RANK #317 / 996 · POP 59,235 · AK
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.5%
Homer, known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," anchors the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, a vast region in southcentral Alaska. This area, larger than the state of West Virginia, is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive south from Anchorage, connected by the scenic Seward Highway. The community feel across the borough's towns like Kenai, Seward, and Soldotna is characterized by strong local bonds and a shared appreciation for the surrounding wilderness. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with opportunities for world-class salmon fishing in the Kenai River, hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park, and wildlife viewing.
Life in the Kenai Peninsula Borough offers a blend of outdoor adventure and community living. The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District serves 42 schools across 21 communities, with local schools consistently exceeding state averages in graduation rates and test scores. Commute times are generally minimal within the borough. The economy is largely driven by its natural resources, including commercial fishing, oil and gas, and a significant tourism sector that benefits from the area's landscapes and recreational activities. Healthcare and professional services also contribute to the economic picture. The borough has seen population growth, particularly among retirement-aged Alaskans, with some residents relocating from Anchorage in search of a lower cost of living.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
No data
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Alaska LNG Project (Liquefaction Facility)
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (proposed developer), Glenfarne Alaska LNG
|
$20,000M | Proposed |
|
Dixon Diversion Project (Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Expansion)
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and Railbelt utilities
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Sterling Highway Safety Corridor Improvements Project
State of Alaska / Federal Funding
|
$65M | Under Construction |
|
Puppy Dog Lake Solar Farm
Renewable IPP, CleanCapital LLC
|
$60M | Under Construction |
|
Soldotna Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Homer Electric Association (HEA)
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kenai Peninsula Borough has a Boom Town Index score of 68/100, ranking #317 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.9% and a median household income of $76,272, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Kenai Peninsula Borough is $280,900 with median rent at $1,126/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2715, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.9%. Home values changed +5.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.7% of Kenai Peninsula Borough's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.