RANK #215 / 996 NAT · POP 108,661
1YR FORECAST: +3.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +31%
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, often called the Mat-Su, is known for its agricultural heritage and the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, the borough seat. Located about 35 miles north of Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley is framed by the Alaska Range, Talkeetna Mountains, and Chugach Mountains, offering a blend of wilderness and community. Commutes to Anchorage are common, with many residents making the drive for work. The area is a hub for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and glacier viewing, with the Matanuska Glacier being a notable landmark accessible by car.
Life in the Mat-Su Borough attracts families and individuals seeking a balance of Alaskan living and community amenities. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District serves a growing student population across 40 schools. The economy is experiencing growth, with new residential and commercial developments. Investment is flowing into various sectors, including energy and data centers, contributing to a diversifying economic landscape. The borough has seen consistent population growth, drawing residents from other parts of Alaska, including Anchorage, due to more affordable housing options.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.3x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Susitna River Hydroelectric Project Revival
Five Alaska utilities
|
$5,600M | Proposed |
|
Terra Energy Center Campus (Advanced Manufacturing & Compute Campus)
Terra Energy Center Corp. (in partnership with Matanuska-Susitna Borough)
|
$750M | Proposed |
|
New Residential Construction (Cumulative)
Various Developers/Homeowners
|
$384M | Under Construction |
|
Little Mount Susitna Wind Project
Alaska Renewables, LLC
|
$250M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 78/100, Matanuska-Susitna Borough sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +3.3%, and median household income stands at $86,435 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in AK.
Housing in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $296,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,242/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +3.3% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +7.0% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.81% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Matanuska-Susitna Borough has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +7.0% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is now valued at $296,900. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.