Kenai, AK

Kenai, Alaska

Introduction to Kenai, Alaska

Kenai, Alaska, in Kenai Peninsula county, is 63 miles SW of Anchorage, Alaska. There are 6,942 residents in the city.

Kenai History

The Kachemak people were the earliest inhabitants of the place now known as Kenai, and had settled in the area around 1000 BC. The Dena'ina Athabaskan people removed them around 1000 A.D. Kenai is named after Kenai Peninsula. It is possibly derived from the Russian word "Kenayskaya", which means "flat barren land". However, according to other sources, the place was named after the local Athabaskan tribe. Russian fur traders first reached Kenai in 1741. Alexander King, a prospector, discovered gold in the region in 1888. In 1940, a number of farmhouses were opened in Kenai, and in 1951 the first dirt road was constructed. A military base opened in 1953, and it served as a major post for communication. Oil was discovered near Kenai in 1957, and, with this discovery, Alaska witnessed a period of major growth.

Kenai earby Attractions

• Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
• Pratt Museum
• Beaver Creek
• Alaska SeaLife Center
• Captain Cook State Recreation Area

Things To Do In Kenai

The Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center houses museum exhibits and features Russian, Athabaskan, and Aleut cultural artifacts. Located in the Kenai Peninsula county, the city of Kenai also offers easy access to the Pratt Museum. The Kenai Fine Arts Center offers studio space and hosts art exhibitions. The Kenai Community Library provides more information on the historical and cultural heritage of the region. The Alaska SeaLife Center features exhibits related to the marine ecosystems of Alaska. In addition, the 3,460-acre Captain Cook State Recreation Area offers facilities for boating, canoeing, and fishing.

Kenai Transportation

Air transportation is provided by Kenai Municipal Airport.

Kenai Higher Education

Residents of Kenai have easy access to the University of Alaska - Anchorage, and the Alaska Pacific University.

High Points

Kenai strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Alaska):

Category	Trophy
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 14%

Comparative Profile of Kenai, AK

Comparing Kenai to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Alaska (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Female Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Senior Citizens

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Property Taxes
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Kenai Almanac

Kenai Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Kenai Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Kenai, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Kenai Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Kenai High Schools (2004)

KENAI CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
9583 SPUR HWY.
907-283-7524
Serves 506 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 17.4

KENAI ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
705 FRONTAGE ROAD #C
907-283-7844
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 82 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.1

KENAI YOUTH DETENTION CENTER
405 MARATHON ROAD
907-335-3100
A Non-traditional School

Kenai Colleges

(List of All Alaska Colleges)

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