Wasilla Alaska... Where?

How much do we really know about Wasilla, Alaska? Personally, I had never even heard of it before McCain's VP announcement. So if we dig around a bit what can we learn?

Sarah Palin's public service record in Wasilla:

Sarah Palin was first elected to a seat on the Wasilla City Council in October of 1992 and was reelected in 1995. In 1996, she ran for and won the Office of Mayor and was reelected in 1999. She concluded her public service as Mayor in 2002 and was unable to run again due to term limits.

City Council Member, Seat E, Term October 1992 - October 1995 (First Term)
City Council Member, Seat E, Term October 1995 - October 1998 (Second Term) Sarah Palin only completed one-year of this term before she was elected Mayor.

Mayor of Wasilla, Term October 1996 - October 1999 (First Term)
Mayor of Wasilla, Term October 1999 - October 2002 (Second Term)

source: City of Wasill: City News web site.

What are the demographics of Wasilla?:

Population in July 2007: 9,780. Population change since 2000: +66.9%

It's population is pretty well split down the middle:

Males: 2,728 (49.9%) Females: 2,741 (50.1%)

The town is a bit younger than the rest of Alaska -

Median resident age: 29.7 years Alaska median age: 32.4 years

The estimated median household income in 2005: $47,900 (it was $48,226 in 2000) in comparison to the rest of Alaska: Wasilla $47,900 Alaska: $56,234

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $158,800 (it was $137,700 in 2000)
the rest of Alaska: Alaska: $197,100

Races in Wasilla:

White Non-Hispanic (83.9%)
American Indian (9.1%)
Two or more races (5.9%)
Hispanic (3.7%)
Other race (1.3%)
Black (0.6%)

source for the above data: City Data.com

While none of this is earth shattering at all - it's just statistics, hell it could be Toad Suck Ferry, AR for all that matters - I was just curious as to what the town profile looked liked that shaped the views and opinions of the candidate we are about to hear from for at least the next 60 days.

Now, where the hell is Wasilla?... Thanks Google Maps!


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