Wasilla Frontiersman (2024)

FAQs

What is Wasilla known for? ›

ABOUT WASILLA

Well known as the headquarters of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, the town of Wasilla is located in the Mat-Su Valley on Alaska's road system, 40 miles north by road from Anchorage and 315 miles south of Fairbanks.

Industrial activities that contribute to the economic base include steel fabrication, agriculture, manufacturing of concrete products and wood products, and distribution of building materials.

The City of Wasilla derives its name from Chief Wasilla, a respected local Dena'ina Athabascan Indian Chief. There is some debate about the meaning of the Chief's name. One source claims it means "breath of air" in the Dena'ina Athabascan Indian dialect.

The best way to get from Anchorage to Wasilla is to bus which takes 59 min and costs $17 - $20. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $55 - $190 and takes 1h 10m.

Notable people

Sarah Palin (born 1964), former mayor of Wasilla, former Alaska governor, and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate. Todd Palin (born 1964), professional snowmobile racer, four-time Iron Dog race champion, former husband of Sarah Palin.

Wasilla, Alaska's cost of living is 16% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area.

Alaska Industry #1: Oil and Gas

Size of Industry: $4.7 billion. Total Industry Labor Income: $749 million. Labor Force: 9,300. Fun Fact: For each job in Alaska's oil industry, there are 20 additional jobs in the Alaska economy connected to the industry.

The community's heritage includes the indigenous Athabaskan Dena'ina people – Chief Wasilla gave the town its name. The legacy also includes gold miners and homesteaders, as well as contemporary entrepreneurs and wilderness enthusiasts.

WASILLA AREA

The Dena'ina indigenous people called this area Benteh, meaning "among the lakes." Although much has changed over the years, Wasilla is still surrounded by beautiful lakes, including Lake Lucille and Wasilla Lake.

Wasilla is a great place. It's not as crowded as anchorage. They people are nice. I've lived here for 15 years and it's been a blast.

What is the demographics of Wasilla Alaska? ›

Wasilla, AK is home to a population of 9.27k people, from which 98.3% are citizens. As of 2022, 5.75% of Wasilla, AK residents were born outside of the country (533 people). In 2022, there were 10.2 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (6.96k people) in Wasilla, AK than any other race or ethnicity.

The fastest way to get from Wasilla to Anchorage is to taxi which takes 46 min and costs $120 - $150. Is there a direct train between Wasilla and Anchorage? Yes, there is a direct train departing from Wasilla and arriving at Anchorage. Services depart five times a week, and operate every day.

Wasilla's local airport (IYS) offers Mat-Su Valley residents ready access to general aviation and air taxi services. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), Division of Statewide Aviation recently embarked on updating the Alaska Aviation System Plan (AASP).

Palmer, AK. Anchorage, AK. Sterling, AK.

Living in Wasilla offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Wasilla there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in Wasilla. The public schools in Wasilla are above average.

Today, Palmer is a garden hub for the state, and the unique microclimate produces amazing giant vegetables, found on display annually at the home of the Alaska State Fair. Palmer agriculture today provides food to communities across the State of Alaska.