Matanuska Susitna Borough (Matanuska-Susitna Borough), Alaska

Matanuska Susitna Borough: Borough in Alaska, United States

About

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is a county located in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2010 census, the population was 88,995 and a population density of 1 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 110,213 inhabitants. Its county seat is Palmer. The county was created 60 years ago in 1963.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is located in southcentral Alaska and contains the Matanuska and Susitna river valleys. It covers an area of 25,259 square miles, making it larger than nine U.S. states. The borough was established in 1964 and the main population centers include Palmer, Wasilla, Big Lake, and Houston.

Geography and Climate

The borough has a diverse landscape including mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, and tundra. Major geographic features are the Alaska Range, Talkeetna Mountains, Chugach Mountains, Knik Glacier, Matanuska River, and Susitna River. The climate is continental with long, cold winters and short, warm summers.

Economy and Industries

The Mat-Su economy relies on natural resources. Major industries include agriculture, mining, oil and gas extraction, forestry, tourism, and transportation. The borough is known as the farming center of Alaska due to its fertile soil. It produces vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, carrots and potatoes.

Population and Culture

As of 2020, the population estimate for Mat-Su was 110,213. It is one of the fastest growing regions of Alaska. The area has a diverse population including Alaska Natives, as well as European and Asian immigrants. Popular yearly cultural events include the Alaska State Fair and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough locator map
Location of Matanuska-Susitna Borough on Alaska map.

Quick Facts about Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Population : 110,213 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Alaska (United States)
Area : 65423 km2
Water as percent of area : 2.6%
Land as percent of area : 97.4%
Named for : Matanuska-Susitna Valley
Altitude : 1,204 feet / 367 meters
Capital : Palmer
Establishment : January 01, 1964
Time Zone : Alaska Time Zone
Local time : 09:14:26 (28th March 2024)
Density : 2 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 19.25% (2010-2020)
A048  Denali National Park  Alaska  USA  Ruth Glacier and the Great Gorge  2002 image
A048 Denali National Park Alaska USA Ruth Glacier and the Great Gorge 2002
A048  Denali National Park  Alaska  USA  Ruth Glacier and the Great Gorge  2002 image

Geography

Matanuska-Susitna Borough is located at 62°30'2"N 150°0'20"W (62.5005600, -150.0055600). It has 7 neighbors: Denali Borough, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Valdez Cordova Census Area, Yukon Koyukuk Census Area, Anchorage and Bethel Census Area.

Matanuska Susitna Borough map

The largest city of Matanuska-Susitna Borough is Wasilla with a population of 11,099. Other cities include, Palmer population 7,766, Houston population 2,462 and Talkeetna population 876. See all Matanuska-Susitna Borough cities & populated places.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Populated Places

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

City Name Population Title
Wasilla 11,099 City in Alaska, USA
Tanaina 8,197 Census-designated place in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Palmer 7,766 City in Alaska, USA
Meadow Lakes 7,570 Census designated place in Alaska, United States
Houston 2,462 City in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States
Willow 2,102 Census-designated place in Alaska, USA
Lazy Mountain 1,479 Census designated place
Talkeetna 876 Place in Alaska

Matanuska-Susitna Borough has 7 neighbours.

Demographics

The population of Matanuska-Susitna Borough increased by 19.25% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 88,995 - census
2011 91,725 2.98% estimation process
2012 93,677 2.08% estimation process
2013 95,880 2.3% estimation process
2014 98,103 2.27% estimation process
2015 101,062 2.93% estimation process
2016 104,119 2.94% estimation process
2017 106,232 1.99% estimation process
2018 107,115 0.82% estimation process
2019 108,317 1.11% estimation process
2020 110,213 1.72% estimation process

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People born in Matanuska-Susitna Borough (1)

musher Wade Marrs was born in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Alaska Other Counties (more counties)

County Name Population Title
Anchorage 294,356 The most populous city in Alaska and the center of the Anchorage metropolitan area.
Anchorage Municipality 287,095 City in Alaska, United States
Fairbanks North Star Borough 95,651 Borough in Alaska, United States
Kenai Peninsula Borough 59,414 Borough in Alaska, United States
Juneau 31,974 City in and state capital of Alaska, United States
Juneau City and Borough 31,849 City in and state capital of Alaska, United States
Fairbanks 30,696 City in Alaska, USA
Eagle River 24,793 Community in Alaska, USA
Badger 19,482 Census-designated place in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska
Bethel Census Area 18,437 Census area in Alaska, United States
Ketchikan Gateway Borough 13,747 Borough in Alaska, United States
Kodiak Island Borough 12,992 Borough in Alaska, United States
College 12,964 Census-designated place in Alaska, United States
Wasilla 11,099 City in Alaska, USA
Nome Census Area 9,909 Census area in Alaska, United States
North Slope Borough 9,294 Borough in Alaska, United States