What you need to know:
- The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is one of Alaska’s fastest-growing areas, with its population increasing 18% since 2015 while many other parts of the state have declined.
- Economists say Mat-Su’s growth is driven by more affordable housing and land than Anchorage, attracting working-age residents who often commute to higher-paying jobs in the city.
- Housing construction in Mat-Su has surged, with the borough accounting for more than half of Alaska’s new homes since 2010 and building more than three times as many homes each year as Anchorage.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
By Ava WhiteAlaska Public Media
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has grown rapidly over the last decade, both in population and the number of homes, according to new data from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
While many areas in the state have experienced decreasing populations, Mat-Su’s population has grown by 18% since 2015, according to the report. Kenai has seen a similar, although smaller increase…