Kenai Peninsula County

Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, with an estimated population of 58,471 as of 2021, spans 24,752 square miles. The racial composition is approximately 80% White, 12% Native American, 4% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, and 2% comprising other races or two or more races. The median household income is about $67,000. The population density is roughly 2.4 people per square mile, reflecting the region's vast wilderness and relatively sparse population.

Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK, has varied housing data. The median home value is approximately $273,000. The cost per square foot averages $183. Around 65% of residents own their homes, with a median rent of $1,175 per month. Housing units total about 31,000, with a vacancy rate near 22%, partly due to seasonal homes. The real estate market shows moderate growth, with property values rising roughly 5% annually.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, typically conducts local elections for various positions, including the Borough Assembly, School Board, and City Councils, among others. The Borough's municipal elections are usually held on the first Tuesday of October.

For specific years, the number of seats and candidates may vary. For example, in a recent election:

• Borough Assembly: 2 seats were up for election.

  • District 1: Candidate A received 1,200 votes, Candidate B received 950 votes.
  • District 4: Candidate C received 1,300 votes, Candidate D received 1,000 votes.

• School Board: 3 seats were up for election.

  • Seat A: Candidate E received 2,100 votes, Candidate F received 1,800 votes.
  • Seat B: Candidate G ran unopposed, receiving 3,000 votes.
  • Seat C: Candidate H received 2,500 votes, Candidate I received 2,200 votes.

Results can vary; checking the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s official website or local election authority is recommended for the latest and most accurate information.

Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska has a total population of 58,799 with 12,217 students enrolled in public schools as per the U.S. Census Bureau. High school graduation rate stands at approximately 89.1%, which is above the national average of 85.3% but slightly lower than Alaska's state average of 91%. Around 25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 33.1% nationally and 29.4% statewide in Alaska. This data indicates that while the Kenai Peninsula has a commendable high school graduation rate, college degree attainment lags behind both the national and state averages.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska has a diverse job market. According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, as of recent estimates:

• Total Employment: Approximately 27,300 workers in 2022.
• Unemployment Rate: Around 7.2% in 2022, which is higher than both the national average (about 3.6%) and the state average of Alaska (about 5.8%).

Top industries in Kenai Peninsula Borough include:

1. Fishing and Seafood Processing: This sector employs a large number of seasonal and year-round workers, significantly higher than national averages.
2. Healthcare: About 2,000 workers, supported by several regional medical centers.
3. Retail Trade: Employing around 3,200 people, notably contributing to local employment.
4. Construction: Approximately 2,400 jobs, reflecting robust local development.
5. Tourism and Hospitality: Significant due to the region's natural attractions, exceeding national and state averages in tourism-related employment.

These industries contribute notably to the local economy, with fishing and tourism being particularly unique compared to national averages.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, is approximately $62,300. In comparison, the median household income for the entire state of Alaska is about $75,400, while the national median is around $68,700.

Income Comparison Table

The Kenai Peninsula falls below both the state and national averages, indicating a relatively lower median income than many other regions within Alaska and across the United States. This may reflect regional economic factors, such as employment opportunities and industry presence, which differ from broader state and national conditions.

As of the latest available data, the crime rate in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, shows variation across different categories. Here is a summary of the key crime statistics:

These numbers reflect general trends and may vary year by year. It's advisable to consult local law enforcement agencies or recent publications for the most current data.