I lived there for almost three years, some time in villages off the coast. Alcoholism and cabin fever claim a lot of people. Be prepared. An incredibly beautiful state, great wildlife. But tough as nails in the bush.
Average stay is about three years. Alaska is good to some, but not to all. As I was driving up to Alaska I met a family driving out. They wished me luck but they weren't happy at all.
I was impressed with the tanacity and self sufficiency of many who I met or encountered. The 73 year old man who took me on a 6 hour drift boat trip said he did 2 trrips per day during the peak season, guided hunts during hunting season, built drift boats and produced videos in his off season.