CountyScore

Kenai Peninsula Borough

Alaska · AK

#21 in Alaska
65.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska

Kenai Peninsula scores above U.S. average

Kenai Peninsula Borough's composite score of 65.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 31%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The borough's real strength is tax efficiency at 0.663% effective rate and strong housing affordability with median values of $297,500. However, vulnerability to climate and disaster risk remains a notable constraint.

Slightly below Alaska's state average

Kenai Peninsula scores 65.5, modestly below Alaska's state average of 67.6, ranking fifth among the eight profiled counties. The borough's tax score of 83.6 and cost score of 71.8 are both strong, but income limitations and very low risk scores indicate climate vulnerability. It's a solid mid-tier Alaska option with real trade-offs.

Low taxes and reasonable housing

Kenai Peninsula excels with a tax score of 83.6 (0.663% effective rate) and cost score of 71.8, supporting affordability despite median home values of $297,500. Health outcomes at 68.9 are respectable, and the borough maintains solid earning potential with median household income of $77,722. These factors create genuine financial accessibility.

Climate risk is a major concern

Kenai Peninsula's risk score of 7.0 is the second-lowest among profiled Alaska counties, reflecting severe vulnerability to sea-level rise, permafrost thaw, and coastal erosion. Income growth at 34.1 is moderate and constrains upward mobility in the regional economy. These environmental and economic pressures require residents to plan carefully for long-term stability.

For climate-aware, budget-conscious settlers

Kenai Peninsula suits families and professionals comfortable with Alaska's southern coastal environment and willing to accept moderate climate risks for reasonable living costs. The borough appeals to outdoor enthusiasts employed in fishing, tourism, and regional services who value tax efficiency and housing affordability. It's a practical choice for those prepared for environmental challenges.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.6Cost71.8SafetyComing SoonHealth68.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.1Risk7WaterComing Soon
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kenai Peninsula Borough with another county →

Counties with similar scores

La Paz County
Arizona
65.5
Median income: $49,506
Mississippi County
Arkansas
65.5
Median income: $53,428
Bulloch County
Georgia
65.5
Median income: $56,832
Marshall County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $69,818
Randolph County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $68,870

Deep Dives

Kenai Peninsula Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Kenai Peninsula Borough

via HealthByCounty

Kenai Peninsula exceeds U.S. health benchmarks

At 77.9 years, Kenai's life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.5 years, placing residents in healthier territory. The 15.6% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the national average of 18%.

Above state average on longevity

Kenai Peninsula's 77.9-year life expectancy tops Alaska's 75.6-year average by 2.3 years, reflecting strong community health outcomes. The 15.6% poor/fair health rate sits below the broader state picture of health disparities.

Solid health standing regionally

Kenai's 77.9-year life expectancy ranks in Alaska's upper tier, matching Fairbanks (77.7) and slightly trailing Haines (78.3). The 15.6% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with regional averages, showing balanced health outcomes.

Below-average uninsured rate

Kenai's 14.5% uninsured rate is below Alaska's average of 15.9%, ensuring most residents carry health coverage. Primary care access is limited at 80 per 100K, with 408 mental health providers per 100K serving a dispersed peninsula population.

Keep coverage steady on the peninsula

Kenai does well with 14.5% uninsured, but one in seven residents still lack coverage—review your options annually. Head to healthcare.gov during open enrollment to ensure you're getting the best plan and any available subsidies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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