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.
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 : | 08:04:10 (21st December 2024) |
| Density : | 2 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | 19.25% (2010-2020) |
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
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
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 |
- Official Website
Official website of Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Matanuska-Susitna Borough has 7 neighbours.
- Denali Borough borough in Alaska, United States
- Kenai Peninsula Borough borough in Alaska, United States
- Southeast Fairbanks Census Area census area in Alaska, United States
- Valdez-Cordova Census Area former census area in Alaska, United States
- Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area census area in Alaska, United States
- Anchorage The most populous city in Alaska and the center of the Anchorage metropolitan area. It is located on Cook Inlet in south-central Alaska. Anchorage is known for its mountains, its glaciers, and its many attractions, such as the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and the Alaska Zoo.
- Bethel Census Area census area in Alaska, United States
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 |
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 |
