JUNEAU -- Many communities in Southeast Alaska have seen population declines for a decade or more, but there appears to be a turnaround.

New estimates released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Research and Analysis Section show that all of Southeast saw growth at above the statewide average of 1.7 percent.

The Juneau Empire says local officials can't always explain it.

New population estimates show Prince of Wales Island's Hydaburg was the region's fastest-growing city of any size, adding 8 percent to its population. City Administrator Adrian LeCornu says he doesn't know what caused it other than Hydaburg being an attractive place to live.

Thorne Bay, Klawock and Port Protection also are growing rapidly.