Wasilla

Wasilla is a city located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is the sixth-largest city in Alaska and is primarily a bedroom community for Anchorage, which is located 43 miles to the southwest.

History

Wasilla was established in 1917 as a station on the Alaska Railroad. It was named after Chief Wasilla, a local Dena'ina chief. The city was incorporated on February 26, 1974.

Geography

Wasilla is located at 61°34′54″N 149°27′9″W. The city is situated on the northern point of Cook Inlet in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of the southcentral part of the state. The city's boundaries span an area of 12.4 square miles.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 7,831 people residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 80.94% White, 0.86% Black or African American, 8.61% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 7.3% from two or more races.

Economy

The economy of Wasilla is diverse, with a large number of residents working in the city of Anchorage. The city is also home to many small businesses, restaurants, and stores. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race headquarters is located in Wasilla.

Education

Wasilla is part of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District and has several public and private schools. The city is also home to the Mat-Su College, a community campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Notable people

Wasilla is the hometown of 2008 United States Vice Presidential candidate and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

See also

• List of cities in Alaska
• Matanuska-Susitna Valley
• Alaska Railroad