Natural Beauty
Kenai, Alaska, renowned for its spectacular fishing and wildlife, serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet.
Kenai, a vibrant coastal community, nestles at the mouth of the renowned Kenai River. Established in 1791, it developed alongside the already flourishing Dena’ina Athabascan Indian Village, perched on the bluff above Cook Inlet. Known for its exceptional fishing, abundant wildlife, and rich natural resources, Kenai is easily reachable by a 150-mile drive south from Anchorage, flights into Kenai Municipal Airport, or via its commercial and public docks.
Kenai combines wilderness charm with a high quality of life and excellent accessibility. It hosts Kenai Municipal Airport, a crucial air hub for the Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet, enhancing its appeal as a gateway for adventure and commerce. With incentives for businesses and available land, Kenai represents an ideal location for business growth and development.
Terry Eubanks,
City Manager
210 Fidalgo Ave.
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: (907) 283-8222
Contact: teubank@kenai.city
Website: City of Kenai
Shellie Saner, MMC,
City Clerk
210 Fidalgo Ave.
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: (907) 283-8231
Contact: cityclerk@kenai.city
Website: City of Kenai
Samantha Springer, Executive Director
11471 Kenai Spur Hwy,
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: (907) 283-1991
Contact: samantha@kenaichamber.org
Website: Kenai Chamber of Commerce
Stats for Kenai
The City of Kenai’s population has grown by a slower rate than the overall Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) in recent years, but is growing faster than the rest of Alaska. Kenai residents tend to be younger than elsewhere in Alaska or KPB, as children make up a larger percentage of the population than elsewhere in Alaska or the KPB.
Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Taxable sales activity grew by 35% in the City of Kenai from 2013 to 2022, which is less than the overall KPB total. As we can see from the sales tax data, sport fish guiding has grown substantially over the past decade. Increasing taxable sales activity is a sign of strong local economy, and many Kenai businesses benefit from its reputation as a world-class sportfishing destination. Sales taxes in Kenai 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 Kenai & Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Departments.
House prices tend to be quite a bit lower in the City of Kenai, compared to the greater KPB and Anchorage area. Kenai home prices are roughly half of what you would expect to see in Washington state. However, rental housing can be relatively more expensive than elsewhere in Alaska.
Source: Zillow Group.
