Fritz Creek, Alaska Explained

Official Name:Fritz Creek, Alaska
Settlement Type:Census-designated place
Mapsize:250x200px
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Alaska
Subdivision Type2:Borough
Subdivision Name2:Kenai Peninsula
Leader Title:Borough mayor
Leader Name:Peter Micciche
Leader Title1:State senator
Leader Name1:Gary Stevens (R)
Leader Title2:State rep.
Leader Name2:Sarah Vance (R)
Area Footnotes:[1]
Area Total Km2:139.74
Area Land Km2:139.74
Area Water Km2:0.00
Area Total Sq Mi:53.95
Area Land Sq Mi:53.95
Area Water Sq Mi:0.00
Population As Of:2020
Population Total:2248
Population Density Km2:16.09
Timezone:Alaska (AKST)
Utc Offset:-9
Timezone Dst:AKDT
Utc Offset Dst:-8
Elevation M:365
Elevation Ft:1198
Coordinates:59.7317°N -151.2506°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:99603
Area Code:907
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:02-27090
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:1866947
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population Density Sq Mi:41.66

Fritz Creek is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States, northeast of Homer. At the 2020 census the population was 2,248,[2] up from 1,932 in 2010.[3]

Fritz Creek Community center and general store

In 1954, two acres of private land were designated by a local family for a Fritz Creek Civic and Social Center, intended to be an alternative to the rowdy bar scene in nearby Homer. A large stockade-style log building was built to house the center. Community events such as square dances were held in the building for years. The center was damaged by the 1964 Alaska earthquake and required major repairs to the foundation. Over time the building became less of a community center and was largely rented out for events.

In 1982 the property was sold and the building was converted into a general store and gas station, with a post office being added in 1983. Hot food and a small dining area were added later and the store returned to being something of a gathering spot for the surrounding community. Eventually a liqour store was added as well. In 2019, the store was told by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation that Stormy, a cat that had lived in the store for years, was in violation of state law and would need to be removed. Stormy was rehomed with a local resident. [4] The building changed hands several more times before being badly damaged in a fire in July 2023. The cause of the fire is not known. [5] [6]

Geography

Fritz Creek is located at 59.7316°N -151.2505°W,[7] covering an area 6miles20miles northeast of Homer. It sits on the north side of Kachemak Bay and is bordered to the southwest by the city of Kachemak, to the west by the Diamond Ridge CDP, and to the northeast by the Fox River CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 139.9km2, all of it recorded as land.

Climbing from sea level to over, the community offers fantastic views of the Kenai Mountains and Kachemak Bay.

Demographics

Fritz Creek first appeared on the 1970 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. In 1980 it was made a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 1,603 people, 661 households, and 413 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 29.5sp=usNaNsp=us. There were 854 housing units at an average density of 15.7sp=usNaNsp=us. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.0% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. 2.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 661 households, out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 5.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,400, and the median income for a family was $49,881. Males had a median income of $42,083 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,937. About 3.6% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. October 29, 2021.
  2. Web site: 2020 Census Data - Cities and Census Designated Places . Web . State of Alaska, Department of Labor and Workforce Development . October 31, 2021.
  3. Web site: Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Fritz Creek CDP, Alaska. U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. January 15, 2019.
  4. Pacer, Megan Fritz Creek General Store told resident cat violates code Peninsula Clarion,February 28, 2019
  5. Springer, Emily, "History and memories of the Fritz Creek General Store" Homer News, July 13, 2023
  6. Cosman, Delcinia, "Fritz Creek General Store Burns" Homer News, July 13, 2023
  7. Web site: US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990. United States Census Bureau. April 23, 2011. February 12, 2011.
  8. Web site: U.S. Census website . . January 31, 2008 .