Wasilla is a city in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of southcentral Alaska, about 43 miles northeast of Anchorage. With 9,054 residents in 2020, it is the largest city in the Mat-Su Borough and the fourth largest in Alaska.[1]
Beeblebrox / CC BY-SA 3.0.
| Borough | Matanuska-Susitna Borough |
|---|---|
| Population | 9,054 (2020) |
| Incorporated | 26 Feb 1974 |
| Dena’ina name | Benteh (among the lakes) |
| Elevation | 341 ft |
History
The Dena’ina settled the Matanuska-Susitna valley before European contact. Wasilla was established where the Alaska Railroad crossed the Old Carle Wagon Road and grew at the expense of the nearby mining town of Knik. It served as a supply base for gold mines near Hatcher Pass through World War II, and the Parks Highway, built around 1970, made it a commuter town for Anchorage.[1]
Economy
From the 1970s the economy shifted from small-scale agriculture and recreation toward commuters working in Anchorage or the North Slope oilfields; about 35 percent of the workforce commutes to Anchorage. Local industries include tourism, agriculture, wood products, steel and concrete products.[1]
Iditarod
Wasilla is the headquarters of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The race started there from 1973 to 2002.[1]
FAQs
How far is Wasilla from Anchorage? About 43 miles by highway.
What does Benteh mean? Among the lakes, the Dena’ina name for the area.
What organization is headquartered in Wasilla? The Iditarod Trail Committee.
Sources
Key facts
- Population 9,054 (2020)
- Incorporated 1974
- Iditarod headquarters
Quick checkWhat is Wasilla’s population?Show answer
9,054 at the 2020 census.
Sources
- Wikipedia. Wasilla, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue