countyscore
52.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.3Lawn Care 72.9Safety 69.1

County Report Card

About Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska

Kenai scores slightly above national median

Kenai Peninsula Borough's composite score of 52.4 edges above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 55th percentile nationwide. The borough represents a solid, above-average livability profile compared to most U.S. counties.

Slightly above Alaska average

Kenai Peninsula Borough scores 52.4, marginally above the state average of 51.1, ranking it in Alaska's better half. The borough performs just ahead of Alaska's median despite some challenges.

Strong income and favorable taxes

Kenai residents earn median household income of $77,722 with a solid income score of 81.3, paired with the lowest effective tax rate (0.663%) in this dataset. Safety is also respectable at 69.1, creating a reasonably secure economic environment.

Risk exposure and housing costs concern

Climate and disaster risk present a significant vulnerability with the lowest risk score (7.0) among these counties, indicating high exposure to environmental hazards. Housing affordability is also constrained (23.6 cost score) with median home value at $297,500, limiting options for families on modest incomes.

Best for climate-resilient, income-secure families

Kenai Peninsula suits families with solid incomes and outdoor orientation who understand and accept Alaska's environmental risks. This is the place for people seeking a balanced Alaskan lifestyle with reasonable taxes and safety, accepting that natural hazards and housing costs require planning.

204060801006723.669.157.959.781.3711.650Tax67Cost23.6Safety69.1Health57.9Schools59.7Income81.3Risk7Water11.6Weather5052.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Kenai Peninsula Borough DNA

Foverall

How Kenai Peninsula Borough compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kenai Peninsula Borough is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67+15
Cost
23.6-24.4
Safety
69.1+14.099999999999994
Health
57.9
Schools
59.7
Income
81.3+30.299999999999997
Risk
7-40
Water
11.6-46.4
Weather
50
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Compare mortgage rates in Kenai Peninsula Borough

Whether buying or refinancing in Kenai Peninsula Borough, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$297,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,163/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$297,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,722/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

33.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Kenai Peninsula Borough with Franklin County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
29.5
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
44.4
Kodiak Island Borough
Alaska
47.5
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
59.2
Bristol Bay Borough
Alaska
45.9
Lake and Peninsula Borough
Alaska
46.2
Denali Borough
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47
Dillingham Census Area
Alaska
46.8

Deep Dives

Kenai Peninsula Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via TaxByCounty

Kenai Peninsula taxes run below the national median

At 0.663%, Kenai Peninsula Borough's effective property tax rate falls about 25% below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the 25th percentile nationwide. This light burden ranks Kenai Peninsula among America's lower-tax counties. Residents here enjoy meaningful tax advantages compared to most U.S. homeowners.

Kenai Peninsula ranks sixth in Alaska's tax standings

Kenai Peninsula Borough's 0.663% effective rate sits slightly below Alaska's state average of 0.772%, positioning it in the lower half of Alaska's taxing jurisdictions. Six boroughs and census areas tax higher, while only Hoonah-Angoon (0.416%) and Haines (0.802%) offer relief comparable to or better than Kenai's burden. The borough strikes a favorable balance for taxpayers.

Kenai Peninsula's rate aligns with coastal Alaska peers

Kenai Peninsula's 0.663% rate sits between Ketchikan (0.683%) and Hoonah-Angoon (0.416%), typical for South-Central and Southeast Alaska. Kodiak Island (0.917%) and Juneau (0.934%) tax substantially higher, while Haines (0.802%) runs moderately above. Kenai Peninsula occupies a reasonable middle ground regionally.

The median Kenai home costs $1,974 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $297,500 and a 0.663% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays $1,974 annually in property taxes. Mortgage considerations increase the annual bill to $2,211, while those without mortgages owe $1,602. Kenai Peninsula residents enjoy relatively modest tax obligations despite solid home values.

Kenai homeowners can challenge potentially inflated valuations

Many property owners overlook assessment errors that silently inflate their tax bills year after year. Compare your home's assessed value against comparable recent sales in your neighborhood—overvaluations are surprisingly common. If discrepancies exist, filing an appeal with the borough assessor could reduce your annual liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via CostByCounty

Kenai Peninsula balances income and housing well

At 18.0%, Kenai Peninsula's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national comfort zone, supported by a median household income of $77,722 that slightly exceeds the nation's $74,755. The $1,163 monthly rent reflects Alaska's typical pricing while remaining manageable relative to local earnings.

Right at Alaska's affordability midline

Kenai Peninsula's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Alaska's 18.6% state average, positioning it as a fairly typical Alaskan housing market. The peninsula offers middle-ground pricing and incomes, with rents moderate by statewide standards.

Balanced option among Alaska communities

Kenai Peninsula's $1,163 rent falls between Dillingham ($1,085) and Fairbanks ($1,424), offering middle-ground pricing for South-Central Alaska. It's notably cheaper than extreme cases like Kodiak Island ($1,669) or Juneau ($1,462), yet pricier than the most affordable Haines ($914).

