Living In Palmer, Alaska

Located in the center of the lush farmlands of the Matanuska Valley, Palmer is 42 miles northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway.

Palmer - Nestled between Denali National Park and Anchorage, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley covers the heart of Southcentral Alaska. Located within a hour’s drive of Anchorage, this 23,000 square mile wonderland features a treasure chest of scenery, activities and attractions encompassing the communities of Wasilla, Palmer, Big Lake, Houston, Willow, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, Sutton, Chickaloon, Eureka, Lake Louise, and Skwentna.

Here you’ll find ancient glaciers, majestic snowcapped mountains (including Mt. McKinley), crystal clear streams, mighty rivers, fine fishing lakes, gold mining history, colonist farms, and a wealth of wildlife and domestic livestock. This is Alaska as you imagined it to be.

Today, Palmer is in the midst of a significant metamorphosis. In less than 20 years, the heart of the Matanuska Valley has evolved from rural, to bedroom community, to its own increasingly self-sufficient, commercial and employment center. The population growth in Palmer and the surrounding areas has been significant and the City's population has increased on the average of 3.3% since 2000, with 5,343 residents currently residing in the 5.2 square mile city.

Since 2000, over $100,000,000 in new construction has been permitted in the City. This is substantial investment from both the public and private sector continues to fuel growth. The city is in the midst of major expansion of its water and sewer utilities to the new Mat-Su Regional Medical Center seven miles to the south at the juncture of the Glenn and Parks Highway. This substantial investment in the city's infrastructure helps set the foundation for future growth and expansion.

Community Profile

Current Population: 5,195

2004 AK Dept of Labor & Workforce Development

Borough Name: Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Regional Native Corporation: Cook Inlet Region, Inc.

School District: Matanuska-Susitna School District

Latitude: 61ø 36' N
Longitude: 149ø 06' W

Land Area: 3 sq. miles

Numerous growth forecast indicate that the Mat-Su Borough will experience over 3% of annual growth until 2018, with Palmer's population expected to double during this time. Approximately 2000 new households are expected in the area.

Population:
The current demographic profile includes a large middle-aged and young population. The population is comprised of individuals and couples of child bearing age. According to the 2000 US census, the average household size in palmer is 2.81, while the median family income is $53,164.

Economy:
Palmer's economy is based on a diversity of retail and other services. Many city, borough, state, and federal government agencies are headquartered in Palmer. The strongest sector in the economy is the educational, health and social services which is 4% higher than national trends.

Transportation:
Palmer lies on the Glenn Highway, a designated Scenic Highway. Commercial airlines serve the Anchorage International Airport, but the Palmer Municipal Airport supports private and chartered services.

Climate:
The average temperatures in January range from 6 to 14; in July, 47 to 67. Annual precipitation is 16.5 inches.

Information Source: alaskaone.com, City of Palmer, Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce.

Palmer Local Links

Palmer  ~  Wasilla  ~  Big Lake  ~  Houston  ~  Willow  ~  Sutton