Anchor Point Alaska

Location and Climate
The community is located on the Kenai Peninsula at the junction of the Anchor River and its north fork, 14 miles northwest of Homer. Anchor Point is located in the Homer Recording District. The area encompasses 20.5 sq. miles of land and 4.2 sq. miles of water. January temperatures range from 4 to 22; July temperatures vary from 46 to 65. Average annual precipitation is 20 inches.

History, Culture and Demographics
In the summer of 1778 Captain James Cook and crews of the Resolution and Discovery sailed into the Inlet looking for a Northwest Passage, and gave Anchor Point its name after losing a kedge anchor to the awesome tidal currents. A post office was established in 1949.

Alaska Natives represent 3.7% of the population. Anchor Point has a Visitor's Center, a Chamber of Commerce, the Two Rivers Coalition, a newly-formed organization to examine watershed and other local issues, and a weekly newspaper, "The Anchor Pointer."

During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 405 total housing units, and 91 of these were vacant. The official unemployment rate at that time was 17.5%, with 268 jobs estimated to be in the community and 53% of all adults not in the work force. The median household income was $42,847, and 0.7% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Economy and Transportation
Many residents work in Homer in a variety of positions. The community caters to the sport-fishing industry, and several lodges provide services. A small sawmill helps to process timber from various borough sites. 84 residents hold commercial fishing permits. The North Pacific Volcano Learning Center will be developed in Anchor Point; it is scheduled for completion in 2002.

The Sterling Highway provides access to Anchorage. Nearby Homer offers an airport, State Ferry access, and docking and boat launching facilities.


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Source: Department of Community & Economic Development