Cooper Landing Alaska

Location and Climate
Cooper Landing is at the west end of Kenai Lake on a stretch of the Sterling Highway, 30 miles northwest of Seward in the Chugach Mountains. Cooper Landing is located in the Seward Recording District. The area encompasses 54.8 sq. miles of land and 5 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
Between 1848 and 1851, Russian engineer P. Doroshin found gold in the area. Cooper Landing was named for Joseph Cooper, a miner who discovered gold here in 1884. Cooper Creek was first recorded in 1898 by the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1900, the Census found 21 miners and 1 wife living at Cooper Creek. The Riddiford Post Office began operations in 1924, and the Riddiford School opened in 1928. In 1938, a road was constructed to Seward. In 1948, a road to Kenai was opened, and by 1951, residents could drive to Anchorage. The Cooper Landing Community Club was first formed in 1949. The Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Facility was constructed in 1959-60.

Alaska Natives represent 1.2% of the population. The Cooper Landing Community Club is involved extensively in local development issues and is an advocate for residents' concerns. The population of the area nearly doubles each summer to support tourism businesses and activities.

During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 281 total housing units, and 180 of these were vacant. The official unemployment rate at that time was 0%, with 98 jobs estimated to be in the community and 53.8% of all adults not in the work force. The median household income was $42,250, and 3.6% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Economy and Transportation
The economy of the area is diverse. Tourism-related employment and seasonal businesses provide the majority of employment. The 70-room Kenai Princess Lodge accommodates Princess cruise ship passengers and other tourists. Chugach Electric Association and the School District are significant employers. Five residents hold commercial fishing permits.

The Sterling Highway provides access to Anchorage and beyond. Kenai offers air transportation and docking facilities. A privately-owned boat launch is available. The State-owned Quartz Creek Airport provides a 2,200' gravel runway, and float planes may land at Cooper Lake.


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Source: Department of Community & Economic Development