Renters spend 18.0%, owners $1,011/month

Kenai Peninsula renters allocate 18.0% of their $77,722 income to the $1,163 median rent, a balanced housing-to-income ratio statewide. Owners face a moderate $1,011 monthly burden, making homeownership accessible relative to other high-cost Alaska regions.

Kenai Peninsula offers stability and moderation

Choose Kenai Peninsula for a stable Alaska move without extreme housing cost surprises; the 18.0% rent ratio and $77,722 income are reliably middle-ground statewide. Compared to Kodiak's 23.9% burden or Haines' 15.1%, the peninsula delivers straightforward, moderate affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Kenai outearns the U.S. average modestly

Kenai Peninsula Borough's median household income of $77,722 exceeds the U.S. median by $2,967, placing it slightly above the national norm. This advantage reflects Alaska's oil-related employment base, which adds economic stability beyond what most American regions enjoy.

Above average for Alaska

Kenai Peninsula ranks third among Alaska's eight regions in median household income, earning 2.1% below the state average of $79,407. Its per capita income of $42,899 closely matches Alaska's statewide average of $42,832, indicating balanced earning distribution across the population.

Solidly middle of Alaska's pack

Kenai's $77,722 income sits between Dillingham Census Area ($74,250) and Fairbanks North Star Borough ($84,722), reflecting its stable fishing, tourism, and oil-support economy. It outpaces Haines Borough ($72,607) and Hoonah-Angoon ($62,500) while trailing Juneau, Ketchikan, and Kodiak.

Housing costs well within range

Kenai's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, and median home values of $297,500 remain manageable for typical households. This balance gives Kenai Peninsula residents flexibility in housing choices and room to save beyond shelter costs.

Build stable wealth through consistent saving

Kenai's stable income and affordable housing create an ideal environment for systematic wealth building through automatic retirement contributions and savings accounts. Consult a financial advisor to develop an investment strategy that leverages your region's above-average income and cost stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Kenai Peninsula remains highly secure

The borough earns a high safety score of 98.9, reflecting a very safe environment compared to much of the U.S. Its total crime rate of 724.3 per 100,000 is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking above state safety norms

Kenai's safety score of 98.9 beats the Alaska state average of 98.6. This indicates that the borough is safer than many of its counterparts across the state.

Lower crime than the state average

At 724.3 crimes per 100,000 residents, the borough stays below the Alaska average of 861.7. Four different reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a reliable look at regional safety.

Property incidents outpace violent crime

Property crime sits at 592.6 per 100,000, which is the primary source of local law enforcement activity. However, violent crime is low at 131.7, which is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Smart security for peace of mind

Focusing on property protection is key for borough residents. Installing a basic home security system or cameras can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Options Across the Peninsula

Kenai Peninsula Borough operates a massive network of 42 public schools serving 8,528 students. The system is highly diverse, featuring 17 elementary schools, 9 high schools, and 12 schools with 'other' grade configurations. This expansive infrastructure ensures that even the most remote peninsula communities have local access to education.

Strong Graduation and Efficient Spending

The borough maintains a 85.0% graduation rate, which is well above the Alaska average of 79.0%. With per-pupil spending at $12,250, the district operates more leanly than the state average while still achieving a respectable 62.2 school score. This balance of efficiency and results makes it a standout region for Alaska families.

Innovation and School Choice

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is the sole provider, managing all 42 schools and over 8,500 students. The district supports four charter schools and three alternative schools, offering significant variety for different learning styles. The largest program, Connections, is a correspondence school serving over 1,000 students.

Rural Roots with Town Convenience

While 31 of the borough's schools are rural, the central hubs of Soldotna and Kenai provide town-based schooling for thousands. The average school size is 203 students, but high schools like Soldotna High host over 700. This mix allows families to choose between secluded rural schools and larger, more traditional high school environments.

Your Future on the Kenai Peninsula

Whether you are looking for a home in the bustling central peninsula or a quiet rural retreat, there is a high-quality school nearby. The borough's strong graduation rates and diverse school types are major draws for relocating families. Explore real estate options near top schools in Soldotna, Kenai, or Homer.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via RiskByCounty

Kenai Peninsula faces elevated U.S. disaster risk

With a composite score of 93.03, Kenai Peninsula Borough ranks as Relatively Moderate and far exceeds Alaska's state average of 35.22. This south-central region is among the nation's higher-risk counties, driven by seismic and wildfire hazards.

Alaska's highest-risk county overall

Kenai Peninsula Borough edges out Fairbanks North Star Borough (88.52) as Alaska's riskiest region. The peninsula's combination of wildfire exposure and earthquake activity creates the state's most severe natural disaster profile.

