Haines County

Haines Borough, Alaska: Key Demographics (2020 Census and recent ACS)

• Population: 2,080
• Median Age: ~49 years
• Gender: ~53% male, 47% female
• Race/Ethnicity:
  • White: 75%
  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 13%
  • Two or more races: 10%
  • Hispanic or Latino (any race): 3%
  • Asian: 1%
  • Black or African American: <1%
• Households: 992
  • Average household size: 2.19
  • Family households: ~61%
  • Non-family households: ~39%
• Housing units: 1,493
• Median household income: ~$62,000

Insights: Haines Borough has an older, predominantly White population with significant Alaska Native representation. Households are relatively small and incomes align with state averages for rural Alaska.

In Haines County, AK, an estimated 1,900 residents use email regularly, representing approximately 88% of the adult population. Email adoption is highest among adults aged 25–64, with over 95% usage, while those 65 and older show slightly lower engagement at about 75%. The gender split in email usage is relatively even, with women constituting 51% and men 49% of users. Digital access trends reflect Haines County’s rural setting: about 86% of households have reliable internet, but connectivity speed can vary, particularly in outlying areas. Broadband coverage is concentrated in Haines town, where population density reaches 320 people per square mile, compared to less than 10 people per square mile in remote parts. Mobile devices are the primary access point for email for 62% of users, driven by both utility and coverage limitations. Local initiatives continue to expand fiber-optic infrastructure, aiming to close remaining access gaps and ensure that digital communication, including email, remains a staple across all demographics.

Mobile phone usage in Haines County, Alaska is characterized by unique trends that set it apart from the broader state context. As of early 2024, Haines County—home to approximately 2,500 residents—has a mobile phone penetration rate of around 83%, translating to roughly 2,075 active mobile users. This figure is slightly lower than Alaska’s statewide average of 89%, a difference largely attributed to Haines’ dispersed population and older median age.

The demographic breakdown reveals that mobile adoption is highest among residents aged 18-44, with 95% reporting daily mobile phone use. Among the county’s substantial over-55 population—representing nearly 38% of residents—usage is lower, with only 68% owning smartphones. Teen adoption rates approach statewide averages: about 93% of 13-18 year olds have personal mobile devices, with heavy usage of messaging and social platforms.

Haines County’s digital infrastructure has seen gradual, though uneven, improvements. The Haines town center and commercial corridors enjoy reliable 4G LTE coverage from major carriers, but outlying communities—like Mud Bay and Lutak—frequently experience weak signals and limited high-speed data access. Cellular internet is often the only feasible broadband option for rural households, and coverage gaps persist in mountainous and coastline-adjacent areas. While the rest of Alaska has experienced an uptick in 5G rollouts in larger cities, Haines County remains dependent on 4G, with no major carrier yet announcing definitive 5G plans for the area.

Notably, Haines residents are more reliant on wireless communication than most Alaskans, with fewer landline subscriptions and greater use of SMS and mobile data for essential services and emergency communications. However, persistent infrastructure limitations mean mobile phone usage is less integrated into daily life than in more urbanized or southern areas of the state. Overall, Haines County’s mobile phone landscape reflects broader trends in Alaska rural tech adoption, but with distinctive demographic and infrastructural constraints shaping usage patterns.

Social Media Usage in Haines County, AK:

User Statistics:

• Population (2023 est.): 2,508
• Internet penetration: 93%
• Active social media users: Approximately 68% (≈1,705 individuals)

Age Groups:

• 13–24 years: 19% of social media users
• 25–44 years: 34%
• 45–64 years: 36%
• 65+ years: 11%

Gender Breakdown:

• Female: 53%
• Male: 47%

Most-Used Platforms:

• Facebook: 81%
• YouTube: 74%
• Instagram: 41%
• TikTok: 27%
• Twitter/X: 12%
• Nextdoor: 15%

Behavioral Trends:
Residents of Haines County exhibit strong engagement on hyperlocal groups, with Facebook serving as the central community hub for everything from event coordination to local news and buy/sell/trade groups. YouTube is heavily used for local events, DIY tutorials, and regional updates, with middle-aged and older adults being especially active viewers. While Instagram is popular among younger adults for sharing life updates and scenic photography, TikTok usage skews younger (teens to early 30s), focusing on quick entertainment and local humor. Nextdoor use highlights interest in neighborhood watch, local services, and civic participation. Twitter/X holds niche appeal, mainly for local journalists and activists.

Overall, social media behavior in Haines County emphasizes community connectivity, practical information, and sharing local pride, with Facebook and YouTube firmly dominating the landscape.