

Alaska has the largest water area of any state, reinforcing its unique geographic identity.

Alaska is home to approximately 12,000 rivers and more than 3 million lakes that measure larger than five acres. This abundance means not just a visually stunning experience of natural splendor for the state's residents and visitors but also something much more crucial: All those waterways make the state an easier and safer place in which to live. Major rivers such as the Yukon are vitally important for personal and commercial transportation, serving folks who live in the many isolated communities around the state.

Despite having the largest water area, Alaska ranks lower in the percentage of water area compared to states like Michigan and Hawaii, which lead with 41.5% and 41.2% respectively. By this measurement, also used in geography classes across America, Alaska ranks 48th.

Grasping the impact of water on Alaska's topography helps to explain why potential Alaska movers view it as both a tempting and a daunting prospect. The huge bodies of water present enormous problems for the provision of moving and storage services, and this offers an opportunity to see how those services have been adapted to an environment that is anything but typical. Once you're in, the area where you live promises both unrivaled natural beauty and the bitter cold of winter that lasts half the year.

Alaska's Coastline and Population

The extensive coastline of Alaska—66,000 miles long, the longest of any state in the United States—offers a unique ecological and economic resource. The state's coastal areas range from glacial fjords to active volcanoes to sprawling deltas. But the coastline also poses a series of natural challenges. Weather along the coast can turn gray and stormy without much warning. Ocean conditions can be treacherous. The state's ongoing studies are crucial for gauging and managing both the serious coastal problems noted above and those arising from climate change—from coastal erosion to just plain wetland management.

Tip

Staying informed about coastal changes can better prepare residents and businesses for potential challenges.

Alaska's coastal communities are home to 83% of the state's population. These areas, with their low population density, create a unique way of life. The unfettered spread of communities across cobbled-together islands of the interior leads to a series of up-close, out-of-the-way, and often public modes of transportation that make getting around Alaska a venture. While the lack of an extensive road system may make life seem remote, the Alaska Railroad is a lifeline for many—carrying approximately 500,000 passengers annually and offering one of the last flag stop routes in the country.

More than 35% of the overall U.S. coastline is Alaska's coastline. Stretching across hugely diverse geographic regions and a whopping 6,640 miles (10,688 km) from the Aleutian Islands to the Gulf of Alaska, with many spectacular natural features in between, Alaska's coastline is home to ecosystems of great variety. Very few places in the world see the kind of spectacular biodiversity that occurs in Alaska. And virtually nowhere else can you find such a radical change from one community of ecosystems to another, as you move even a short distance along the Alaska coastline.

Distinct Regions of Alaska

Alaska's tremendous size and geography help shape the exceptional diversity that defines the state. Its five main regions each offer their own distinctive landscapes and ways of life. Exploring even a few of the many localities within these regions reveals not only the natural beauty that is Alaska's hallmark but also the cultural richness that enhances this great state.

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Exploring the distinct regions of Alaska offers a glimpse into its unique cultural and natural landscapes.

Half of Alaska’s population resides in the Southcentral region, where the state’s largest city, Anchorage, calls home. This area is a beautiful blend of urbanity and nature. You can find a variety of outdoor activities in the adventuring the Kenai Peninsula offers. At its south end are the astounding Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike, and the magnificent Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, where you can explore many breathtaking spaces.

The coastal areas of the Southeast take the appearance of a rainforest. The capital city of Alaska, Juneau, rests here amidst gigantic mountains and enormous rainforests. This part of the state has a long and deeply ingrained indigenous history and is rich with biodiversity; one might easily spot a deer or a salmon, for instance, or glimpse one of the region's famous tidewater glaciers.

Venture to the Southwest for a sampling of untamed Alaska, where the land is breathtaking and diverse. Beautiful largely in solitude, it’s a real outdoorsman’s paradise. But, Kayaking Alaska offers access to a wilderness where the wildlife scene is nearly constant, from sea lions barking outrageously in one cove to the grizzly bears seen in another. If rivers in the interior are your thing, paddling the Copper River will take you through a genuinely wild landscape.

Taking a trip to the Interior Alaska will give a person the true essence of this immense state. The interior is home to Denali National Park and Fairbanks, two places that serve as launching points for both natural and manmade adventures. Fairbanks, with its medieval-themed tourist attractions, is a unique feature of the interior, while Denali lets us tap into a more pristine wilderness. The two might even be precisely what our naturalist ancestors might have envisioned us doing or visiting.

