Kenai, AK
Population 7,562 · Alaska
About Kenai, AK
Kenai is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 7,562 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,907 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kenai features a median home value of $249,400, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kenai in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,134, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,326 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,891 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,025 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kenai shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kenai have an average one-way commute time of 14.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.1% of Kenai residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.4% White, 15.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kenai Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Kenai, AK
Compared to national averages, Kenai has a median household income of $74,907 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $249,400, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,134 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Kenai's income is 10% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 22% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Kenai, AK?
Kenai offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,134/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,907) that falls below the national average. However, Kenai’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kenai has a population of 7,562 with a median age of 34.1 years. Compare Kenai with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Kenai
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalifornsky | 8,136 | $91,081 | $306,200 | Compare |
| Ketchikan | 8,151 | $76,835 | $340,300 | Compare |
| Sterling | 6,776 | $110,341 | $346,100 | Compare |
| Sitka city and | 8,393 | $101,207 | $442,100 | Compare |
| Gateway | 6,716 | $137,150 | $436,200 | Compare |
| Bethel | 6,313 | $109,718 | $354,400 | Compare |
| Palmer | 6,141 | $70,550 | $275,900 | Compare |
| South Lakes | 6,132 | $89,632 | $367,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alaska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Kenai With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenai
What is the population of Kenai, AK?
The population of Kenai, AK is 7,562 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Kenai?
The median household income in Kenai, AK is $74,907 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kenai?
The median home value in Kenai, AK is $249,400, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kenai?
The median monthly rent in Kenai, AK is $1,134, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kenai?
The unemployment rate in Kenai, AK is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kenai, AK a good place to live?
Kenai offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,562 and a median age of 34.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kenai, AK?
24.1% of residents in Kenai aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Kenai?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kenai, AK: median home value is $249,400 (2% above national), median rent is $1,134/month, and median household income is $74,907. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kenai?
The poverty rate in Kenai, AK is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kenai, AK?
Kenai's population is 5.4% White, 15.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.