Willow City Demographics

Willow City, located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, had a population of approximately 2,327 in 2020. Residents have a median age of about 50.3 years, with 53% male and 47% female. The racial and ethnic makeup is predominantly White (89%), followed by American Indian and Alaska Native (4.6%), two or more races (5%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.5%).

Willow City Housing

Willow City, in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK, has a homeownership rate of about 84%, with median home values near $231,000 as of 2023. Rental options are limited, with a median monthly rent around $1,000. Housing types primarily consist of single-family homes and cabins on large lots, with some off-grid properties. Recent years have seen modest property value growth of 3-5% annually. Willow features rural neighborhoods with spacious parcels. The local property tax rate averages 1.1% of assessed value, making it relatively affordable compared to state and national averages.

Education in Willow City

Willow, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, is served mainly by the Mat-Su Borough School District, with Willow Elementary as its primary K–5 school. There is no local high school; students commute to nearby communities. About 89% of residents have a high school diploma, and around 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above average, and educational programs focus on core academics and limited electives. There are no local adult education centers, but online and regional programs are accessible. Overall, Willow offers a close-knit, rural educational environment with limited in-town facilities.

Transportation in Willow City

Willow, in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, relies heavily on personal vehicles, with over 90% of residents commuting by car and fewer than 1% using public transit. The average one-way commute is about 40 minutes, exceeding the national average. Public transit options are minimal, as the region’s rural layout limits bus and shuttle availability. Most households own two or more vehicles. Major employment hubs are in Wasilla, Palmer, and Anchorage, requiring long-distance travel via the Parks Highway (AK-3), which serves as Willow’s primary transportation artery.

Willow City Healthcare

Willow, located in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, lacks its own hospital; residents rely on Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer (45 miles away) for full hospital services. The Willow Clinic, a community health center, offers primary care. Matanuska-Susitna Borough has a provider-to-population ratio of about 1:2,000. Over 12% of residents are uninsured, with Medicaid covering approximately 22%. The borough’s population is 80% White, 9% Alaska Native, with a median age of 38. Common health concerns include diabetes (9.1% prevalence), substance abuse, and heart disease. Telehealth helps address access limitations.

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