Although the failure rate was high, many of their descendants still live in the Mat-Su Valley today. Construction of the statewide road system, and the rapid development of Anchorage has fueled growth in the Mat-Su valley. Culture Palmer is primarily non-Native. The valley is renowned for the annual Alaska State Fair, where local farmers produce award-winning vegetables. Economy Palmer's economy is based on a diversity of retail and other services, and city, borough, state and federal government.
Some light manufacturing occurs.
Many are employed in Anchorage. 79 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Between 2,500 and 3,500 garments are created each year by these women, and sold by an Anchorage cooperative. The 75-acre musk ox farm is also a tourist attraction. The University has an Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Office and a district Cooperative Extension Service office here.