Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
Kenai Peninsula Borough: Borough in Alaska, United States
About
Kenai Peninsula Borough is a county located in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2010 census, the population was 55,400 and a population density of 1 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 59,414 inhabitants. Its county seat is Soldotna. The county was created 60 years ago in 1963.
The Kenai Peninsula juts out into the Gulf of Alaska south of Anchorage. The borough contains several towns including Soldotna, Homer, Seward and Kenai. Russian fur traders first established settlements in the area in the 1700s. Later, the Kenai Peninsula became known for fishing, oil drilling and coal mining industries. Today it remains an important tourism and recreation destination.
Major Communities on the Peninsula
Some of the main cities and towns on the Kenai Peninsula include:
- Kenai - One of the oldest communities, established in 1776 as a Russian fur post. Home to the famous Kenai River known for trophy salmon fishing.
- Soldotna - Located at the intersection of two highways, Soldotna serves as a commercial hub on the central peninsula.
- Homer - Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” and features stunning views across Kachemak Bay.
- Seward - Picturesque port town and gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park with abundant outdoor activities.
Things to See and Do
Top attractions and activities on the Kenai Peninsula:
- Embark on a glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park to see whales, sea otters and tidewater glaciers.
- Catch monster king salmon on a guided sportfishing trip on the Kenai River.
- Hike through pristine wilderness and camp in Chugach National Forest.
- Browse the shops and art galleries in the quaint towns of Homer and Soldotna.
- Learn about indigenous culture and early Russian history at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center.
With its natural beauty, ancient glaciers, abundant wildlife and world-class fishing, the Kenai Peninsula offers unlimited outdoor adventures and small town Alaskan charm.
Quick Facts about Kenai Peninsula Borough
| Population : | 59,414 (2020) |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Alaska (United States) |
| Area : | 64114 km2 |
| Water as percent of area : | 35.1% |
| Land as percent of area : | 64.9% |
| Named for : | Kenai Peninsula |
| Altitude : | 72 feet / 22 meters |
| Capital : | Soldotna |
| Establishment : | January 01, 1964 |
| Time Zone : | Alaska Time Zone |
| Local time : | 02:32:15 (25th April 2024) |
| Density : | 1 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | 6.76% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Kenai Peninsula Borough is located at 60°25'0"N 151°15'2"W (60.4166700, -151.2505600). It has 2 neighbors: Kodiak Island Borough and Matanuska Susitna Borough.
Kenai Peninsula Borough map
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The largest city of Kenai Peninsula Borough is Kenai with a population of 7,890. Other cities include, Homer population 6,034, Soldotna population 4,790, Seward population 2,927 and Ridgeway population 2,022. See all Kenai Peninsula Borough cities & populated places.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Populated Places
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Kenai Peninsula Borough.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Kenai | 7,890 | City in Alaska |
| Kalifornsky | 7,850 | Census designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska |
| Homer | 6,034 | City in Alaska, USA |
| Soldotna | 4,790 | City in Alaska, USA |
| Nikiski | 4,493 | Census-designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska |
| Seward | 2,927 | City in Alaska, USA |
| Ridgeway | 2,022 | American city in Iowa |
| Bear Creek | 1,956 | Town in Marion County, Alabama, USA |
| Fritz Creek | 1,932 | Census-designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska |
| Anchor Point | 1,930 | Census-designated place in Alaska, United States |
| Cohoe | 1,364 | Census-designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska |
| Diamond Ridge | 1,156 | Census-designated place in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska |
| Kachemak | 494 | City in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States |
| Seldovia | 278 | City in Alaska |
- Official Website
Official website of Kenai Peninsula Borough
Kenai Peninsula Borough has 2 neighbours.
- Kodiak Island Borough borough in Alaska, United States
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough borough in Alaska, United States
Demographics
The population of Kenai Peninsula Borough increased by 6.76% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
| 2010 | 55,400 | - | census |
| 2011 | 56,299 | 1.6% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 56,900 | 1.06% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 57,014 | 0.2% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 57,558 | 0.95% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 58,034 | 0.82% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 58,458 | 0.73% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 58,558 | 0.17% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 58,561 | 0.01% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 58,708 | 0.25% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 59,414 | 1.19% | estimation process |
Alaska Other Counties (more counties)
| County Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 294,356 | The most populous city in Alaska and the center of the Anchorage metropolitan area. |
| Anchorage Municipality | 287,095 | City in Alaska, United States |
| Matanuska-Susitna Borough | 110,213 | Borough in Alaska, United States |
| Fairbanks North Star Borough | 95,651 | Borough in Alaska, United States |
| Juneau | 31,974 | City in and state capital of Alaska, United States |
| Juneau City and Borough | 31,849 | City in and state capital of Alaska, United States |
| Fairbanks | 30,696 | City in Alaska, USA |
| Eagle River | 24,793 | Community in Alaska, USA |
| Badger | 19,482 | Census-designated place in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska |
| Bethel Census Area | 18,437 | Census area in Alaska, United States |
| Ketchikan Gateway Borough | 13,747 | Borough in Alaska, United States |
| Kodiak Island Borough | 12,992 | Borough in Alaska, United States |
| College | 12,964 | Census-designated place in Alaska, United States |
| Wasilla | 11,099 | City in Alaska, USA |
| Nome Census Area | 9,909 | Census area in Alaska, United States |
| North Slope Borough | 9,294 | Borough in Alaska, United States |
