This data was made as part of the Alaska Northern Test Case Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. The purpose is to document population change among Alaska communities. For decades (1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010) the data is US census data. For other years the data is from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Research and Analysis Section; U.S. Census Bureau.
http://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/pop/
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development population estimates are based on PFD census ratios.
They use the ratio of PFD applicants in 2010 to the 2010 Census household population as the basis for estimating the population in intercensal years.