Kenai 64 Average
Kenai Livability #38 ranked city in Alaska#14,592 ranked city in the USARanks better than 50% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Kenai

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

What's it like Living in Kenai?

Kenai is a small city located in the state of Alaska. The city has a population of 8,089 inhabitants. The majority of Kenai residents report their race to be White; this is followed by American Indian and Alaskan and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Kenai is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Kenai is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Alaska, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Kenai and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alaska and national averages.

Using data and statistics Kenai has received a livability score of 55 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 21st percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a lower than the national average livability score as Kenai does not rank well for most categories. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Kenai ranks well for housing (A+). Kenai does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (D-). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Kenai has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Kenai. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Kenai are affordable. Median real estate prices in Kenai come in at $403,577, which is 12.7% lower than the Alaska average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Kenai, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 2.4% lower than the Alaska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Kenai

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Compare Kenai, AK Livability

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      Kenai transportation information

      Statistic Kenai Alaska National
      Average one way commute20min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.8%68.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.7%12.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.4%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.9%7.9%2.8%
      Working from home6.1%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Kenai, AK data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.