Matanuska-Susitna Borough is a borough located in the state of Alaska. As of 2000, the population is 59,322. The borough seat is Palmer.

Geography

The borough has a total area of 65,423 km² (25,260 mi²). 63,925 km² (24,682 mi²) of it is land and 1,498 km² (578 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.29% water.

Adjacent boroughs and census areas

• Denali Borough, Alaska - north
• Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska - northeast
• Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska - east
• Anchorage Municipality, Alaska - south
• Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska - south
• Bethel Census Area, Alaska - west

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 59,322 people, 20,556 households, and 15,046 families residing in the borough. The population density is 1/km² (2/mi²). There are 27,329 housing units at an average density of 0/km² (1/mi²). The racial makeup of the borough is 87.55% White, 0.69% Black or African American, 5.50% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.86% from other races, and 4.57% from two or more races. 2.50% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,556 households out of which 42.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% are married couples living together, 9.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% are non-families. 20.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 4.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.84 and the average family size is 3.29.

In the borough the population is spread out with 32.20% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 31.10% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 5.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 108.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 108.10 males.

Cities and towns

• 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
• Y