Juneau has been the focal point of Alaska’s rich history since the gold rush days of the late 1800s. Planning on relocating to Juneau? Here is a city profile. Juneau’s population is aging. According to U.S. census statistics, the median age of the citizenry has risen to 36.8, almost four years above the state average. People between 40 and 49 make up 19.1% of the Juneau’s population in contrast to 15.4% of U.S. residents in that category. On the other hand, the 20 to 29-year-old group has dropped to 11%, nearly three points below those living nationwide. The racial profile of Juneau shows 73.3% of its population is white non-hispanic, with 16.6% American Indian. If you are considering relocating to Juneau, the good news is the average paycheck of a Juneau resident is well above the U.S. average, and the rest of Alaska for that matter. Household income is $62,034 with nearly half of the city’s workforce coming from federal, state and local employment. Per capita personal income for 2003 was 11% higher than the rest of southeast Alaska, almost 10% higher than the state overall. On average, employees in Juneau earn $36,437 while the rest of the southeast earns $33,185. Workers across the U.S. average $31,470 yearly. Government employees account for 7,692 jobs, or 44% of all employment in Juneau. The relatively higher cost of living is one down side, as with many other areas of Alaska. This is largely due to the lack of affordable housing. Houses on average are valued at $195,100, while renters pay an estimated at $859 monthly. relocating to Juneau is like relocating into history. Housing and jobs were nowhere to be found in 1880 when gold miners first staked their claims throughout the territory that became Juneau. Discoveries along the coast from Windum Bay to Berners Bay led to the founding of the city established in 1900. It became the first town after the U.S. purchase of the state territory from Russia. For more than 60 years gold mining dominated the identity of Juneau and influenced its growth. The last of the large mines closed in 1944. With increased population spurred by statehood in 1959, the Mendenhall Valley was suburbanized like other U.S. cities. Today, Juneau’s economy is influenced by many global factors, primarily by the oil industry with the Alaskan pipeline. A popular destination is downtown Juneau, as it looks historically much the way it did in the old mining days. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center built in 1962 is very popular destination for tourists. Each year, 900,000 cruise ship passengers embark Juneau’s shores. Many travelers can take a week-long cruise to the Inside Passage of Alaska. One of several colorful towns on Alaska's Inside Passage, there are miles of pristine forest land, waterfalls, fishing vessels and ice-capped mountains to see. If traveling by car, the city is connected by the Alaska Highway to the lower 48 states. You can plan for a very long trip. The highway alone stretches over 2,200 miles. Located in Alaska’s panhandle, Juneau’s city and borough span 3,250 square miles. Approximately 90% of that is water or rugged mountains and glacial ice caps. The town is nestled between Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. The towering mountains make for a visually dramatic backdrop. The coastal mountain range can reach upwards of 4,000 feet along the water. Bordered on the east by the Canada, three major inlets enter the mainland area and feature numerous islands. When relocating to Juneau, you need to know about the weather. Juneau is cold, but not like you might imagine when you think of Alaska. Juneau’s climate is fairly mild and warmer than other parts of the state because of the Japanese Current. Temperatures on average reach 65 degrees in July and 20 degrees during the coldest month, January. With or without a jacket, there will be much to see and do in this historical part of the country should you decide to move there.
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