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2015 Kenai Peninsula
Situations & Prospects
Leadership to Enhance, Foster and
Promote Economic Development
April 2015
Research, analysis, and the 2015 Situations & Prospects Report by
Sheinberg Associates,
a Community & Strategic Planning & Research firm,
www.SheinbergAssociates.com
GIS analysis and corresponding map production by
Alaska Map Company
www.akmapco.com
Leadership to enhance, foster,
and promote economic development
April 2015
Dear Readers,
The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District, Inc. (KPEDD) is very pleased to issue this
2015 Situations and Prospects report. We’ve heard from many of you that you’ve missed this
report, last published in 2010 by the borough. Many businesses, non-profits, grant-writers, and
residents use it for a variety of economic and personal purposes.
We think you will like the fresh look of this new publication too.
The data you need is still here, but we’re also focusing on some bigger picture trends, and we
are also in the process of “loading” several of these indicators onto the KPEDD website where
we intend to update them regularly for your use. It should be ready by late April; check for
“Economic Indicators” at www.kpedd.org
KPEDD’s mission is to provide leadership in enhancing, fostering, and promoting responsible
and sustainable economic development. In order to achieve this goal KPEDD has adopted the
acronym of SAVE - Sustainable, Accountable, Visible, and Efficient.
We hope you find the 2015 Situations and Prospects report will SAVE you time and help with
your business decisions. It is available to download at our website above.
Come by our office at mile 14.5 on the Kenai Spur Highway, give us a call at 283-3335, or email
Rick anytime at rroeske@kpedd.org to see how we can assist you in meeting your business
needs.
Brendyn Shiflea
President, Board of Directors
KPEDD Board of Directors
Brendyn Shiflea, President
Cheryle James, Vice President
Mark Dixson, Treasurer
Jason Feeken, Secretary
Dale Butts
Tim Dillon
Mark Dixson
Rick A. Roeske
Executive Director
Mike Dye
Rick Koch
Sue McClure
Dale Bagley
Katie Koester
Stan Mishin
Joe Rybak
Acronym Guide
AADT
ACS
ADEED
ADF&G
ADOLWD
ADOR
ADOT&PF
AHFC
AMHS
AVTEC
BEA
CAH
CDP
CDQ
CFEC
CI
CMS
CPH
CVRF
DCCED
DCRA
EIS
FAA
FERC
IFQ
KPB
KPC
KPEDD
KPTMC
LNG
NAICS
NOAA
NRCS
OCS
PFD
Pre-FEED
PK-12
QCEW
SNAP
SPH
TAG
UAF
USCG
USDA
Average Annual Daily Traffic
American Community Survey
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Alaska Department of Revenue
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Alaska Marine Highway System
Alaska Vocational Technical Center
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Critical Access Hospital
Census Designated Place
Community Development Quota
Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission
Cook Inlet
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Central Peninsula General Hospital
Coastal Villages Region Fund
Department of Commerce and Community Economic Development
Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Environmental Impact Statement
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Individual Fishing Quota
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Kenai Peninsula College
Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District
Kenai Peninsula Tourism and Marketing Council
Liquid Natural Gas
North American Industry Classification System
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Outer Continental Shelf
Permanent Fund Dividend
Pre-Front End Engineering and Design
Preschool through 12th Grade
Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
South Peninsula Hospital
Tax Authority Group
University of Alaska Fairbanks
United States Coast Guard
United States Department of Agriculture
Table of Contents
1 Kenai Peninsula at a Glance ............................................................................................................... 1
2 Kenai Peninsula: Nine Strategic Assets and Advantages ............................................................. 3
3 Population .............................................................................................................................................. 5
4 Regional and Personal Prosperity ...................................................................................................... 9
5 Business Prosperity............................................................................................................................. 15
The Whole Work Economy ......................................................................................................................... 15
Business Activity (Gross Sales) .................................................................................................................. 18
Wages & Employment Trends ................................................................................................................... 22
6 Property Sales, Development, and Taxes ....................................................................................... 23
7 KPB Economy: Industry Spotlights ................................................................................................. 31
Oil & Gas ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
Health Care and Social Assistance............................................................................................................. 36
The Maritime Sector ..................................................................................................................................... 41
Commercial Fishing and Seafood Processing .......................................................................................... 45
Tourism and Visitors ................................................................................................................................... 53
Transportation and Warehousing.............................................................................................................. 64
Construction.................................................................................................................................................. 66
8 Housing ................................................................................................................................................. 67
9 Cost of Living....................................................................................................................................... 70
10 Education and Civic Engagement .................................................................................................. 73
11 Agriculture ......................................................................................................................................... 78
12 City Profiles........................................................................................................................................ 79
City of Homer (Figures 92-94) ..................................................................................................................... 79
City of Kenai (Figures 95-97) ....................................................................................................................... 82
City of Seldovia (Figures 98-99) .................................................................................................................. 85
City of Seward (Figures 100-102) ................................................................................................................ 87
City of Soldotna (Figures 103-105) .............................................................................................................. 90
13 County Business Patterns –By Zip Code ...................................................................................... 93
14 Report Contributors and Primary Data Sources ....................................................................... 109
1 Kenai Peninsula at a Glance
Demographics
Population
Median Age
Number < age 5
Number > age 64
Number of PFDs
The Whole Economy
Total Personal Income (BEA)
Total Work Force (‘10/’11 and ‘12/’13)
Total Work Earnings (‘12/’13)
Number Self-Employed/Proprietors (‘10/’12)
Per-Capita Income (BEA)
Statewide Per Capita Income
Median Household Income
Statewide Median Household Income
Employment and Wages
Total Employment
Total Government Employment
Total Private Sector Employment
Total Wages
Total Private Sector Wages
Average Wage
Annual Unemployment Rate
% Families Below Poverty
% Families Below Poverty with female head
of house, no husband
Business Activity
(Gross Taxable KPB Sales)
Sales (Restaurant, Bars, Retail)
Construction
Production (O&G, mining, ag, fish, seafood)
Services
Wholesale
Utilities
Tourism (A&E, Guides, Lodging)
Prof (Health Care, Prof)
Manufacturing
Property (Rentals)
Transportation & Warehousing
Public Admin (Govt)
Grand Total
2010
55,400
40.6
3,434
6,276
53,145
2010
$2.31B
25,564
$1.09B
6,126
$41,569
$45,565
$54,221
$67,016
2010
19,438
4,773
14,665
$819.4M
$585.2M
$42,155
10.0% (’10)
4.8%
2014
57,212
41.1
3,679
8,131
53,217 (‘13)
2013
$2.77B
26,821
$1.23B
6,117
$48,485
$50,150
$62,826
$70,477
2013
20,704
4,820
15,884
$949.7M
$702.6M
$46,062
7.5% (‘13)
5.6%
Change
+1.8%
+0.80
+7.1%
+29.6%
+72
Change
+0.46
+1,257 (5%)
+0.14
-9
+$6,916 (+17%)
+$4,585 (+10%)
+$8,605 (+16%)
+$3,461 (+5%)
Change
+1,266
+47
+1,219
+$130.3M
+$117.4M
+$3,907
-2.5%
+1.1%
13.5%
16.1%
+2.6%
2012
$Millions
$1,074.8
$911.7
$479.6
$305.5
$284.0
$166.7
$162.1
$152.1
$151.2
$101.0
$127.1
$29.4
$3,945.2
2013
$Millions
$1,077.0
$566.3
$555.8
$335.7
$319.5
$176.8
$167.3
$158.0
$139.0
$104.6
$96.3
$21.1
$3,717.5
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 1
Change
+$2.2
-$345.3
+$76.2
+$30.2
+$35.5
+$10.1
+$5.2
+$6.0
-$12.2
+$3.6
-$30.8
-$8.3
-$227.6
Schools
PK-12 School District Enrollment
Dropout Rate
Free Lunch Eligibility (% of all students)
ACT and SAT Test Scores
Full & part time KPC and AVTEC students
Housing
Number of new dwelling units (5 cities)
Number of dwelling units (5 yr avg/ACS)
Number dwelling units occupied
Median House Value / Median Rent
Statewide Median House Value /
Statewide Rent
Homeowners: % paying >30% income in
mortgage
Renters: % paying >30% income in rent
Maritime Indicators
State Fish Tax shared with KPB/cities
Total Pounds Landed in KPB (pounds)
Ex-Vessel Value Landed in KPB
Passenger Transportation
Total Passenger Arrivals
Airline Passenger Arrivals (9 airports)
Railroad Passengers (total)
AMHS Passengers Disembarking
Cruise Passengers
AADT @ Placer River Br. Seward Hy
Agriculture
Number of farms
Acreage under cultivation
Total Number of High Tunnels
TOP 5 SECTORS: JOBS (% of all)
Ag, forestry,
fishing, hunting
6%
Accommodation
& food services
10%
Retail trade
11%
2009/2010
2014 OR 2015
CHANGE
9,368
9,150 (‘14/’15)
-2.3%
4.5%
2.8% (‘13/’14)
1.7% better
37%
39%
2% more
KBP scores > state averages, but scores declining
3,825
4,166 (’14)
+8.9%
2010
2013
Change
64
81 (3Q ‘14)
+319 (3 yrs)
30,100
30,593
+493
21,070
21,418
+348
$200,900/ $854
$206,800 / $935
+$5,900 / +$81
$235,300/
$245,300/
+$10,000 /
$1,056
$1,113
+$57
36.9%
28.8 %
-8.1%
45.9%
2010
$622,270
116.5M
$150.4M
2010
336,848
133,671
58,021
15,178 (‘10)
153,082
4,011 (‘10)
2007
124
29,140 acres
33 (2010)
41.2%
‘12/’13
$933,230 (’14)
130.2
$135.4M (’13)
2014
347,330
144,181
80,320 (’14)
7,582 (‘13)
148,778 (’14)
3,753 (‘12)
2012
162
38,289 acres
252 (2014)
-4.7%
Change
+$310,960
+13.7M
-$15M
Change
+10,482 (+3.1%)
+10,501
+22,299
-7,596
-3.0%
-258
Change
+31%
+31%
+664%
TOP 5 SECTORS: EARNINGS (% of all)
Construction
8%
Government
18%
Health care
& social
assistance
14%
Ag, forestry,
fishing, hunting
8%
Health care
& social
assistance
11%
Sources: 2013 ADOLWD QCEW Employees &Wages,
2012 US Census Nonemployers Statistics (self-employed)
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 2
Government
20%
Mining,
quarrying,
oil & gas
extraction
13%
2 Kenai Peninsula: Nine Strategic Assets and Advantages
Economic development professionals today recommend creating development strategies based on
an area’s unique assets, networks, and competitive advantages and then leveraging them to compete
regionally and beyond. This approach is in contrast to a focus on areas of deficiency, which are used
as a basis to appeal for state or federal funding.
Preferring the asset-based approach, a review of the Kenai region’s unique assets and competitive
advantages, along with some challenges, provide context and focus for this publication’s economic
information, and should stimulate future-thinking. The following lists are not exhaustive, and are
qualitative rather than quantitative. They are based on the observations and ideas of the KPEDD
Board and the report contributors listed at the front of this report.
CENTRAL LOCATION
The Kenai Peninsula is centrally located in Alaska, with proximity to road, marine, and air
infrastructure and shipping. It is proximate to markets within Alaska, the Arctic, Asia and Pacific
Rim countries, and beyond. There are opportunities to grow demand and export goods and services
to these markets.
MILD, DRIER CLIMATE
The Peninsula’s climate is relatively mild compared to other parts of the state. This makes doing
business logistically easier than in more extreme areas.
THE MAGIC IS IN THE MIX
Area residents have a cultural refusal to be pigeonholed. Hardcore Slope workers also have B&B's;
charter boat operators do welding jobs in the off season; teachers raise sled dogs, medical
professionals dabble in trapping. It’s the people and their collective talents, skills, and desire to live
here that make the magic.
COST OF LIVING IS RELATIVELY LOW
The cost of living on the Peninsula is low for Alaska. Typically household goods cost just a bit more
than Anchorage. Land is plentiful and homes and apartments are among the most affordable in the
state. Less expensive natural gas is available for heating. Taxes are relatively low and stable. While
the cost of electricity is on the high side compared to Anchorage and Mat-Su; there may be
renewable energy opportunities that could positively affect electricity cost.
DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY
The Kenai Peninsula region has a more diversified economy than many places in the State. Strong
tourism, commercial and personal use fishing/processing/ wholesaling, and oil and gas activity and
infrastructure bring people and money from outside into the area. Maritime commerce centers on
transportation, the fishing and seafood industry, ship-building and repair, marine surveyors,
scientists, water transporters and other marine trades. Construction and trade are aided by these
strong sectors. The diversity of health care services available is also notable for the population. High
quality workforce training in the region supports the oil and gas, maritime, and other trades.
The industry-friendly political, government and business climate is an asset. The entrepreneurial
spirt is alive in the Borough and a driving force for job creation, but there could be more of a
cooperative effort to create an entrepreneurial culture.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 3
This diversification is a strong asset; however, a challenge is that the key goods-producing
