RSS
Home
Palin's homework
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Sarah Palin beams in happier times under the spotlight.
If you're still reeling from Sarah Palin's announcement that she's resigning from her post as Alaska's governor, you're not alone.
Pundits say her unpredictability is the one thing you can predict about her.
One of the biggest surprises last fall on the campaign trail was when she called Alaska "a microcosm of America."
She got that wrong.
Alaska is not a mini-U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Alaska's makeup is significantly different. It is less white and significantly less black (3.8% vs. 12.4% for the U.S.) and notably less Hispanic (5.5% vs. 14.7%). Not surprisingly, its share of Alaska Natives and American Indians is higher too (13.4% vs. 0.8%).
In Alaska, you'll encounter far fewer foreign-born residents. Just 6.7% are foreign born vs. 12.5% nationally.
From an earnings standpoint, Alaskans are better off than the rest of the country. Their median household income was about $62,000 vs. 50,000, based on census estimates for 2005-2007. Their homes for the same time period were more valuable, averaging $213,000 vs. $182,000 nationally. But they also may have to spend more to live in such a remote state. For example, they shelled out more money for their mortgages ($1,654 vs. $1,427).
Alaska does not mirror the U.S. as a whole.
| Characteristic | Alaska | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| White | 68.5% | 74.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.8% | 12.4% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 13.4% | 0.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 5.5% | 14.7% |
| Asian | 4.6% | 4.3% |
| Age 65+ | 6.7% | 12.5% |
| Foreign born | 6.7% | 12.5% |
Palin has not offered up many details about her plans, but she did say that she wanted to "make a positive difference and fight for all our childrens' future. That sure sounds like she is leaving the door open for a more national role.
If that's the case, she might want to add "learn more about America" to her to-do list.
Related Articles:
Comments
