The Local Economy

Wrangell's economy has always been primarily a natural resource based economy: focusing mostly on mining, timber harvesting and manufacturing, and fishing and seafood processing. More recently, tourism has played a much larger role in Wrangell's economic structure, as it has all over Alaska. Today, Wrangell's economy is still primarily based on utilization of the surrounding natural resources.

Wrangell's economy has suffered boom and bust cycles in the past – from the gold rush days, through fishing ups and downs, and in more recent history, changes in national policy and environmental issues affecting the timber industry. We as a community are working to diversify, enhancing our existing business sectors and continually improving on basic infrastructure needs to benefit not only residents but also business opportunists. There is plenty of opportunity in Wrangell, for individual entrepreneurs and companies. Land is available for purchase.

If you are interested in receiving a business development portfolio, please complete our online form. Please include your name, business name, phone, fax, and particular area of interest and we will send you the necessary information.