industries: fishing, tourism, oil and gas, are subject to forces beyond the control of the area (such as
world markets, commodity prices, ocean warming, the US recession’s effect on travel).
INCREDIBLE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The region’s scenic beauty, clean air and water, healthy fisheries, relatively fertile soils and wild
landscapes coupled with good access have resulted in plentiful recreational opportunities. These are
enjoyed by residents and tourists alike, and many businesses exist to help visitors experience these
assets.
GOOD SCHOOLS AND WORKFORCE TRAINING
Kenai Peninsula School District students score higher on standardized tests than the statewide
averages, and higher than Anchorage School District students. The dropout rate is down to 2.8%
from a ten year high of 4.5% and the 2014 senior class graduation rate was 81.4%, the highest in ten
years AVTEC and KPC both provide undergraduate education and industry trades training including in the oil and gas and maritime trades.
WELL DEVELOPED PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
The Kenai Peninsula is served by road, air, marine, and rail infrastructure. There are deep water icefree ports at Seward and Homer. The region’s paved roads and public works are supported by welltrained staff; emergency services are available to assist the public. There is an established and
growing natural gas distribution grid (including storage facilities). Internet speeds have also been
increasing recently. A challenge is that the single state highway between Anchorage and the region
is congested in the summer.
DIVERSE PLACES AND CHOICES
Even though the Kenai Peninsula is a single geographic/political entity, the unique assets and
competitive advantages are quite varied. Opportunities in Kenai/Soldotna are different than in
Homer and Seward, and in-between. Here one can live the rural Alaskan dream but still be close to
amenities and an organized, paved, plugged-in place. It’s a mix of modern and wild. We need to
plan as we develop to preserve this diversity for future generations.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 4
3 Population
Kenai Peninsula’s population is projected to continue to grow.
Kenai Peninsula Communities
Boundaries of Cities and Census Designated Places (CDPs )
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 5
YEAR
POP
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2014
4,831
9,053
16,586
25,282
40,802
49,691
55,400
57,212
Fig 1
Source:
ADOLWD
Population
2010
2014
Percent Change (Cumulative)
2010 - 2014
55,400
57,212
3.3%
1,930
1,956
20
176
1,364
289
74
1,156
685
1,932
877
76
593
5,003
192
472
7,850
549
7,112
80
219
254
4,493
318
883
3
177
78
2,022
980
255
165
2,693
4,163
5,617
18
171
505
2,059
1,985
17
183
1,394
295
71
1,174
644
2,024
877
65
566
5,099
196
460
8,441
574
7,167
68
234
275
4,652
270
847
3
168
73
2,187
1,120
233
170
2,768
4,311
5,869
9
174
490
6.7%
1.5%
-15.0%
4.0%
2.2%
2.1%
-4.1%
1.6%
-6.0%
4.8%
0.0%
-14.5%
-4.6%
1.9%
2.1%
-2.5%
7.5%
4.6%
0.8%
-15.0%
6.8%
8.3%
3.5%
-15.1%
-4.1%
0.0%
-5.1%
-6.4%
8.2%
14.3%
-8.6%
3.0%
2.8%
3.6%
4.5%
-50.0%
1.8%
-3.0%
Fig. 2
POPULATION
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Anchor Point CDP
Bear Creek CDP
Beluga CDP
Clam Gulch CDP
Cohoe CDP
Cooper Landing CDP
Crown Point CDP
Diamond Ridge CDP
Fox River CDP
Fritz Creek CDP
Funny River CDP
Halibut Cove CDP
Happy Valley CDP
Homer city
Hope CDP
Kachemak city
Kalifornsky CDP
Kasilof CDP
Kenai city
Lowell Point CDP
Moose Pass CDP
Nanwalek CDP
Nikiski CDP
Nikolaevsk CDP
Ninilchik CDP
Point Possession CDP
Port Graham CDP
Primrose CDP
Ridgeway CDP
Salamatof CDP
Seldovia city
Seldovia Village CDP
Seward city
Soldotna city
Sterling CDP
Sunrise CDP
Tyonek CDP
Balance
Source: ADOLWD, Population Estimates
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 6
Between 2000 and 2010, the region gained 5,700 people and grew at an average annual
rate of 1.1%. In the last four years, another 1,800 people brings the total estimated Kenai
Peninsula population to an all-time high of 57,212 (ADOLWD).
The region’s average annual growth rate exceeded the states’ from 1950 through 2010. In
the last few years the region’s growth rate has slowed though and the state projects
(based on historical birth, death, and in/ outmigration rates) that over the next 30 years
the region will grow, but at a slightly slower rate than the state. Economic opportunity
and time will determine if this is true or not. The state currently projects over 65,000
residents by 2042 for the Kenai Peninsula.
KPB
Population
Outlook
Current & Projected Population - Kenai Peninsula Borough
Fig. 3
population
TODAY - 57,212
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
male
projected - 65,647
female
source: ADOLWD, Pop. Projections
During each of the last three years (2014-2012), slightly more people moved away from the Kenai
Peninsula than moved here. This reversed the trend from the three preceding years (2011-2009).
Approximately two-thirds of all people moving to or from the peninsula go to or from places
outside of Alaska. The next top spots for those both leaving and coming are Anchorage, Mat-Su, and
Fairbanks.
Fig. 4
Number of People Moving to/from Kenai Peninsula, 2008-2014
4,000
3,000
3,125 3,313
2,000
3,626
2,840
3,331
2,704
2,730 2,554
2,963 2,754
2010-2011
2009-2010
2,947
2,543
1,000
0
2013-2014
2012-2013
2011-2012
Moved TO Kenai Peninsula
Moved FROM Kenai Peninsula
Source: ADOLWD, PFD-Migration Data
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 7
2008-2009
In addition to continued growth and more students on the way, the big news for the Peninsula
is the aging population.
As the number of seniors grows, the traditional population “pyramid” is becoming a population
“rectangle” in Kenai, around Alaska, and in the US. Currently, 8,100 people (14%) of the Kenai
Borough population are 65 or older. By
2014 - Kenai Peninsula Population Fig. 5 2027 it is projected that 14,800 people
(23%) will be over 65. And, the number
WOMEN
MEN
85 or older will increase four-fold over
90+
30 years, from about 670 in 2014 to 3,270
80-84
in 2042.
70-74
60-64
There continues to be about 4% more
men than women on the peninsula, but
projections expect that over the next 30
years this will get closer to even due to
the large number of “boomers” aging
and the fact that women tend to live
longer than men.
50-54
40-44
30-34
20-24
10-14
0-4
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
1,000
2,000
2042 - Kenai Pennsula Population
WOMEN
90+
3,000
Fig. 6
MEN
80-84
Older residents generally have different
interests, and different housing, health
care, and service needs than younger
age groups. It is not too soon to begin
planning for this change.
70-74
60-64
A gap analysis should be conducted to
identify missing services, opportunities,
and facilities. Keeping seniors on the
peninsula keeps families together,
allow seniors to continue to contribute
their skills and talents, and keeps
retirement and investment earnings
local.
50-54
40-44
30-34
20-24
10-14
0-4
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
Percent Change During Time
Period (average annual)
Source: ADOLWD, Pop. Projections
7.0%
6.0%
Fig 7.
Rate of Population Growth - Past and Projected
Kenai Peninsula
Borough
Alaska
TODAY
5.0%
4.0%
3.0%
2.0%
projected
1.0%
0.0%
Source:
ADOLWD
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 8
Kenai Peninsula Borough school enrollments have declined for a decade, but are forecast to
level off, and then increase.
Despite the growing population, the number of students enrolled in the Kenai Peninsula Borough
School District has dropped over the last decade by 485 students or 5%. School enrollment is down
to 9,150 during the 2014-2015 school year. However, the state forecasts the decline to level off by
2020, and the number of students to increase over the next 30 years to over 13,000 students.
The Big Unknown - Gas Pipeline to Nikiski
If a gas pipeline is built from the North Slope through Alaska to Nikiski where a large plant and
marine terminal for liquefaction and export would be built, it will mean short-medium term
construction jobs and longer term operation jobs. At this time a decision on the AK LNG pipeline is
expected in 2018-2019. If the project moves forward, five-seven years of construction would be
followed by some 40 years of LNG export beginning in 2026. Further information is available in the
Oil and Gas Section of this report.
This could mean 2,000-5,000 more residents in the region. They would bring a demand for housing,
goods and services, utilities, public works and public safety needs, schools, emergency room and
health care service increases, and more. This would be in addition to population growth due to
“regular” births and in-migration, which the state currently projects at over 65,000 residents in 30years. The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) and its communities would be wise to begin considering
these possible impacts and needs now. The KPB recently hired an oil and gas specialist to help track
the likelihood of action on this and other regional gas and oil activities.
4 Regional and Personal Prosperity
In inflation–adjusted (real) dollars, total Kenai Peninsula personal income grew by 38%
between 2003 and 2013 (3% average annual). This exceeded real personal income growth of
Anchorage (17%) and Alaska (25%) during this time period.
Total Personal Income, Kenai Peninsula
In 2013, personal income on the Kenai Peninsula totaled $2.77 billion. This includes personal income
for Kenai area residents only; it does not include earned income by non-resident workers working in
the region. Total personal income includes three broad categories of income:
 Resident earnings
 Dividends, interest, and rent
 Personal current transfer receipts (also known as transfer payments)
“Resident earnings” is the income earned by Kenai Peninsula residents from employment (or from a
business). “Dividends, interest, and rent” describes investment income, such as dividend income
from stock ownership (including dividends paid to retirement plans), interest earned on savings
accounts and bonds, and rental income from property ownership. “Personal current transfer
receipts” are payments from government to individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid
payments, Social Security payments, food stamps, and similar payments. This category also includes
Permanent Fund dividend payments.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 9
Kenai Peninsula Resident Personal Income Nominal and Inflation-Adjusted (Real), 2003-2013
Personal Income ($Billions)
Fig. 8
$3.0
Nominal
Real
$2.5
$2.0
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5
$0.0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Nominal $1.54
$1.61
$1.68
$1.80
$1.99
$2.20
$2.20
$2.31
$2.50
$2.68
$2.77
Real
$2.05
$2.07
$2.16
$2.33
$2.47
$2.44
$2.51
$2.64
$2.76
$2.77
$2.01
Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis CA1-3, Sheinberg Associates
Resident earnings accounted for 64% of Kenai region resident total personal income in 2013;
dividends, interest and rent for 20%; and transfer receipts for 16%.
Between 2003 and 2013, area personal income increased by $1.2 billion dollars. This includes growth
of $748 million in earnings; $295 million in dividends, interest and rent; and $189 million in transfer
receipts. During this 11-year time period, the category of dividends, interest and rent, grew faster
(117%) than other types of personal income.
Per Capita and Household Income
Per capita personal income on the Kenai Peninsula in 2013 was $48,485. This is a measure of total
personal income divided by Kenai Peninsula’s total population. Per capita income in the Kenai
Peninsula was 3% below the statewide level ($50,150) and 8% above the US per capita income
($44,765) average.
Fig. 9
Kenai Peninsula Resident Personal Income, by Source, 2013
Dividends, interest,
& rent $547,061,000
20%
64%
16%
Personal current
transfer receipts
$455,429,000
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 10
Resident earnings
$1,768,306,000
Source: Bureau of
Economic Analysis, CA 30
According to the Census
Bureau's 3-year (2011-2013)
American Community Survey,
Kenai Peninsula Borough’s
median household income is
$62,826.
Fig. 10
Number of KPB Households by Income
< $10,000
$10,000 to $14,999
933
1,192
$15,000 to $24,999
2,001
$25,000 to $34,999
1,773
35,000 to $49,999
The 2013 ACS Survey lists the
Alaska’s median household
income at $72,237 and the US at
$52,250.
2,474
$50,000 to $74,999
4,262
$75,000 to $99,999
3,149
$100,000 to $149,999
3,597
$150,000 to $199,999
>$200,000 or more
Fig. 11
Place
Alaska
Aleutians East Borough
Aleutians West Census Area
Anchorage Municipality
Bethel Census Area
Bristol Bay Borough
Denali Borough
Dillingham Census Area
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Haines Borough
Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
Juneau City and Borough
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Kodiak Island Borough
Lake and Peninsula Borough
Income
$50,150
$33,430
$36,673
$54,766
$36,195
$60,210
$66,674
$46,563
$45,313
$85,326
$44,619
$57,033
$48,485
$56,591
$48,804
$47,492
1,235
802
2013 Per Capita Income
Place
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Nome Census Area
North Slope Borough
Northwest Arctic Borough
Petersburg Census Area
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Sitka City and Borough
Skagway Municipality
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Valdez-Cordova Census Area
Wade Hampton Census Area
Wrangell City and Borough
Yakutat City and Borough
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
United States
source: ACS, 2011-2013
Income
$46,149
$41,310
$50,719
$40,241
$51,541
$36,354
$52,608
$70,065
$47,270
$51,646
$25,066
$40,890
$49,269
$45,494
$44,765
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, CA 1-3 Regional Economic Profiles
Some on the Peninsula are struggling financially and having a hard time making ends meet;
several indicators are of concern.
Fewer students qualify today for free or reduced fee lunches in Kenai Peninsula Schools than did in
2012, and Borough schools have fewer that qualify than the state as a whole or other Southcentral
Alaska School Districts. Still, almost one out of every ten Peninsula students comes from a family
whose income is only 130% to 185% of federal poverty limits. For the 2014/2015 school year, this
would be for example, a family of four making less than $55,167 (reduced lunch) or less than $38,766
(free lunch). For a single parent with one child, annual income limits to qualify are $36,371 (reduced)
or $25,558 (free).
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 11
Number (and %) of Students Eligible
for Free and Reduced Lunches
District
2014
2012
2010
Kenai Peninsula
2,923 (39%)
3,277 (45%)
3,112 (37%)
Anchorage
22,898 (46%)
19,711 (40%) 17,834 (37%)
Mat Su
5,868 (39%)
5,616 (38%)
5,252 (36%)
Alaska Statewide
56,383 (47%)
52,729 (44%) 47,914 (41%)
Fig. 12
Source: Alaska DEED
Perhaps more worrisome, approximately 5.5% of Kenai Peninsula families have income that is below
the federal poverty limits ($29,820 for a family of four). And, if the Kenai region family is headed by
