Knik Fairview, Alaska 2025

Knik-Fairview, generally referred to as Knik Fairview, is a census-designated place (CDP) in theMatanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,517.

Geography

Knik-Fairview is located at 61°36?48?N 149°42?42?W?(61.613397, -149.706729).

At the 2020 census, the CDP had a total area of 69.1 square miles, of which 68.65 square miles was land.

Name

Knik Fairview was named after the Knikarmutes, which lived in the area. In 2019, the river village became known as Knik.

History

The KnikArmutes lived in the Knik area from prehistoric times until the 19th century. Three Athabaskan groups eventually shared the Knik Arm, the Knik and Anchorage areas, and part of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. They lived in log houses and hunted moose, caribou, bear, and small game. They also fished for salmon and other fish in the Knik streams, Lake. They mainly consumed fish in summer, and cache of dried fish remained standard.

By the late 1890s, hunting and fishing were their primary subsistence methods. They had hereditary leaders and a rich ceremonial life. Their language was Ingalik Athabaskan and became extinct during the 20th century.

A few non-Natives settled in Knik from the late 1880s but not continuously until 1935. Since then, the population has increased steadily.

In 1943, a road connected Wasilla and Knik, paved in 1946.

Knik-Fairview was an urban expansion of Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska.

The area has around 7,000 residents, more than 30 stores and restaurants, a post office, K-12 public schools, and several public parks.

From 1959 to 1972, the Fairview school was K-8, but it is now K-6 due to a fire in 1972 that burned part of the school. In 1973 the district finished a new high school, and in 1984 a new grade school. Two large apartment complexes (Lakeview and Settlers Bay) were built between 1978 and 1993.

Businesses opened and closed during the oil boom from 1974 to 1986.

In 1985, Alaska moved from a borough form of government to a "unified" city-borough incorporating several surrounding communities.

From 1990 to 1994, the Knik Arm Bridge study (Minnesota Drive to Palmer) discussed improving Knik-Anchorage convenience and traffic but was deemed unaffordable.

Local businesses and schools have since been built: Fred Meyer (1989), Lowe's (1999), a new, larger Carrs grocery, A.L. T via, and Knik elementary and middle school (2005). New subdivisions have been developed, and the road network has been improved. In 2004, a 3.5-mile extension called Knik-Fairview Drive opened from the old Knik-Anchorage Road to Point MacKenzie, improving access to the Port of Anchorage and the Alaska Native Medical Center.

The road extension facilitated subdivision development in the former Einarson/Airpark area. In 2007, a fire station and 13 new homes were destroyed.

Knik Fairview has at least six motels, inns, and lodges to accommodate visitors.

Demographics

The 2019 estimate of 16,121 is the highest population estimate for the CDP by the United States Census Bureau.

At the 2000 census, there were 7,175 people. 2,888 households, and 2,060 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 57.8/square mile (22.3/km).There were 3,059 housing units at an average density of 24.2/square mile (9.3/km). The racial makeup of the CDP was 81.34% White, 0.33% Black or African American, 8.42% Native American, 2.33% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 5.50% from two or more races. 1.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,888 households, of which 39.7% had children under 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.5% were not families. The household size was 2.48, and the family size was 3.02.

Age distribution was 28.8% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median household income was $61,109, and the median family income was $70,948. Males had a median income of $46,419 versus $34,693 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,276. About 4.9% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Some stores and restaurants have opened in the area, including Fred Meyer, Lowe's, and Carrs. Many residents work in Anchorage.

Schools

Knik Fairview has a K-12 public school that opened in 1972. The 1972 Fairview school fire resulted in a new high school being built in 1973, and a new grade school in 1984.

New subdivisions have been developed, and the road network has been improved. In 2004, a 3.5-mile extension called Knik-Fairview Drive opened from the old Knik-Anchorage Road to Point McKenzie, improving access to the Port of Anchorage and the Alaska Native Medical Center. The road extension facilitated subdivision development in the former Einarson/Airpark area. In 2007, a fire station and 13 new homes were destroyed. Six motels, inns, and lodges accommodate visitors.