Vibrant Community

Soldotna, Alaska, is a vibrant community known for its robust healthcare industry, thriving education sector, and a commitment to quality of life through extensive parks, trails, and community events.

Soldotna, Alaska, maintains a strong financial position with a stable tax system and a sustainable fund balance, enabling continued investments in high-quality infrastructure and economic development. The city collaborates effectively with the private sector and local organizations, resulting in successful programs like the storefront improvement program since 2012, phased downtown enhancements, and participation in Alaska Startup Week.

Health care is a major industry in Soldotna, led by Central Peninsula Hospital—a key provider with a range of facilities and significant employment. Education is also a focus, with approximately one-third of all K-12 students in the borough attending schools in Soldotna, and Kenai Peninsula College offering a variety of programs to nearly 2,880 students each semester.

Retail thrives here, leading the borough in sales, bolstered by both the summer tourism surge and a stable year-round economy. The city’s commitment to quality of life is evident in its extensive parks and trails, vibrant community events like Alaska’s only outdoor winter beer festival, and a close-knit, family-friendly community atmosphere.

Janette Bower, City Manager

177 N. Birch St.
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone: (907) 714-1240
Contact: jbower@soldotna.org
Website: City of Soldotna

Johni Blankenship, City Clerk

177 N. Birch St.
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone: (907) 714-1236
Contact: cityclerk@soldotna.org
Website: City of Soldotna

Maddy Olsen, Executive Director

44790 Sterling Hwy
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone: (907) 262-9814
Contact: maddy@soldotnachamber.com
Website: Soldotna Chamber

Soldotna’s population has grown faster than the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) and Alaska overall, over the past three years. In general, Soldotna’s population is older than the overall Alaska population, and slightly younger than the KPB median age. However, Soldotna’s population has seen more growth in children, young adults, and working age residents. Young adults and younger working age residents are drawn to Soldotna by the Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River campus. The city’s senior population has expanded since 2020, but less so than the Borough or Alaska overall.

Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Local economic activity in Soldotna has shown strong growth over the past 10 years, with impressive gains in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and guiding businesses. Overall, spending growth trails behind the Borough. Sales taxes in Soldotna are 6%, with 3% going to the City and 3% going to the Borough to fund police, fire, education, recreation, and other services.

Source: City of Soldotna & Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Departments.

Housing in Soldotna is generally less expensive than elsewhere in Alaska or the Anchorage/Mat-Su region. The typical home in Soldotna is priced 43% below than the typical home in Washington. However, Soldotna housing tends to be slightly more expensive than other parts of the Kenai Peninsula Borough.