Explore the Far North Arctic region, where the landscape unfolds in tundra and Arctic coastal form. There you find the resilient Iñupiaq people, as well as unique wildlife that thrives in this harsh climate.

When you think about moving to Alaska, every part of the state offers its own unique kind of natural beauty and a different way of life. Each region adds its own colors and strokes to the picture of what makes this state the last frontier.

Conclusion

When pondering a relocation to this remarkable state, the sheer enormity and unique character of Alaska make an indelible impression. The U.S. holds sway over a landmass of 3.5 million square miles, generously peppering it with 50 states. Still, among all those states, Alaska stands the undisputed largest, taking up 663,267 square miles — and it gives them an inside look at its very distinct features. The area it occupies is more than two times the size of Texas, and it’s bigger than the combined area of California and Montana.

"That's size alone, but it also offers a palette of colors and shapes that the next-largest contender can't touch."

Alaska's varied ecosystems present unmatched chances for exploration and adventure. Its rich wildlife—from the polar bears and caribou of the north to the bald eagles that soar along the state's extensive coastline—thrives in the many habitats layered across the state, from the tundra to temperate rainforests. Even within the confines of "urban" Alaska, close to 80 million acres of national parks and wildlife refuges promise boundless opportunities for residents to play outside.

Economically, Alaska's large size supports a robust oil and natural gas industry, contributing to high income levels for its residents. The Alaska Permanent Fund is an innovative approach to what you can do with resource riches, providing annual payouts to residents that are noteworthy. Despite its expansive nature, Alaska's low population density presents unique challenges for moving and storage services, as moving and storage are still serious concerns for an economy that has lots of mineral rights and a half-dozen frontier towns.

In the end, Alaska's incomparable dimensions and features make it a captivating place for movers to consider. It presents not just stunning natural scenery but also one-of-a-kind economic opportunities that you won't find elsewhere in the United States. That makes it an undeniably compelling choice for anyone contemplating a bold relocation decision.

FAQ

How large is Alaska compared to other US states?

With an area of around 665,384 square miles, Alaska is the biggest state in the U.S. It is about 2.5 times the size of Texas and more than four times the size of California. In fact, when you look at the size of Alaska, it is larger than the combined area of Texas, California, and Montana.

How does Alaska compare in size to other countries?

Many countries are smaller than Alaska, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. With only 15 countries larger than it, Alaska is bigger than 179 UN-recognized countries, making it the 18th largest in land area if it were to rank as a country.

What is the population density of Alaska?

With a roughly 731,545 residents, Alaska has an incredibly sparse population. Its density amounts to approximately 1.1 individuals per square mile. This is not only a function of the state's sheer size but also of the truly challenging and often inhospitable living conditions found within it. Its terrain is not just rugged or hilly, but also high and steeply divided, with many of its valleys and basins lying at dangerous or dead-end heights.

How significant is Alaska's coastline?

The coastline of Alaska extends for 6,640 miles, reaching almost half of the total coastline of the United States. Its coastal features are many and varied; they include glacial fjords, volcanoes, and deltas. The ecological diversity along Alaska's coast is as pure and unique as any place on the planet. And, at numerous points along the way, you can stand on the edge of the world and look out across the Pacific Ocean.

What role does water play in Alaska's geography?

A critical aspect of Alaska's geography is water, of which the state has almost 95,000 square miles—more than 14% of its total area. This vast expanse of water includes a staggering 12,000 rivers and over 3 million lakes, each at least five acres in size. These bodies of water serve an important function in the state, one that is even more critical considering the next-to-no road and rail infrastructure across much of Alaska: They are the highways and byways for remote communities and the almost half of the vital workforce that uses boats instead of vehicles.

What are the distinct regions of Alaska?

Five quite different regions make up Alaska. Southcentral, Southeast, Southwest, Interior Alaska, and the Far North each have their own appeal. Southcentral is urban yet 'natural.' One can walk in the woods or go on wild animal safaris right in town. Southeast offers a lot of coastal beauty but is only reachable by boat or plane. Southwest is one of the least populated and most secluded parts of the state, because it is so remote. Interior Alaska is known for its dramatic extremes of cold and heat, while the Far North is all about tundra and coastline.

What economic opportunities does Alaska offer?

The oil and natural gas industry in Alaska is highly developed and contributes a robust income to the citizens of the state. In addition, the Alaska Permanent Fund, which is a reflection of astute and innovative resource management, contributes to the overall economic health of the state. Despite these healthy appearances, Alaska's economy presents unique challenges due to its low overall GDP when compared to other states.