a female with no male present, then 16% are living in poverty. In both cases, the percent below
poverty in the region has increased compared to 2010 (all data from 2011-2013 American
Community Survey).
In the last 12 months, 9% of Kenai Borough households received food stamps/SNAP benefits. And
over 40% of renters are paying more than 30% of their income on rent.
An overview of demographic and socioeconomic data for the Kenai Peninsula Borough follows,
excerpted from the 2011-2013 American Community Survey by the US Census. (City profiles are in
the last section of this report.)
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre greets people at the area-wide senior Thanksgiving dinner at
the Kenai Senior Center. (2011, Peninsula Clarion file photo)
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 12
Fig. 13
Kenai Peninsula Borough Socioeconomic Data
Unless otherwise noted, all data from 2011-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
POPULATION
2014 Population 1
# PFDs 2013 2
Kenia Peninsula School District Enrollment (Oct 1 2014) 3
HOUSING
Total housing units
Occupied housing units
Vacant housing units
Median value of owner-occupied units
Median monthly rent (for renters)
Households spending more than 30% of income on housing
For homeowners with a mortgage
For homeowners without a mortgage
For renters
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Population 16 years and over
In civilian labor force
Employed
Unemployed
In Armed Forces
Not in labor force
CLASS OF WORKER
Civilian employed population 16 years and over
Private wage and salary workers
Government workers
Self-employed in own not-incorporated biz. workers
Unpaid family workers
INCOME AND BENEFITS (in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Total households
Median household income
Mean household income
Households with…
Earnings
Social Security
Retirement income
Supplemental Security Income
Cash public assistance income
Food Stamp/SNAP benefits in the past 12 months
Total Families
Median family income
Mean family income
Per capita income 4
Estimate
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 13
%
57,212
53,217
9,150
-
30,593
21,418
9,175
$206,800
$935
2,600
796
2,229
71.2%
28.8%
26.8%
12.5%
41.2%
45,352
28,524
25,455
25,783
144
16,684
62.9%
56.9%
6.0%
0.3%
36.8%
25,783
18,606
4,670
2,420
87
72.2%
18.1%
9.4%
0.3%
21,418
$62,826
$77,255
17,214
6,027
4,151
850
1,331
1,978
14,320
$74,753
$89,440
$48,485
80.4%
28.1%
19.4%
4.0%
6.2%
9.2%
-
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Civilian noninstitutionalized population
With health insurance coverage
Without health insurance coverage
BELOW FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL
All families
Families with female householder, no husband present
All people
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Population 25 years and over
Less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or professional degree
55,596
43,469
12,127
78.2%
21.8%
-
5.6%
16.1%
9.1%
38,715
817
1,920
12,897
11,102
2,850
5,841
3,288
2.1%
5.0%
33.3%
28.7%
7.4%
15.1%
8.5%
Unless otherwise noted, all data from 2011-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
1 ADOLWD, Population Estimates
2 PFDs reported by zip code, ADOR
3 # Students enrolled in School District, ADEED
4 Bureau of Economic Analysis CA 30 Profile
Kenai Peninsula Borough Taxes
Property Tax
Mill Rate
Revenue
O&G
$49,372,199
$9,294,743
In 2014, from 5.90
$46,286,259
$6,618,858
to 11.30
$37,752,405
$7,946,360
Fig. 14
Year
2014
2009
2004
Sales Tax
Rate
Revenue
3%
$30,277,598
3%
$28,585,036
2%
$14,910,977
Source: DCCED Alaska Taxable Data Base
Kachemak Bay Dawn
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 14
Total
$58,666,942
$52,905,117
$45,698,765
5 Business Prosperity
The Whole Work Economy
Wage and employment data from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
(ADOLWD) Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages (QCEW) is the most common dataset
used in Alaska to understand economic activity. However, this important dataset does not include
earnings or a count of those who are self-employed (like many commercial fishermen) or those who
own their own small businesses (sole proprietors). Data on these individuals is available through the
US Census Nonemployers Statstics database, which is based on US tax returns. Matching NAICS
codes from these two data sources and aggregating them provides a more complete picture of the
whole economy than either data set does alone.
This shows that work related earnings on the Kenai Peninsula total $1.2 billion, with 23% from
the 6,117 self-employed individuals or small business owners, and 77% from wage and salary
workers who are employed by 2,025 firms on the peninsula.
Of all work-related earnings, one-third of the total is from goods-producing work, primarily
commercial fishing, seafood, and oil and gas. Almost half the total is from service-providing work,
primarily businesses serving visitors, professional services, retail trade, and health care and social
assistance. About 20% is from government service, primarily local government, which includes
school district staff, all city and borough employees, tribal government employees, and many
hospital and clinic workers on the Peninsula.
Earnings from SELF-EMPLOYMENT,
BUSINESS PROPRIETORS, $277 million
goods
producing
50%
service
providing
50%
Earnings from EMPLOYMENT WAGES,
$954 million
goods
producing
22%
government
service
20%
service
providing
35%
Sources: 2012 USCensus Nonemployer Statisitics; 2013 ADOLWD Quarterly
Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW)
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 15
Fig. 15
Total - ALL WORK-RELATED
EARNINGS, $1.2 billion
government
service
goods
20%
producing
33%
service
providing
46%
Whole Work Economy - Earnings & Jobs - Kenai Peninsula
WORK EARNINGS
(in $millions)
WORKFORCE
NAICS
Employ. Proprietor
No.
No.
Codes & Description
Wages
Income
TOTAL Employees Proprietors TOTAL
Agriculture, forestry,
11
$3.81
$98.65
$102.46
85
1,577
1,662
fishing, hunting
Mining, quarrying, oil
21
$150.46
$3.89
$154.35
1,492
44
1,536
& gas extraction
23
Construction
$65.03
$28.27
$93.30
1,022
597
1,619
31-33 Manufacturing
$55.32
$6.66
$61.98
956
170
1,126
22
Utilities
$27.74
conf
$27.74
265
conf
265
'42'
Wholesale trade
$11.48
$5.02
$16.50
198
67
265
44-45 Retail trade
$69.26
$17.07
$86.33
2,516
454
2,970
Arts, entertainment,
'71'
$3.99
$7.56
$11.55
254
358
612
and recreation
Accommodation and
'72'
$42.34
$14.67
$57.02
2,227
360
2,587
food services
Transportation &
48-49
$46.45
$13.37
$59.83
969
226
1,195
warehousing
52
Finance & insurance
$12.31
$1.05
$13.35
261
49
310
Real estate, rental &
53
$17.67
$30.04
$47.71
304
423
727
leasing
Professional &
51, 54,56 business services,
$54.86
$24.59
$79.46
1,090
856
1,946
incld information
61
Educational services
$2.77
$2.17
$4.94
103
144
247
Health care & social
62
$122.46
$8.96
$131.42
3,251
249
3,500
assistance
Other services (except
81
$19.60
$15.15
$34.75
862
540
1,402
public admin)
99
Unclassified
$0.96
$0.00
$0.96
29
0
29
20
Government
$247.16
$0.00
$247.16
4,820
0
4,820
Fig. 16
Total for all sectors
$953.67
$ 277.15
$1,230.83
20,704
Sources: 2012 US Census Nonemployer Statistics;
2013 ADOLWD Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 16
6,117
26,821
Jobs
Over the last few years, the most jobs on the Kenai Peninsula have come from the same five sectors
(Figure 17). Together, over half (58%) of all jobs in 2013 come from government, health care, retail
work, lodging and food services, and fishing (primary part of agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting
series.). This includes work from employment (12,899 jobs) and from the self-employed (2,640
proprietors).
TOP 5 SECTORS, by Number of Jobs
(Employees + Self-employed)
2011
Jobs
Most Jobs
Rank
(% of Total)
Rank
Government
1
4,773 (19%)
1
Health care & social assistance
2
3,310 (13%)
2
Retail trade
3
(2,985 12%)
3
Accommodation and food services
4
2,383 (9%)
4
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting
5
1,684 (7%)
5
Fig. 17
2013
Jobs
(% of Total)
4,820 (18%)
3,500 (13%)
2,970 (11%)
2,587 (10%)
1,662 (6%)
Sources: US Census Nonemployer Statistics 2012, 2010; ADOLWD QCEW 2011, 2013
Earnings
Like jobs, the top five sectors providing earnings to Kenai Peninsula residents has not changed over
the last few years, through the relative ranking has varied (Figure 18). Together, over half (60%) of
all work related earnings in 2013 come from government, oil and gas, health care-related, fishing,
and construction. This includes the income of $588,914,000 from employment (wages) and
$139,769,000 from those who are self-employed.
TOP 5 SECTORS, by Total Work Earnings
(Wages + Earnings of self-employed)
2011
Earnings
in $millions
Most Earnings
Rank
(% of Total)
Rank
Government
1
$234.2M (21%)
1
Mining, quarrying, oil & gas extraction
4
$105.7M (10%)
2
Health care & social assistance
2
$117.1M (11%)
3
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting
3
$106.4M (10%)
4
Construction
5
$84.9M (8%)
5
Fig. 18
2013
Earnings
in $millions
(% of Total)
$247.2M (20%)
$154.4M (13%)
$131.4M (11%)
$102.5M (8%)
$93.3M (8%)
Sources: US Census Nonemployer Statistics 2012, 2010; ADOLWD QCEW 2011, 2013
Job Growth has been in Lower-Wage Service-Providing Jobs
Looking just at ADOLWD employment and wage data, job growth since 2003 has primarily been in
the private sector. Figure 19 shows the increase of 2,684 jobs since 2003. The trendline shows average
monthly wages in 2013. It shows that high growth service-providing jobs have lower average wages
than other types of work. Higher paying federal jobs declined by 69 over the last 11 years. The
overall economic impact of this was offset by the gain of 87 high-paying, goods-producing jobs.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 17
3,000
Kenai Peninsula - Change in Employment 2003-2013
and 2013 Average Monthly Wages
2,684
$7,000
2,500
$6,000
2,000
$5,000
1,500
$4,000
1,000
$3,000
500
0
157
74
87
$2,000
$1,000
-69
-500
$ average monthly wage 2013
change in number of jobs
Fig. 19
$0
Federal Govt
State Govt
Local Govt
Private -Goods Private-Service
Producing
Providing
Source:
ADOLWD QCEW
Ever-popular Kenai Peninsula Activity
Business Activity (Gross Sales)
Gross sales are a good proxy for business activity. Business sales in the Kenai Peninsula
Borough increased from 2010 to 2012, then fell 6% between 2012 and 2013 (Figure 20).
This decline was primarily due to a large drop in construction sales (38%), along with a decline in
warehousing and transportation. Keep in mind though, that the construction sales decline in 2013
followed a surge the year prior related to oilfield services activity.
Oil and gas sales (part of mining/quarrying) rose $76 million (16%) between 2012 and 2013, and
in just the first three quarters of 2014 have already increased another $328 million.
Figure 21 looks back to 2003 gross sales and corrects for inflation (using the Anchorage Consumer
Price Index) by changing 2003 gross sales into their equivalent 2013 dollars. This shows that most
sectors have experienced sales growth that beats inflation, but tourism-related business sales and
manufacturing sales have lost ground compared to inflation.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 18
Business Activity - Gross Sales, Kenai Peninsula Borough (in $dollars)
Business Type
1st 3 Qtrs 2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Admin, Waste Mgt
52,304,750
81,561,362
73,484,901
81,557,526
87,245,737
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
2,392,646
3,259,614
3,229,852
3,424,002
3,015,460
Arts & Entert.
5,625,991
15,377,847
16,595,623
14,538,692
13,213,615
Construction Contracting
341,822,808
566,348,085
911,658,568 565,883,608
306,010,371
Educational Svs
1,815,370
2,945,892
2,725,887
2,448,338
2,103,667
Finan. & Insurance
5,501,636
10,033,276
6,000,909
7,828,604
11,219,271
Guiding Land
2,489,551
2,701,107
1,767,489
1,716,669
1,617,518
Guiding Water
56,746,285
60,368,575
57,773,657
56,552,908
52,032,123
Health Care, Social Asst
17,137,475
20,369,553
22,172,947
23,366,404
21,817,289
Hotel/Motel/B&B
81,901,746
88,861,805
85,963,109
78,682,347
71,241,197
Information
39,705,661
55,491,122
56,433,632
57,638,499
57,423,336
Mgmt of Companies
2,975,513
*
*
*
*
Manufacturing
92,920,442
139,007,456
151,240,269 178,084,776
131,436,024
Mining/quarrying
880,792,267
552,522,750
476,350,194 358,414,721
251,660,299
Prof, Scientific & Technical Svs
53,660,426
137,673,975
129,896,082 128,622,351
120,344,285
Public Admin
17,279,469
21,096,106
29,376,966
18,365,994
17,430,474
Remediation Svs
366,773
536,572
533,377
99,263
13,143
Rental Comm Prop
5,299,291
6,766,394
14,547,574
11,866,897
9,785,373
Rental Non-Resid Prop
24,108,325
23,115,672
20,674,302
18,204,760
16,830,767
Rental Self-storage & Mini3,663,038
4,610,668
4,007,371
3,339,314
2,857,689
warehses
Rental Pers Prop
4,117,664
4,911,307
4,406,314
4,467,389
4,195,923
Rental Resid Prop
49,669,253
65,203,539
57,370,174
53,836,057
52,155,324
Restaurant/Bar
76,812,416
92,841,409
89,305,206
84,496,703
78,299,766
Retail Trade
778,272,023
984,180,277
985,526,079 938,881,631
842,761,679
Services
142,667,387
173,813,125
155,555,976 111,828,223
80,854,932
Telecommunic.
8,228,246
11,365,241
10,809,481
10,679,923
11,331,623
Timbering
5,940
*
*
*
*
Trailer Court
8,860
16,291
13,866
14,681
9,485
Transportation, Warehousing
88,516,554
96,307,920
127,117,477 145,925,448
151,872,478
Utilities
112,266,878
176,751,210
166,669,401 149,208,806
129,513,782
Wholesale Trade
256,937,708
319,501,740
283,976,391 493,632,271
408,102,853
TOTAL
3,206,012,394 3,717,539,890 3,945,183,074 3,603,606,805 2,936,395,483
% change from year before
-6%
9%
23%
6%
Fig. 20
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept
*confidential
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 19
Change in Kenai Peninsula Borough Gross Sales 2003-2013,
Nominal and Real (inflation-adjusted)
Real
Change in
(inflation-adjusted)
gross sales,
change in gross sales,
2003-2013
2003-2013
Line of Business
($ millions)
($ millions)
Sales (Restaurant, Bars, Retail)
$464
$275
Construction
$322
$247
Production (O&G, mining, ag, fishing,
$376
$320
hunting, seafood)
Services
$218
$182
Wholesale
$114
$51
Utilities
$97
$73
Tourism (A&E, Guides, Lodging)
$6
-$43
Prof (Health Care, Professional)
$104
$88
Manufacturing
-$3
-$46
Property (Rentals)
$25
$1
Transportation & Warehousing
$65
$56
Public Admin (Govt)
$7
$3
Grand Total
$1,796
$1,206
Fig. 21
Real
Percent
Change
2003-2013
34%
78%
136%
118%
19%
70%
-20%
125%
-25%
1%
137%
19%
48%
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept; analysis Sheinberg Associates
Between 2009 and 2013, every city except Seldovia had an increase in overall gross business
sales (Figure 22). During this period, Seldovia sales decreased $471,000 or 11%.
The City Profiles at the end of this report show city’s gross business sales in detail.
Gross Sales by City 2003-2013 (in $millions)
Fig. 22
4000
$ Millions
3000
2000
1000
0
2003
2004
Homer
2005
2006
Kenai
2007
Seldovia
2008
2009
2010
Seward
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 20
2011
Soldotna
2012
2013
Other
