Kenai

Kenai, Alaska Overview

Kenai ranks #2 of 20 cities in Alaska, earning a B+ grade with a composite score of 57.7/100. The city stands out in Outdoor Access (100/100) and Safety (78/100), placing it among the state’s strongest performers across the metrics we track.

Income & Employment in Kenai

The median household income in Kenai is $74,907, 11% below the statewide median of $84,143. Population grew 0.1% recently.

Safety in Kenai

At 347.7 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Kenai sits meaningfully below the Alaska average of 724 — a 108% lower gap. The property crime rate is 914.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Kenai

The median home value is $249,400. Median monthly rent is $1,134. Renters spend 18.2% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Kenai

The adult obesity rate in Kenai is 32.7% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 8.9%. Residents report an average of 16.5 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Alaska ranks #30 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Kenai

Kenai has a high school graduation rate of 85%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.8:1. Local districts invest $19,862 per student, well above the national median. The city has 6 public schools serving 1,969 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Kenai

Winters in Kenai are cold, averaging 22.5°F. Summers average 54.1°F. Winters average 22.5°F. Annual precipitation is 33.4 inches. The average commute of 13.2 minutes is notably short.

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