Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kenai, AK
Considering a move to Kenai, AK? This friendly city of 7,590 offers affordable housing with a median home price of $255,000 and average rent around $1,075. Residents enjoy short commute times (16.8 minutes), access to quality healthcare, and local schools like Kenai Central High. While winters are cold and sunny days are limited, Kenai's low population density, outdoor recreation opportunities, and strong community vibe make it a unique Alaskan destination. Explore cost of living, schools, and more to see if Kenai matches your lifestyle.
Demographics - Kenai, AK
Kenai is a close-knit community of about 7,590 residents, with a median age of 39.2, and a population density of 411 people per square mile. The city has a predominantly White population with a notable Native American presence and a small percentage of non-English speakers, adding to its local diversity.
Population:
7,590
Density:
411 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
12.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kenai, AK?
Kenai offers a cost of living slightly above the national average, driven by factors like a median home value of $255,000 and higher utility costs. However, residents benefit from no state income tax, making it relatively affordable compared to other Alaskan towns.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,075
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,485
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$580
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
113.7
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
103.5
Utilities:
135.0
Transportation:
115.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Kenai, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Kenai are moderate for the region, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 301 and property crime at 1 in 58. Residents should take standard precautions, but overall the city maintains a sense of small-town safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
332
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,711
Crime Index:
2,043
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 301
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Kenai, AK year-round?
Kenai experiences cold winters with temperatures often dipping to 6°F, while summers are mild with highs averaging 65°F. The area receives about 20.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 38% sunny days, offering four distinct seasons suited for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
24°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
47°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
45°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
38%
Neighbors
Residents of Kenai typically have a household income around $67,400 and commute times averaging just under 17 minutes. The community boasts a high school graduation rate of over 92% and a moderate poverty rate of 10.9%, reflecting a stable and hardworking local population.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$67,400
Family Income:
$76,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$40,000
Poverty Rate:
10.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,075
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
18.6%
Education
How are the schools in Kenai, AK?
Kenai is served by a range of educational institutions, including well-rated public schools like Kenai Central High and options for private education such as Cook Inlet Academy. Nearby, Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna offers higher education opportunities just 11 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Kenai Central High School
Street:
9583 Kenai Spur Hwy
Phone:
907-283-2100
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Mountain View Elementary
Street:
315 Swires Rd
Phone:
907-283-8600
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
Cook Inlet Academy
Street:
46750 Sterling Hwy
Phone:
907-262-5101
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Kenai Peninsula College
City:
Soldotna
State:
AK
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Kenai residents have access to quality healthcare, with Central Peninsula Hospital nearby and 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 83% of the population is covered by health insurance, supporting the area's overall well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Central Peninsula Hospital
Address:
250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone:
(907) 714-4404
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.4%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kenai, AK?
The housing market in Kenai is accessible, featuring a median home price of $255,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,075. About 64.5% of homes are owner-occupied, and recent appreciation has been steady, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,075
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services for Kenai are provided by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles at the Soldotna office, located nearby on K-Beach Road. Residents can conveniently access licensing, registration, and other vehicle services without traveling far.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
43335 K-Beach Road, Suite 36, Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone:
(855) 269-5551
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.