The top 20 taxpayers in the Borough (Figure 23) continue to be oil and gas producers, companies
that supply goods and services to the oil and gas industry, telecommunications companies (ACS),
utilities (Enstar), and major retailers (Walmart, Fred Meyer).
Fig. 23 Top 20 Taxpayers in Kenai Peninsula Borough
2014 Taxable
2014
Assessed
2013 2012
Taxpayer
Rank
Value
Rank Rank
Hilcorp Energy Company
1
$461,096,690
1
Conoco Phillips
2
$240,642,477
2
2
Tesoro Alaska
3
$178,222,079
3
4
Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage
4
$116,889,716
5
Alaska LLC
ACS
5
$77,886,637
6
5
Xto Energy Inc
6
$61,522,320
7
6
Alaska Pipeline
7
$58,676,344
8
10
Kenai Offshore Ventures, LLC
8
$38,246,000
9
Cook Inlet Energy, LLC
9
$36,446,610
10
19
Enstar Natural Gas
10
$36,147,765
20
14
Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust
11
$26,434,900
11
8
BP Exploration
12
$25,852,110
13
9
Saxon Drilling
13
$24,349,490
Kenai Kachemak Pipeline
14
$23,946,630
12
7
Weatherford Us LP
15
$21,095,660
Armstrong Cook Inlet LLC
16
$20,627,850
15
Buccaneer Alaska, LLC
17
$18,841,850
Agrium Us Inc
18
$18,754,212
17
13
Cook Inlet Pipeline Co
19
$18,810,330
14
17
Fred Meyer
20
$18,185,068
19
12
Marathon Oil
4
3
GCI
16
11
Orion Offshore, Inc
18
Unocal
1
Phillips Gas Supply Co
15
Kenai Pipeline Company
16
Kenai Plaza Inc
18
Tulin Charles E & Helen L
10
Pacific Energy Resources Ltd
Rowan Drilling Co Inc
ARSC Energy Services Inc
Homer Spit Properties
Forest Oil
Carrs Gottstein
Home Depot
2008 2007
Rank Rank
3
1
3
2
6
7
11
6
8
11
14
15
5
5
8
9
9
12
10
4
15
7
12
10
4
20
2
13
17
1
13
17
18
16
18
19
20
Source: KPB Finance Dept. (values are based on KPB Certified Values for Tax Year at time of certification)
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 21
14
16
19
Wages & Employment Trends
The Whole Economy discussion at the beginning of this section combined employment and wage
data with that of self-employed proprietors. This section looks only at employment and wage data
provided by ADOLWD on a quarterly and annual basis, as this is the most often reported and
detailed employment information available.
Average monthly wages on the Kenai Peninsula are highest for employees in utilities, mining (oil
and gas), and the federal government (Figure 24). Wages are lowest for those working in arts,
entertainment and recreation businesses; accommodations and food services; other services; and
retail trade.
Fig. 24
Average Monthly Wages by Industry, 2013
Other Svs
Accommodation, Food Svs
Arts, Entertainment, Rec.
Health Care, Social Asst
Educational Svs
Admin & Waste Svs
$1,895
$1,584
$1,309
$3,139
$2,242
$3,159
Prof, Scientific, Tech.
$4,772
Real Estate, Rental & Leasing
$4,843
Finance & Insurance
$3,930
Information
$3,762
Utilities
$8,724
Transportation, Warehousing
Retail Trade
$3,995
$2,294
Wholesale Trade
$4,830
Manufacturing
$4,823
Construction
$5,302
Mining (incd O&G)
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
Local Govt
State Govt
$8,404
$3,735
$4,001
$4,445
Federal Govt
$6,113
Source:
ADOLWD,
QCEW
Average monthly wages alone only tells part of the story. Average wages are shown on Figure 25,
but in addition average monthly wages by business type are seen as a line across the chart.
This shows there are far fewer jobs in high wage utility, oil and gas, and federal sector work
compared to other work on the Peninsula.
The sectors with the most employees are health care and social assistance; local government (which
includes school, most of the peninsula's hospitals and clinics, and city, tribal and borough
employees); retail trade; and accommodations and food services.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 22
Fig. 25
Number of Jobs (average)
3,500
$10,000
$9,000
$8,000
$7,000
$6,000
$5,000
$4,000
$3,000
$2,000
$1,000
$0
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
Employment
Average Monthly Wage
Monthly Wage (average)
Average Monthly Employment and Wages,
2013, Kenai Peninsula Borough
Source: ADOLWD,
QCEW
6 Property Sales, Development, and Taxes
Between 2010 and 2014:
 Almost 2,800 parcels of land sales totaling 7,370.
 Commercial growth centered in Kalifornsky, Soldotna, Nikiski, Kenai, and Salamatof.
 Residential development hotspots are Sterling, Kalifornsky, Homer and Soldotna.
Land Sales
Looking at where land has sold and for what purposes over the last four years is an indicator of
economic activity in the Kenai region. Kenai Peninsula Borough data on Qualified Land Sales were
analyzed to understand trends. Between 2010 and 2014, just under 2,800 parcels of land on the Kenai
Peninsula totaling 7,370 acres were sold. Almost 1,040 were sales of land, 1,600 were sales of parcels
with an existing structure (all but two were residential), and 160 sales had some type of smaller
improvement (such as a driveway).
Half of all sales occurred in six areas: Sterling (13%), Anchor Point (12%), Kalifornsky (10%), Nikiski
(6%), Cohoe (5%), and Funny River (5%). The Qualified Land Sales maps show exactly where land
sales occurred, based on the location and density of sales by square footage.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 23
Buildings Constructed
Another piece of the real estate puzzle is understanding the number, type, size and location of newly
constructed buildings. Between 2010 and 2014, a total of 2,973 new buildings and additions were
constructed, adding 3.6 million square feet (sf) of built space on the Kenai Peninsula. This includes
2.1 million sf of residential development (new, additions, mobile homes, etc.) in 1,330 dwelling units
and 1.5 million sf of commercial or industrial development (new, additions, fuel-tanks, etc.) in
approximately 1,645 buildings. The six clusters that account for two-thirds of all building activity are
around Kalifornsky (15%), Sterling (12%), Nikiski (11%), Soldotna (10%), Homer (9%) and Kenai
(9%). Commercial growth is centered in Kalifornsky, Soldotna, Nikiski, Kenai and Salamatof (see
Commercial Growth Maps).
Building Development 2010-2015 (1st qtr),
by total square feet
Fig. 26
building square footage
Kalifornsky CDP
Sterling CDP
Nikiski CDP
Soldotna city
Homer city
Kenai city
Salamatof CDP
Anchor Point CDP
Fritz Creek CDP
Ridgeway CDP
Diamond Ridge CDP
Bear Creek CDP
Fox River CDP
Funny River CDP
Cohoe CDP
Ninilchik CDP
Seward city
Kachemak city
Seldovia city
Happy Valley CDP
Hope CDP
Seldovia Village CDP
Kasilof CDP
Nikolaevsk CDP
Clam Gulch CDP
Moose Pass CDP
Cooper Landing CDP
Lowell Point CDP
Primrose CDP
Halibut Cove CDP
Beluga CDP
Point Possession CDP
Sunrise CDP
100,000
200,000
292,207
328,297
221,595
131,809
219,401
166,063
40,991
138,620
86,856
75,269
108,027
33,816
86,690
45,985
300,000
400,000
500,000
238,569
99,573
164,549
220,573
107,442
159,263
Residential (all types)
Commercial or Industrial
Sources: Kenai Peninsula Borough
Tax Roll and Qualified Land Sales List
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 24
Location of Land Sales, 2010-2015 (1st quarter)
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 25
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 26
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 27
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 28
Property Tax Roll and Taxes
While no one enjoys paying taxes, the strength of the region’s tax base is linked to its ability to
withstand change yet still provide reliable revenue to support desired services and operations. The
tax roll (the value of all assessed property in the borough) is thus part of the mix that contributes to a
robust regional economy.
Property tax rates have remained fairly steady in the Kenai Borough. Property tax rates vary by
locality or Tax Authority Group (TAG). Property tax levy (mill) rates are set annually by the
borough assembly, municipalities, and service areas boards.
Example property tax mill rates are listed in Figure 27, and vary from a low of 5.9 (TAG 67) to a high
of 11.30 (Homer). A mill is simply a thousandth of a dollar (1/1000 of $1 and represents one dollar of
tax for each 1,000 dollars of taxable assessed value.
Example Mill Rates within Kenai Peninsula Borough
Place
2011
2012
2013
2014
Homer - TAG 20
11.30
11.30
11.30
11.30
Kachemak -TAG 80
7.80
7.80
7.80
7.80
Kenai - TAG 30
8.37
8.37
8.37
8.86
Seldovia - TAG 10
9.10
9.85
9.85
9.85
Seward - TAG 40
8.12
8.12
8.12
8.37
Soldotna - TAG 70
7.80
7.80
7.67
7.66
Fig. 27
Source: KPB Finance Dept
The value of property typically slowly rises on pace with inflation. All things being equal, changes
to the tax roll year over year are primarily due to changes in market conditions and to new growth.
New growth includes subdivisions and new improvements.
The value of Kenai Peninsula tax roll decreased 1% between 2013 and 2014 (Figure 28), or 4% if
oil and gas property is excluded.
The primary reason for the decline is that the borough code was changed to increase the exemption
on all residential property from $20,000 to $50,000, which is the new maximum state law allows
municipalities to offer.
Even with the value of the tax roll decreasing between 2013 and 2014, property tax revenue
increased everywhere except Soldotna.
While overall property tax revenue collected between 2012 and 2013 followed the increased value of
the tax roll that year, tax collection decreased in Kachemak, Seldovia and Soldotna. In Soldotna,
property tax rates are currently at an historic low rate.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 29
Assessed Taxable Value (Tax Roll) by Place (in $millions)
Percent Change
20132012Place
2003
2012
2013
2014
2014
2013
KPB Total
$4,075
$6,452
$6,693
$6,638
-1%
4%
Homer
$313
$627
$618
$574
-7%
5%
Kachemak
$29
$63
$66
$56
-15%
8%
Kenai
$337
$694
$755
$711
-6%
9%
Seldovia
$16
$35
$35
$32
-8%
18%
Seward
$156
$223
$228
$213
-7%
13%
Soldotna
$269
$455
$455
$440
-3%
10%
Outside cities
$2,956
$4,355
$4,536
$4,613
2%
4%
Fig. 28
Source: Alaska Taxable, Tables 6 and 6A, years 2014, 2013, 2012, 2003
Fig. 29
Place
KPB Total
Homer
Kachemak
Kenai
Seldovia
Seward
Soldotna
Property Tax Revenue, by Place (in $millions)
Percent Change
201320122003
2012
2013
2014
2014
2013
$41.69
$54.07
$56.91
$58.67
3%
5%
$1.54
$3.00
$3.06
$3.40
11%
2%
$0.03
$0.07
$0.06
$0.07
2%
-4%
$1.41
$2.56
$2.89
$3.40
18%
13%
$0.15
$0.18
$0.10
$0.21
109%
-43%
$0.71
$1.00
$1.01
$1.28
26%
1%
$0.49
$0.60
$0.35
$0.27
-23%
-42%
Source: Alaska Taxable, Table 3, years 2014, 2013, 2012, 2003
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 30
7 KPB Economy: Industry Spotlights
Oil & Gas
Cook Inlet hosts several offshore oil and gas reservoirs within the Kenai Peninsula
Borough (KPB), as do adjacent uplands. Since the first exploratory well found oil
in 1900 and later Standard Oil and Union Oil’s exploration began in 1954, activity
associated with oil and gas exploration, extraction, storage, processing/
manufacturing and delivery has generated significant economic activity in the
region.
Oil & Gas
Industry
Outlook
Today, the oil and gas sector accounts directly for approximately 8% of employment and 15%
of gross business sales activity on the Peninsula. Adding indirect and induced activity further
increases the impact of this industry sector. The Kenai Peninsula has oil and gas infrastructure
and know-how too, with an experienced onshore and offshore oilfield workforce dating back to the
1980s. Kenai Peninsula College offers three degrees tailored to the oil and gas industry and currently
has 370 students enrolled in these programs. There is also an established and growing natural gas
distribution grid (including storage facilities).
For this report, oil and gas is defined to include oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211), oil and gas well
drilling (213111), work on oil and gas field wells (213112), petroleum and coal products
manufacturing (324), and chemical manufacturing (325).
Business Activity
Looking at the last 15 years on the Kenai Peninsula, the value of gross oil and gas sales bounced up
and down between $213 million and $380 million until 2011. In 2011-2012, gross sales increased 2
to 3 times in value, which coincided with a 40% jump in the price of crude oil between 2010 and
2011 and significantly increased activity in Cook Inlet.
Fig. 30
Oil & Gas Employment in Kenai Peninsula, and,
Percent Oil & Gas is of all Employment, 2002-2013
2,000
10%
10%
8%
1,669
1,600
1,435 1,390
1,340 1,334 1,297 1,389 1,314
1,270 1,249 1,304
8%
6%
8%
7%
7%
7%
7%
1,400
8%
7%
7%
6%
1,800
1,200
1,000
7%
800
4%
600
400
2%
200
0%
Oil & Gas Wage Employment
1,740
Oil & Gas Employment
% of KPB Total Employment
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 31
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
0
2002
% of total KPB Wage Employment
12%
Source: ADOLWD
QCEW Data, A.
Rodrigues
Gross oil and gas sales over the last 15 years have accounted for between 8 to 24% of all KPB sales,
and there is a strong relationship between oil and gas and overall business sales.
Workforce and Wages
There are approximately 60 businesses in this sector on the Peninsula. The KPB lists 61 oil and gas
businesses registered for sales tax purposes (2015). The Alaska business license holder list shows 24
businesses in this sector whose physical address is in the KPB (2015). The ADOLWD employment
database (QCEW) lists 37 businesses (including mining) with 1,492 employees in the KPB (2013), and
the list of proprietors’ (self-employed) in the KPB for oil and gas shows 44 small businesses (2012).
Oil and gas related employment as tracked by the State has declined on the Kenai Peninsula since
2002, but with a significant jump of 365 employees between 2012 and 2013.
In 2013, oil and gas related employment in the borough averaged 1,669 jobs and $176 million in
annual wages. Wages in the Cook Inlet oil and gas industry are the highest of any industry in
the Borough, averaging $105,600 in 2013 ($8,800/month), more than twice the borough average
of $46,000 ($3,840/month).
Sector Trends, Issues, and Outlook
The state lists over 70 occupations that support the oil and gas industry. Alaska‘s occupational
forecasts prepared before the 2014/2015 oil price decline called for robust growth in the oil and gas
industry in Alaska. A 2012-2022 industry projection called for almost 20% growth in mining
(including oil and gas), well above the projected state average. However, oil and gas (and metal)
prices fell significantly in 2014 and early 2015; as a consequence the state is facing a $3 billion+
revenue shortfall, and population growth is slowing. ADOLWD analysis of fall 2014 employment
data though shows mining, including oil and gas employment, up 650 jobs compared to the same
time in 2013.
Oil & Gas Gross Sales in Kenai Peninsula, and,
Percent of all Gross Sales, 2000-2013
30%
$1,200,000,000
24%
25%
20%
13% 13%
15%
10%
18%
17%
15% 15% 15%
16%
$800,000,000
$600,000,000
10%
9%
$1,000,000,000
8%
8%
9%
$400,000,000
5%
$200,000,000
0%
$0
Gross Sales
Series1
% Oil & Gas of Total KPB Gross Sales
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 32
Oil & Gas Gross Sales
% Oil & Gas is of Total KBP Gross Sales
Fig. 31
source:
KPB Sales
Tax Data
Oil & Gas Prices. During the 2015 KPEDD Industry Outlook Forum regional oil and gas resource
owners, developers, and regulators downplayed the current depressed oil and gas prices because:

