Houston (Alaska)
Houston | ||
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Location in Alaska
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Basic data | ||
Foundation : | June 6, 1966 | |
State : | United States | |
State : | Alaska | |
Borough : | Matanuska-Susitna Borough | |
Coordinates : | 61 ° 37 ′ N , 149 ° 46 ′ W | |
Time zone : | Alaska ( UTC − 9 / −8 ) | |
Residents : | 1,910 (as of 2010) | |
Population density : | 32.9 inhabitants per km 2 | |
Area : | 61 km 2 (approx. 24 mi 2 ) of which 58 km 2 (approx. 22 mi 2 ) are land |
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Height : | 76 m | |
Postal code : | 99694 | |
Area code : | +1 907 | |
FIPS : | 02-33800 | |
GNIS ID : | 1416613 | |
Website : | www.houstonak.com |
Houston is a city in Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska in the United States . The city is located north of Wasilla on the Little Susitna River and is accessible via the George Parks Highway .
history
The city's history dates back to the Herning Trail (now Willow Creek Sled Trail). It carried cargo to the Willow Creek Mining District. A "Houston siding" was first mentioned in 1917 on a draft map of the Alaska Railroad . The siding was named after Congressman Houston of Tennessee . Several coal mines developed in the area between 1917–1918. In 1966 Houston was named a city. In 1996 a forest fire destroyed 151 km² of forest in the area and 433 buildings.
economy
Many residents work in the nearby towns of Wasilla and Palmer, as well as Anchorage . Houston is a popular fishing and recreation destination on the Little Susitna River.
Demographics
At the time of the 2000 census ( US Census 2000 ) Houston had 1,202 inhabitants on a land area of 58 km². The median age was 34.1 years (US national mean: 35.3 years). The per capita income ( English per capita income ) amounted to US $ 17,213 (national average of USA: US $ 21,587). 17.1% of the population had their income below the poverty line (national average in the USA: 12.4%). 13.3% of the population are of German descent and 13.0% are of Irish descent.