The history of Healy is intertwined with that of coal mining and construction of the Alaska Railroad, which both began in the area in 1918 and 1919 respectively.

[7] By area, it is the second-largest CDP in the United States, exceeded by only Willow, Alaska.

[8] As is typical of the Alaska Interior, Healy experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) with very long, bitterly cold winters and short, warm summers, and straddles the border between USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 2 and 3,[9] indicating the coldest temperature of the year is typically around −40 °F (−40 °C).

Usibelli Coal Mine, Golden Valley Electric Association, the Denali Borough School District, and the National Park Service are the major employers in Healy.

The 24 MW Eva Creek Wind Farm opened in 2013, 12 miles north of Healy.

Just outside of Healy, (Approximately 6 miles) near the Stampede Trail, is the former location of the bus that Christopher McCandless occupied during his "Great Alaskan Adventure".

Fairbanks City Transit bus 142 drew others into the same wilderness, and seeking it out has ultimately lead to the deaths of two people.

The bus has since been airlifted and transported to the University of Alaska Museum of the North (Antonette, 2021)