There is current demand and the potential for an intermediate and long-term shortage of
natural gas in the region and the Railbelt area, which encourages investment in new gas
production for the higher-value Alaska market despite lower natural gas prices in Lower 48
markets.

Oil and gas development is an investment with decades-long return and amortization, so
short-term price trends are less important — though certainly a factor in the availability of
cash flow for corporate investment decisions.

The Alaska LNG project, which could start production at its proposed Nikiski liquefaction
plant and export terminal by 2025, would be a significant investment in the Kenai Peninsula,
operating for decades. Though the project is still in its early stages of design and permitting,
and a final investment decision is about four years away, there is significant activity in the
region as part of the environmental review and design work.
Reserves & Production. The Kenai Peninsula oil and gas industry has been declining since its oil
production heyday in the 1970s and its gas production peak in 2001. Cook Inlet gas production fell
by almost half from 2001 to 20111. The Agrium fertilizer production plant in Nikiski closed in 2007
due to concerns over lack of gas as feedstock for the plant; the ConocoPhillips liquefaction plant at
Nikiski also stopped production, though it later reopened for limited cargoes of LNG; and
uncertainty grew over remaining oil and gas in the area’s legacy
fields.
Since 2010 though, oil and gas related economic activity has
escalated. Oil production in Cook Inlet has been up five years in a
row – increasing by 50% since 2010, and capital spending in Cook
Inlet has been up four years in a row.2 There were, on average,
almost twice as many development wells drilled per year in 2012,
2013 and 2014 than in 2010 or 2011. “The number of Cook Inlet
development wells drilled continues to reflect investment that is
leading to increased oil and gas production,” according to the
State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil
and Gas 2014 annual report. Cook Inlet is now producing about
15,000 barrels of oil per day3, up from about 10,000 barrels per day in 2010. This renewed growth is
due to many factors, including:

