Despite more people moving out of Alaska than moving in, the state's overall population actually grew slightly between 2014 and 2015, according to new state estimates.

Alaska's population increased by 271 people between July 2014 and July 2015, according to population estimates released Thursday by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. That brings the state's new estimated population to 737,625, with growth in 11 of Alaska's 29 boroughs and census areas.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough grew the most, adding 1,801 people. Anchorage, meanwhile, lost 1,458 people -- a larger dip than any other area -- dropping the city below 300,000 citizens to an estimated population of 298,908.

Overall, 6,774 more people moved out of Alaska during the time period than moved into the state. There were also 11,327 births between 2014 and 2015 but only 4,282 deaths, leading to a natural increase of 7,045 people.

"It is highly likely that the net out-migration growth is due to relatively more favorable employment opportunities outside Alaska than in Alaska," said Gunnar Knapp, director and professor of economics at the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

This marks the third year in a row that more people left the state than arrived here.