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Big Lake
| Current Population: |
3,191
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
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| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Matanuska-Susitna Borough |
| Taxes: |
Sales: None,
Property: 10.326 mills (Borough), Special: 5% Bed Tax (Borough); 5.48% Tobacco Excise Tax (Borough)
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| National Flood Insurance Program Participant: |
Yes |
| Coastal Management District: |
Matanuska-Susitna Borough |
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| Location
and Climate |
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Big Lake is a community on the shore of Big Lake, 13 miles southwest of Wasilla, in the Chugach Mountains. It lies adjacent to Houston and Knik-Fairview. The community
lies at approximately 61.525590° North Latitude
and -149.941500° West Longitude.
(Sec. 28, T017N, R003W, Seward Meridian.)
Big Lake is located in the
Palmer Recording District.
January temperatures range from -33 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. July temperatures can vary from 42 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation includes 14 inches of rain and 48 inches of snow. |
Topographic
map of
Big Lake
area
 |
| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Early inhabitants were the Athabascan Dena'ina Indians. Around 1899, the Boston and Klondike Company made the first sled trail north into the Talkeetna Mountains from Knik via Big Lake. Homesteaders in 1929 and after World War II settled Big Lake. Materials were transported from Pittman railroad station over eleven miles of rough trail. By 1959, a number of lodges and several children's camps were operating on the lake, and at least 300 cottages and camps were owned by individuals. Lake-front lots became accessible in the 1960s and 1970s, with the expansion of roads and power. In June 1996, the "Miller's Reach" wildfire destroyed more than 37,500 acres in the Big Lake and Houston area, including 433 buildings and homes valued at $8.9 million. Low housing costs, the semi-rural lifestyle, and a 45-minute commute to Anchorage have supported growth in the Mat-Su Valley.
The population of the community consists of 10.6%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Boating and fishing are extremely popular on the lake during the summer months. High school students attend Houston Jr./Sr. High School.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 2,122, and vacant housing units numbered 1,151.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 1,024.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 1,068 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
13.52 percent,
although
47.05 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $43,382, per capita income was $19,285, and
14.57 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
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| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| 85% of homes have individual water wells and septic systems, with complete plumbing. The schools and Big Lake shopping mall also have individual well systems. The remainder of residents haul water and use outhouses. A Borough refuse transfer station is located at Big Lake. Piped natural gas, provided by Enstar, is used to heat homes. The gas line ends at the High School on Jay Hawk Drive.
Electricity is provided by Matanuska Electric Association.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 404
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Valley Hospital in Palmer (907-746-8600) or Anchorage hospitals.
Big Lake is classified as a highway town/Sub Regional Center, it is found in EMS Region 2C in the Mat-Su Region. Emergency Services have highway and air access, and are within 30 minutes of a higher-level satellite health care facility. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers
Auxiliary health care is provided by Valley Hospital in Palmer or Anchorage hospitals.
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| Economy
and Transportation |
Most residents are employed in Anchorage, Palmer/Wasilla, or at businesses serving the community. There are several lodges on the lake to support summer recreational boating and fishing activities. Unemployment is relatively low. Six residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Big Lake Road is accessible from mile 52 of the George Parks Highway. A State-owned 2,435' long by 70' wide lighted gravel airstrip and float plane dock are available. Several boat launches and a marina support recreational water craft. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Chamber of Commerce -
Big Lake Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 520067
Big Lake, AK 99652
Phone 907-892-6109
Fax 907-892-6189
E-mail biglake@mtaonline.net
Web http://www.biglakechamber.org
Community Non-Profit -
Big Lake Community Council
P.O. Box 520931
Big Lake, AK 99652-0931
Phone 907-892-6723
Fax 907-892-6724
Regional
Organizations
Borough - Matanuska-Susitna Borough
350 East Dahlia Avenue
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone 907-745-4801
Fax 907-745-9845
E-mail john.duffy@matsugov.us; lonnie.mckechnie@matsugov.us
Web http://www.matsugov.us/
Regional Native Health Corporation - Southcentral Foundation
4501 Diplomacy
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone 907-729-4955
Fax 907-729-4972
E-mail katherineg@scf.cc
Web http://www.southcentralfoundation.com
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