Changes and repositioning of reservoir owners and developers, with reinvigorated
commitment to Cook Inlet opportunities, such as the purchase by Hilcorp Energy of
Marathon and Chevron’s Cook Inlet assets.

New gas exploration and production by companies like Hilcorp Energy, Armstrong Oil and
Gas, Buccaneer Energy and Wilcox’s Cook Inlet Energy.
1
State Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas
L. Persily report, 2015 Kenai Industry Outlook Forum
3 Bradner, Tim, reporting for Alaska Dispatch, April 23, 2014 article on Northern Economic study.
2
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 33

Blue Crest Energy’s acquisition of 100% of the Cosmopolitan
field leases and the company’s renewed exploration and
development work. Blue Crest has reported it will conduct
additional exploratory drilling this summer, both onshore and
offshore, for both oil and gas. In addition, Blue Crest
announced in February it will partner with WesPac Midstream
LLC, which proposes to build a small gas liquefaction plant at
Port McKenzie to serve the Alaska market. Blue Crest would
supply gas to WesPac under the deal.

Work on consolidation of four regional gas pipelines into a
single system4 for efficiency.

Furie Operating Alaska’s has reported it plans to resume its
exploratory drilling work at the Kitchen Lights unit this year.

State tax credits for oil and gas exploration work.

drill pipe from well at the Cook Inlet
2010 legislation that set up tax credits and enabling statutory
Natural Gas Storage Alaska. Photo:
changes that encouraged ENSTAR to proceed with
M. Scott Moon, Peninsula Clarion.
development of a gas storage facility in a depleted Kenai
Peninsula gas reservoir. The gas storage facility allows Southcentral utilities to purchase gas
year-round to have available to meet peak winter needs.
Nabors Alaska Drilling workers pull
Gas Pipeline. Today, the most significant issue for the region is whether or not a gas pipeline will be
built to deliver North Slope natural gas along the Railbelt to a liquefaction plant and marine
terminal, to be built at Nikiski for LNG export shipments.
Two potential projects are at play. The project with more momentum is the Alaska LNG project,
being developed by ExxonMobil, BP, ConocoPhillips, TransCanada and with the state as a 25%
equity partner.
The other is the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation project, a smaller-volume state-owned
state-supported pipeline that was created by the Legislature several years ago as a backup plan to
get gas to Alaskans if the large-volume producer-led project fails to move forward. There is current
discussion about the possibility of upsizing this smaller-volume line to allow for LNG export
shipments, in addition to meeting local gas demand. The governor said he hopes the producer-led
venture moves ahead, but wants the state to be better prepared if not. He had provided few details
of his initiative as of early March 2015.
The Alaska LNG project cost is estimated at $45-$65 billion (2012 dollars), and includes a gas
treatment plant on the North Slope to remove carbon dioxide and other impurities; an 800-mile, 42
inch-diameter pipeline that would move 3-3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day; and the LNG
plant and marine terminal at Nikiski. The plant would have the capacity to make up to 20 million
metric tons a year of LNG, about 2.5 billion cubic feet a day of gas.
Enstar Natural gas company, Tesoro Alaska Co LLC, Homer Electric Association, Hilcorp Alaska LLC (subsidiary of
Kenai Beluga Pipeline LLC
4
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 34
The project is in a pre front-end engineering and design (pre-FEED) phase, expected to be completed
in early 2016. The project sponsors in February 2015 submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) their first round of draft engineering and environmental reports — called
“resource reports.” FERC in March 2015 issued its Notice of Intent under the National
Environmental Policy Act to start the public scoping process for the project, which will include
public meetings statewide during the year to take public comment on which issues and concerns
FERC should address in its environmental impact statement on the project. At the time of printing,
meeting dates have not yet been announced. FERC will use the data in the resource reports in
preparation of the EIS. The project sponsors have reported they plan to submit their complete
application to FERC in the third quarter 2016 and hope for FERC action on a final EIS in 2018. The
project sponsors and the state could to be in a position to make a final investment decision on Alaska
LNG by early 2019. Construction could take five years from the investment decision, with first gas
moving through the line in 2024-2025 — if all goes according to schedule.
Among the uncertainties that could affect an investment decision in the Alaska LNG project are:

Status of competing LNG proposals including Pacific NorthWest LNG in British Columbia
(led by Malaysia’s oil and gas company Petronas), a Shell-led proposed LNG project in
British Columbia; several more LNG hopefuls in the Canadian province; the multiple LNG
export plants proposed for the U.S. Gulf Coast; six LNG plants under development in
Australia; and LNG projects proposed in Russia, Tanzania and Mozambique — all targeting
the same global market as Alaska.

