Census numbers show Wasilla, Palmer growing

WASILLA — More than a person per day moved to Wasilla between July 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015.

According to the U.S. Census, the largest city in the Mat-Su region gained 434 residents during that time period, giving it the biggest population boost in the state among incorporated cities. The census released the most recent numbers in a press release sent out Thursday.

The gain put Wasilla’s population at an estimated 9,284 residents, making it the fourth-largest city in the state behind Anchorage (298,695), Juneau (32,756) and Fairbanks (32,325). Anchorage lost 1,662 residents during the period covered.

Wasilla’s sister city of Palmer ranked second in Alaska in year-to-year gains, picking up 250 residents to increase to 6,788 residents.

The Mat-Su Borough’s only other incorporated city, Houston, gained 71 residents during the most recent period and now has an estimated population of 2,206 according to the census.

For more, visit factfinder.census.gov.

Alaska’s 10 largest cities:

Anchorage, 298, 695Juneau, 32,756Fairbanks, 32,325Wasilla, 9,284Sitka, 8,863Ketchikan, 8,197Kenai, 7,661Palmer, 6,788Bethel, 6,450Kodiak, 6,253

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)