Dramatically riskier than Southeast, comparable to Fairbanks

Kenai Peninsula (93.03) vastly exceeds Southeast Alaska counties like Juneau (11.51) and Ketchikan (1.69), and nearly matches Fairbanks (88.52) in overall risk. This south-central location exposes residents to hazards largely absent in the Southeast.

Earthquakes and wildfires present extreme threats

Earthquake risk peaks at 98.70—nearly maximal—while wildfire risk reaches 97.07, making both near-certain hazards residents will face. Flood risk (43.77) poses a meaningful secondary threat during spring snowmelt and coastal storm surge.

Earthquake and wildfire insurance are absolutely essential

Do not skip earthquake and wildfire insurance—both hazards are nearly certain in this region and standard homeowners policies exclude them. Clear brush within 100+ feet of your home, use fire-resistant roofing, and ensure your foundation is bolted to withstand seismic activity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Count Leads to F Grade

Kenai Peninsula Borough receives an F grade due to 72 health violations over a five-year period. Despite this high count, the violation rate of 277.2 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the state average of 1,249.1. Frequent regulatory failures suggest localized issues in water system management.

Excellent Health Across Fifteen Watersheds

Fifteen local water bodies were assessed in the 2022 cycle, and all 15 show 0.0% impairment. This perfect score indicates that the borough’s assessed surface waters are exceptionally healthy relative to the 16.1% state average. These results reflect a strong alignment with Clean Water Act goals.

Extensive Monitoring with Over 16,000 Records

The borough maintains a robust monitoring footprint with 51 sites and 16,196 measurements recorded since 2019. Testing is comprehensive, covering physical properties, inorganics, and metals. This large volume of data provides high confidence in the tracking of local water quality trends.

Kenai River Flow Drops Below Half

Current discharge at the Kenai River at Soldotna is 2,680 cfs, which is only 44% of its long-term mean. The 2,020 square mile drainage area is currently experiencing significantly lower flow than is typical for this season. Low flows can impact aquatic habitats and the concentration of minerals in the river.

Filter for Consistency Amidst Violations

The borough's F grade and 72 violations make personal water filtration a high priority for residents. Because the Kenai River is flowing at less than half its normal rate, source water may be more susceptible to concentrated runoff or pollutants. Home testing is recommended to ensure safety during these low-flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal Subarctic Conditions on the Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula averages 37.3°F annually, making it much cooler than the typical U.S. county. Its climate is dictated by its proximity to the Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska.

Slightly Warmer than the State Mean

The borough's 37.3°F average is slightly higher than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. It experiences more moderate winters than the interior, with a January average of 19.7°F.

Drier than the Southeast Panhandle

With 36.8 inches of annual precipitation, Kenai is much drier than Juneau’s 92.5 inches. However, it still receives a significant 91.5 inches of annual snowfall, which is comparable to Southeast Alaska.

Crisp Summers and Consistent Snow

Summers are mild and peak at a 56.2°F average in July, with no extreme heat recorded. Winter lasts long with a December-February average of 21.9°F and nearly 92 inches of snow.

Equip for Wind and Winter Snow

Coastal winds require wind-resistant outer layers, while the 91.5 inches of snow necessitates reliable winter equipment. Homeowners should focus on insulation and winterizing pipes against the 19.7°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via LawnByCounty

Alaska's Most Reliable Lawn Conditions

The Kenai Peninsula Borough earns an impressive lawn difficulty score of 72.9, making it one of the easiest places in the state and nation to grow grass. This score far exceeds both the national average of 50.0 and the Alaska state average of 57.8.

The Sweet Spot for Alaskan Precipitation

With 36.8 inches of annual rain, Kenai sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf growth. The growing season starts May 18 and ends September 26, providing 489 growing degree days for cool-season varieties.

Building on Kenai Peninsula Soil

Local soil metrics are not currently available, so start with a professional test to determine your specific pH and drainage class. The borough's ideal precipitation levels suggest that most soils here can maintain healthy grass with minimal heavy intervention.

Managing Abnormally Dry Conditions

While Kenai had zero weeks of actual drought this year, 69% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Keep a close eye on your lawn and provide supplemental water during dry spells to maintain its high-quality rating.

Take Advantage of Optimal Growing

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in the Kenai's balanced moisture and 489 growing degree days. Start your lawn after the May 18 frost to ensure it is well-established before the peninsula's first frost in late September.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kenai Peninsula Borough's county score?
Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 52.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Kenai Peninsula Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Kenai Peninsula Borough ranks #13 among all counties in Alaska on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Kenai Peninsula Borough is $1,974, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Kenai Peninsula Borough a tax score of 67/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kenai Peninsula Borough?
The median household income in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska is $77,722 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kenai Peninsula Borough earns an income score of 81.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Kenai Peninsula Borough scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Kenai Peninsula Borough is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Kenai Peninsula Borough with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.