The success of North Slope gas producers in their gas marketing efforts for the Alaska LNG
project.

The project sponsors’ abilities to manage costs in a very competitive marketplace.

The North Slope producers and the state agreeing to fiscal terms that balance public
revenues from a state resource with the need for fiscal stability required for such a longterm, capital-intensive private investment.

Determining the best pipeline route and meeting environmental challenges to get the
pipeline across Cook Inlet, with its beluga whale and salmon habitat concerns, ice and tides,
and existing pipelines and oil and gas production platforms.

U.S. Department of Energy authority to export Alaska natural gas worldwide, specifically to
countries that lack free-trade agreements with the United States (such as China, India, Japan
and Taiwan). The Alaska LNG application, filed in 2014, was pending at the Energy
Department as of March 2015.
ConocoPhillips
Kenai LNG
Facility
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 35
Health Care and Social Assistance
Health Care & Social Assistance is an increasingly important economic engine in the Kenai
region.
Wages & Employment
In 2013, the Health Care & Social Assistance sector accounted for 3,250 jobs and over
$125 million in payroll on the Kenai Peninsula. This is approximately 16% of the
region’s total workforce and 13% of the region’s total wages. The majority is in health
care, with 2,400 jobs and a $101 million payroll. Employment growth in Health Care &
Social Assistance averaged 8% per year between 2003 and 2013, while wages grew at an
average annual rate of 13% per year.5
Health Care & Social Services Employment & Earnings
Kenai Peninsula Region, 2002-2013
Fig. 32
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,631 2,709
2,934
3,030 3,095
3,251
2,000
$80
1,945 1,917
1,500
1,000
$120
1,269
1,482 1,545 1,562
$40
500
0
Real Earnings ($ Millions)
Monthly Avergae Employment
Health Care &
Social
Assistance
Industry
Outlook
$0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
employment
Fig. 33
Sources:
ADOLWD,QCEW and
Central Peninsula Hospital
earnings
Health Care & Social Assistance Employment
Kenai Peninsula Region, 2013
Social Assistance,
838
Out Patient Health
Care, 1,208
26%
37%
37%
Hospitals, Nursing
& Residential Care
1,205
5
Sources: ADOLWD QCEW, Central Peninsula Hospital
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 36
Source: ADOLWD, QCEW
Business Activity
Most sales of medical services are tax exempt on the Kenai Peninsula; however, businesses and nonprofits must report their gross sales prior to taking their legal exemptions. Health Care & Social
Assistance businesses on the Kenai generated $20.4 million in sales in 2013. This is a 3.5% total
increase over 2008 gross sales of $19.7 million (or a 0.7% average annual increase). It is noteworthy
that gross sales peaked in 2011 and have decreased $3 million since then even though Kenai
Borough population increased by 190 people during this period (2011 to 2013). While declining sales
aren’t desired from a straight economic perspective, given the pressure to control health care
spending and try new approaches (see sector trends and outlook) this may be a trend in the ‘right’
direction for the sector.
Fig. 34
Business Activity - Gross Sales for Health Care & Social Assistance
Businesses on Kenai Peninsula, 2008-2013
Outside of Cities
$20,000,000
Seldovia
$15,000,000
Seward
$10,000,000
Kenai
Homer
$5,000,000
Soldotna
$0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 37
source:
KPB Finance
Dept.
Kenaitze Dena’ina Wellness Center.
Cannery workers wrote their names
and dates of work on the rafters of the
warehouse at the Kenai Wards Cove
cannery. Some date back to the 1920s
Photo by Pat Dixon, from
redoubtreporter.files/wordpress.com.
Types of Jobs.
State business license
records list 275 health
care and social
assistance businesses
physically located on the
Kenai Peninsula.
ADOLWD occupational data shows at least 25 jobs on the Kenai Peninsula in each of the following
occupations:
 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational  Nursing Assistants
Nurses
 Dental Assistants
 Personal Care Aides
 Dental Hygienists
 Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians
 Family and General Practitioners
 Physical Therapist Aides
 Health Educators
 Physical Therapists
 Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
 Physicians and Surgeons, All Other
 Home Health Aides
 Radiologic Technologists
 Massage Therapists
 Recreational Therapists
 Mental Health Counselors
 Registered Nurses
 Medical Assistants
 Rehabilitation Counselors
 Medical Records and Health Information
 Speech-Language Pathologists
Technicians
 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social  Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder
Workers
Counselors
 Medical and Clinical Laboratory
 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal
Technologists
Caretakers
 Nurse Practitioners
 Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Health Insurance
According to the 2011-2013 American Community Survey, 12,127 residents or about 22% of the
borough’s residents do not have health insurance coverage. Of those that do, just over one-quarter
receive public coverage (Medicaid, Medicare) and the remainder have coverage from private
insurance sources. These numbers represent the situation just before Affordable Care Act insurance
opportunities opened (late 2014).
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 38
Kenai Peninsula Borough
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE (2011-2013)
Civilian population
With health insurance coverage
No health insurance coverage
Fig. 35
Estimate
55,596
43,469
12,127
% of Total
78%
22%
Source: US Census ACS 2011-2013 3-Year Survey
Major Health Care Providers
One employer, the Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH), accounts for over one-quarter of this sector’s
employment and half its wages. CPH is located in Soldotna and is a community-owned hospital
with a KPB lease, operating agreements, and its own Board of Directors. There are a number of
facilities and services under the CPH umbrella including the 49-bed Hospital, the 60-bed Heritage
House with long-term skilled nursing care, six family and specialty physician services clinics, and a
new specialty medical office building that is under construction and scheduled to open in January
2016. The hospital provides emergency medical services regardless of ability to pay and also
promotes wellness services for all. CPH has 798 total employees and in FY 13 had a $69.5 million
payroll, and an estimated 245 volunteers 6.
South Peninsula Hospital (SPH) in Homer is a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) named a Top 100
CAH out of 1300, in 2011) offering an emergency room, 18-bed acute care, and several other health
and wellness services. They also run a 28-bed long term and extended care facility. The facility is a
non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. In FY 2013, SPH had 412 total employees
with a $30.1 million payroll, and an estimated 40 volunteers 8.
The new Dena’ina Wellness Center, a 52,000 sf facility incorporating traditional Kenzitze design
elements, just opened in 2014 in Kenai. It offers medical, dental, behavioral health, chemical
dependency, wellness, physical therapy, pharmacy support and traditional healing services all
beneath one roof for Alaska Native/American Indian beneficiaries on the Peninsula. Between health
care and other services 3700 customers were served in 2014.
Sector Trends, Issues, and Outlook
Industry Growth. The health care industry in Alaska has been one of the fastest growing economic
sectors for 20 years. Direct spending in Alaska in 2009 on personal health care was $6.4 billion, and
the average annual growth in health care spending in Alaska between 1991-2009 was 8.4% each year
(CMS, National Health Statistics). Including health insurance, government health expenditures, and
related activities, the health sector represented 14% of Alaska’s GDP in 2012 (McDowell
Group/Sheinberg Associates, 2014 Juneau Economic Plan). Over the last decade medical care has
shifted from predominantly acute care to chronic disease management. There is increased emphasis
on integrating prevention and behavioral health into full-patient care. These trends will continue
into the future.
Increasing Seniors. The senior population on the Kenai Peninsula is increasing. Currently, 8,100
people (14%) on the Kenai Peninsula are 65 or older; by 2027 it is projected that 14,800 people (23%)
will be over 65. The number over age 85 is expected to increase four-fold over 30 years, from about
670 in 2014 to 3,270 in 2042. This is already creating a challenge; for example recently CPH’s acute
6
IRS Form 990 and verbal reports
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 39
care census was almost one-third filled with patients age 85 or older that would be better served by
home health and hospice services if they were more available. As the senior population grows,
demand will increase for services to assist people to age in place, for traditional assisted living and
long-term care, for home health, hospice, palliative care, respite care, and related services.
Medicaid Expansion, Health Care Reform. A “perfect storm” in 2015 is shining a spotlight on
Alaska’s health care system and spending. This situation is due to the convergence of the $3 billion
plus state operating budget deficit (due to declining oil prices), the fact that health and social
services expenditures combined with education comprise the majority of state agency spending, and
the opportunity to move forward with Medicaid expansion. There is pressure from both the Alaska
Legislature and executive branch to reform the health care system and reduce the growth of health
care spending. Kenai is in an interesting position in this regard. CPH is a community owned hospital
in good financial shape that employs a large number of health care providers in the region. Some
suggest that the Kenai region is well-positioned to initiate a pilot project to form a Coordinated Care
Organization and move toward “global payments” for health services. This type of system
incentivizes focus on more efficient service to a patient’s holistic health needs. The Kenai Borough is
exploring the idea of joining the SPH and CPH Hospitals and running them under one Board. Top
Borough and health care administrators are pro-actively thinking about the shape of long-term
sustainable health care on the Peninsula.
Needs of Gas Pipeline Workforce. Another important future concern is the impact to Health Care &
Social Assistance needs if the gas pipeline is built and terminates in Nikiski with an LNG plant.
Expanding hospital and health care services cannot be done overnight. One official familiar with
medical facility costs suggested that an increase of 5,000 people on the Kenai could create a demand
for 10-25 more hospital beds or related space at a rough cost of $100 million. This type of expansion
typically needs a 15-year planning window, yet if the gasline goes there will not be 15 years to plan
and meet service demands.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 40
The Maritime Sector
The Kenai Peninsula is home to at least 3,068 workers in a maritime-related job,
who earned $172 million in 2013, with an average income of $56,000.
When aggregated, ocean-related work is the single biggest “sector” on the peninsula.
The state of Alaska and several municipalities are looking closely at the Maritime
Maritime
Economy for several reasons:
Industry
 Alaska has more coastline than all the other United States combined,
Outlook
 is dependent on marine transshipment given our location,
 has world class commercial fishing operations, retreating sea ice is increasing the
accessibility of the Artic and creating new economic opportunity,
 that the State’s proximity to Asia it an asset for marine transshipment, and
 the state’s fiscal dependence on oil revenue has increased the need to diversify the economy.
Maritime jobs are all work related to the ocean. This includes fishermen, cannery workers, barge line
operators, aquarium researchers and employees, ferry workers, boat builders and repair operations,
educators geared toward maritime professions, sport fish guides and whale watch charters, marine
biologists and surveyors, fishing crew, fishing gear retailers, fish wholesalers and much more.
The Kenai Peninsula region is clearly on the “Maritime Map” and has a significant ocean-based
economy:

NOAA ranks the commercial fish ports of Seward, Kenai, and Homer as 15th, 26th and 46th
(respectively) in the US in 2013 in pounds of fish landed. Cumulatively these three ports
landed 130.2 million pounds of commercial fish that generated $135.4 million in ex-vessel
value in 2013.

