Location and Climate
The Borough is comprised of the lush farmlands of the
Matanuska and Susitna Valleys, approximately 42 miles northeast of Anchorage. It
lies at approximately 61.600000° North Latitude and -149.100000° West Longitude
. The area encompasses 24,681.5 sq. miles of land and 578.3 sq. miles of water.
The average temperatures in January range from 6 to 14; in July, 47 to 67.
Annual precipitation is 16.5 inches.
History, Culture and Demographics
By 1920, gold, coal mining, and construction of the
Alaska railroad sustained the local population. The Matanuska Valley was settled
by homesteaders who led an agricultural lifestyle in the 1930s. Construction of
the statewide road system and the rich farmlands fueled population growth.
Today, Borough residents enjoy a more rural lifestyle close to metropolitan
Anchorage.
The population of the community consists of 8.6% Alaska
Native or part Native. Low housing costs, the rural lifestyle, and a reasonable
commute to Anchorage for employment and services has made the Mat-Su Borough one
of the fastest growing areas of Alaska in recent years.
Communities located within the Borough include:
Big Lake, Buffalo Soapstone, Butte,
Chase, Chickaloon, Farm Loop, Fishhook, Gateway, Glacier View, Houston, Knik
River, Knik-Fairview, Lake Louise, Lakes, Lazy Mountain, Meadow Lakes, Palmer,
Petersville, Point MacKenzie, Skwentna, Susitna, Sutton-Alpine, Talkeetna,
Tanaina, Trapper Creek, Wasilla, Willow and Y.
Economy and Transportation
The economy is diverse, and residents are employed in a
variety of retail, professional services, city, borough, state and federal
occupations. Top employers are Mat-Su Schools, Valley Hospital, Wal-Mart,
Carrs/Safeway and Fred Meyer. About one-third of the Borough's labor force
commutes to Anchorage for employment. 244 borough residents hold commercial
fishing permits.
The area accesses both the Glenn and George Parks
Highways. Commercial airlines serve the nearby Anchorage International Airport,
but a local municipal airport supports private and chartered services. The
Alaska Railroad provides for delivery of ocean freight
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