Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska is a borough located in the southern portion of the state. It is the fourth-largest borough in Alaska and covers an area of over 25,000 square miles. The population of Kenai Peninsula Borough was estimated to be around 55,000 people in 2019, with about half of that population living in the city of Kenai.
The borough is made up of six separate areas: Anchor Point, Homer, Kasilof, Ninilchik, Seward and Soldotna. Each area has its own unique attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Homer is known for its halibut fishing charters and breathtaking views from Beluga Slough; Seward is home to Alaska SeaLife Center; Soldotna offers some of the best salmon fishing on the Kenai River; and Kasilof boasts world-class ski slopes at Tsalteshi Trails.
Kenai Peninsula Borough also features numerous outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, hiking, hunting, kayaking and skiing. In addition to these activities, there are also several national parks and wildlife refuges located within the borough including Chugach National Forest, Katmai National Park & Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park.
Kenai Peninsula Borough has a lot to offer visitors looking for an exciting adventure or relaxing getaway. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, there’s something for everyone in this part of Alaska.
History of Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
The history of Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska can be traced back centuries. The area was first inhabited by the Dena’ina people who lived off the land and fished the salmon-filled rivers of the region. The Dena’ina were semi-nomadic, living in seasonal camps along the rivers and coastlines and relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering for their sustenance.
In 1741, Russian explorers arrived in Alaska and began to establish trading posts along the coastlines of Kenai Peninsula Borough. This was part of Russia’s larger expansion into Alaska which eventually led to the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.
With the purchase came a wave of settlers from Europe who arrived to take advantage of new opportunities for trade and homesteading. These settlers built communities throughout Kenai Peninsula Borough including Seward, Homer, Ninilchik, Soldotna and Kasilof.
During World War II, Kenai Peninsula Borough played an important role as a supply center for U.S forces in Alaska. Several military bases were constructed throughout the region including Fort Richardson near Anchorage and Fort Greely near Delta Junction.
Today, Kenai Peninsula Borough is home to around 55,000 people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. It is also an important center for resource extraction with oil companies having a significant presence in areas such as Anchor Point and Nikiski. Despite this industrial activity, there are still many untouched areas throughout the Kenai Peninsula that offer visitors spectacular views of mountains, glaciers and wildlife habitats that have been unchanged for centuries.
Major cities and towns in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
According to AbbreviationFinder, the Kenai Peninsula Borough of Alaska is home to a variety of cities and towns. The largest city in the region is the city of Soldotna, with a population of around 4,500 people. Located on the banks of the Kenai River, Soldotna is a popular destination for fishing and outdoor recreation. It also boasts a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Homer is another major town in Kenai Peninsula Borough with a population of around 5,000 people. Located on the shores of Kachemak Bay, Homer has become known as “the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” due to its abundance of halibut-filled waters. Homer also has an active art community and hosts several popular festivals throughout the year.
The town of Seward is located at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Gulf of Alaska and has a population around 2,500 people. It is well-known for its scenic views and outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, whale watching and much more. Seward also serves as an important port for cruise ships headed to Alaska’s Inside Passage or Glacier Bay National Park.
Other notable towns in Kenai Peninsula Borough include Ninilchik, Kasilof, Seldovia and Anchor Point which all offer unique attractions for visitors looking to explore this part of Alaska. From stunning natural landscapes to historic sites like Old Town Ninilchik or Seldovia Village Tribal House there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in this beautiful region.
Population in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
According to maternityetchic.com, the Kenai Peninsula Borough of Alaska is home to a population of around 55,000 people. This area is the third most populous borough in the state behind Anchorage and Fairbanks. The population is spread across numerous small towns and cities throughout the borough.
The largest city in Kenai Peninsula Borough is Soldotna, with a population of around 4,500 people. It is located on the banks of the Kenai River and serves as a popular destination for fishing and outdoor recreation. Homer is another major town with a population of around 5,000 people situated on the shores of Kachemak Bay.
Other notable towns include Ninilchik, Kasilof, Seldovia and Anchor Point which all have populations ranging from 500 to 1,500 people. These cities are known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, whale watching and more.
The majority of residents in Kenai Peninsula Borough are white (83%) followed by Native American/Alaskan Native (12%), Asian (1%), African American (0.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1%) and other races (2%). The median household income in this region was estimated at $64,856 in 2019 which was slightly higher than the national average at that time ($61,937).
Kenai Peninsula Borough has an interesting mix of cultures and residents with plenty to offer visitors looking to explore this beautiful region.