Seward’s Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) is home to the Alaska Maritime
Training Center, whose goal is to promote safe marine operations by effectively preparing
captains and crew members for employment in the Alaskan maritime industry. Courses are
delivered through the use of a world class ship simulator, state of the art computer based
navigational laboratory, and modern classrooms equipped with the latest instructional
delivery technologies.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks/National Science Foundation research
vessel SIKULIAQ is now homeported in Seward.

The Cook Inlet/Kenai River salmon run supports the most popular sport and
personal use fishery in the state.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 41

In May 2014, the City of Seward and Vigor Industrial inked the transfer of the Seward Ship
Drydock and Chandlery’s assets and contracts to Vigor. This drydock business began in 1973
and now joins Vigor’s family of nine shipyards in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Seward
is one of only four communities with drydocks in the state.

Homer is focusing on its growing marine trade services. According to Homer’s Mayor
White, the City issued a $4.2 million revenue bond that leveraged $30 million in
improvements at the harbor area by federal and state agencies and private businesses. A
number of marine trades businesses are investing here.

The Seward SeaLife Center is Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue
center.

The Alaska Clean Harbors non-profit
program, working with harbors
around the state, is based in Homer.

Cook Inlet is home to approximately
1,584 marine vessels over 28 ft.
Commercial fishing vessels make up
the majority of vessels and account for
a higher gross tonnage than any other
category. Recreational vessels make up
the second largest category, both in
terms of vessel count and gross
tonnage. The average Cook Inlet vessel
is 41 ft. long, 35 gross tons, and 29
years old7.
AVTEC Maritime Class
Even with this myriad of ocean-related enterprises,
the regional maritime industry has not been measured. This is due to the way economic data is
typically quantified. The NAICS codes that comprise maritime work and economic activity are part
of many different industry sectors, so they are “hidden” as part of other work. As a result, maritime
contributions to the economy are typically overlooked.
Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward
7
Alaska Maritime Industrial Support Sector, McDowell Group, 2014
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 42
The 2015 Situations and Prospects report quantifies the Kenai Peninsula region’s maritime
economy for the first time.
Fig. 36
Kenai Peninsula Region Maritime Employment and Earnings, 2013
No. of
Firms
Total
Wages
Average
Annual
Employment
Average
Annual
Wages
1,498
$96,239,000
1,498
(gross
income)
44
$21,200,583
545
$38,900
68
$19,701,920
386
$51,040
Marinas, Boat Dealers, Boat Building 2
11
$4,430,137
106
$41,794
Mixed Marine Manufacturing, Education,
Boat Repair & Maintenance 2
9
$2,787,253
66
$42.223
Mixed Marine Leisure & Hospitality 2
55
$4,416,677
158
$27,954
Mixed Marine Professional, Scientific, &
Technical Services 2
31
$19,925,368
281
$70,909
4
$3,669,741
28*
$131,062*
*
Total Kenai Region Maritime
1,746
$172,370,679
3,068
$56,183
State government maritime (ADF&G, AMHS)
UNK
UNK
UNK
Federal government maritime employees
(NOAA, USCG)
UNK
UNK
UNK
$64,245
Fishing (self-employed)1 2012
Fishing and Seafood Processing 2
(with employees/ payroll, including aquaculture, fishing,
seafood processing, wholesalers, seafood markets)
Water Transportation 2
(water guides, tours, support)
(e.g. marine surveyors, engineering, fisheries research)
Local Government Employees 3
Sources: 1 2012 US Census Nonemployer Statistics
2 ADOLWD QCEW data/research by M. Abrahamson and C. Bell
3 Local Government data excerpted from FY 15 and FY 13 actual operating budgets from Seward, Homer, Seldovia, and Kenai River
Center; * employment is estimated from web listings of employees by department ** includes full, salary, benefits, insurance, etc.
Data compiled by Sheinberg Associates
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 43
Sector Trends, Issues ,and Outlook
This is a very diverse sector and the outlook is positive. There are several opportunity areas,
including but not limited to:
Artic Support. Due to climate change and advancing technologies, more vessels are operating in
Arctic waters. The increase in arctic maritime activity associated with research, fishing, a
shipping/regulatory presence, and oil and gas exploration on Alaska’s outer continental shelf (OCS)
all have the potential to impact maritime service demands. Seward experienced this in 2014 as its
taxable sales increased 12% when an artic drilling rig was homeported there. A focus at the Seward
Marine Industrial Center now is on expanding infrastructure to support arctic development.
Homeport Vessels in Alaska. The Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Group Coastal
Villages Region Fund (CVRF) is in the process of moving its fishing fleet from Seattle to Seward.
There are five CVRF vessels there now and harbor improvements are being completed now to build
a basin enclosure to protect the moored vessels and docks.
Boat Building and Repair. There are growing opportunities in boat building and repair. Homer and
Seward already have a number of small and large boat repair and build businesses, and are wellpositioned to expand through “cluster development.” This strategy focuses on the symbiotic nature
of multiple industries benefiting each other and boosting overall economic growth. As one sector
grows, other sectors are strengthened and a feedback loop is created. By 2025, the Alaska fleet will
include roughly 3,100, 45+ year old vessels, between 28 ft. and 59 ft. In addition, several thousand
skiffs and smaller craft will near the end of their lifecycles. Alaska firms are best suited to designing
and building or assembling small vessels close to the waters where they will be used.
Coal Transshipment. The Seward Coal Loading Facility is at the southern terminus of the Alaska
Railroad. It is the only facility in Alaska available to accommodate export of Usibelli coal. This
infrastructure is a strategic asset, though ongoing maintenance and care to coal dust and other
environmental issues are required. It is operated by Aurora Energy Services for the Alaska Railroad.
Export volumes respond to market conditions and recently the price and exports for Usibelli’s
calorie value coal has decreased on the world market. This has resulted in decreased exports to
Japan, Korea and China. Also, Alaska’s coal competes with Australian and Indonesian coal.
Fig. 38
2009
801,254
Coal - Metric Tonnes Delivered to Seward
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
953,329 1,083,757 871,935 574,755 465,079
Source: Alaska Railroad Corporation
Vessels. The Alaska Maritime Industrial Support Sector study(McDowell Group, 2014) found that
slightly over half of Cook Inlet’s vessels were built in the 1970s and 1980s, which is similar to the
entire Alaska fleet. However, Cook Inlet has a larger number of vessels built after 1990. In terms of
length, while the region is home to 129 vessels 50 ft. or greater, 86% of Cook Inlet vessels are shorter
than 50 ft.
While Anchorage and Mat-Su contain much of the region’s population, Homer is by far the largest
regional port in terms of vessel counts. Homer is home to 440 commercial fishing boats, 84
recreational boats, and 54 passenger vessels (plus 19 other miscellaneous vessels). Seward is home to
167 recreational boats, 62 commercial fishing boats, and 61 passenger vessels.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 44
Cook Inlet Fleet Profile by Vessel Type
(reproduced from Alaska Maritime Industrial Support Sector, McDowell Group, 2014, page 21)
Commercial
Oil & Pass. &
Fishing
Recreation
Gas
Cruise Tugs Barges Other
Vessel
Vessel Count
866
466
35
153
21
12
31
Vessel %
55%
29%
2%
10%
1%
1%
2%
Tonnage
Gross Tonnage (GT)
21,905
8,579
3,457
6,341
2,079
7,382
5,050
GT %
40%
17%
7%
13%
4%
15%
10%
Average
Average Age
31
25
16
26
26
32
27
Average Length
39
37
59
46
75
139
64
Average GT
25
18
99
41
99
615
163
Fig. 37
Total
1,584
54,793
29
41
35
Source: McDowell Group Alaska Fleet Vessel Database
Commercial Fishing and Seafood Processing
While commercial fishing and seafood processing are a part of the
Peninsula’s Maritime Sector, the economic strength and importance of
these jobs, businesses, and activities merits its own report section.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) has a long history of commercial
fishing and seafood processing. Today 1,430 KPB residents hold
commercial fishing permits. Most of the permits are for salmon. Almost
40% of all area permit holders live in Homer, followed by Kenai, Soldotna,
and Kasilof.
Commercial
Fishing & Seafood
Processing Outlook.
Nice 4-5 year up trend,
but some unknowns
Sockeye salmon are the commercial money fish in Cook Inlet, accounting for 93% of the salmon
ex-vessel value in 2014. The borough’s commercial fishing harvest value peaked in 1984 at $158.1
million. Since 2002, the value of the harvest is steadily growing (except for a jump in 2008 followed
by a decline in 2009).
Commercial fishing earnings for Kenai region residents have exceeded $125 million for each
year between 2010-2013, with full 2014 numbers not out yet.
High levels of commercial fishing coincide with high levels of fish processing. There are
approximately 20 seafood-processing operations located in Kenai, Homer, Kasilof, Soldotna,
Seward, and Ninilchik. These range from smaller value-added operations to large statewide
processors. The largest plant is Icicle Seafoods in Seward, a national company currently being sold.
State 2013 ADOLWD processor data shows 2,204 seafood processing jobs on the Peninsula in 2013 of
which 939 were filled by Alaskans8. Seafood processing wages in the KPB totaled $8.5 million in
2013.
8
http://labor.alaska.gov/research/seafood/statewide/AKSFPBorca.pdf
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 45
Processors share approximately
3% of the value of the fish they
processed with the state, which
then shares half of this with the
municipality where the
processors are located.
Commercial drift
gillnetting boat
leaves the mouth of
the Kasilof River at
about 1 am July
2014 during an
overnight fishing
period. Photo by
Rashah
McChesney,
Peninsula Clarion
In 2014, the Kenai Peninsula
Borough received $933,000 in
shared fishery taxes. This
translates roughly to $62 million
in ex-vessel worth of fish
processed in local plants. The more value per fish that processors can add, the higher
their earnings will be.
Kenai Peninsula Resident’s Commercial Fishing Activity and Earnings
KPB has 1.4% of Alaska’s population, yet gross earnings to KPB residents from commercial fishing
accounted for 7.1% of the state’s total commercial fish earnings in 2013. This is typical; over the last
20 years borough residents have earned between 5.4% and 8.4% of all commercial fishing earnings in
the state (Figure 39).
In 2013, 1,097 KPB residents fished 1,504 commercial permits statewide and landed 185.5 million
pounds of fish worth $136.5 million (Figure 40). The majority of the harvest, at just under threequarters (71%) of residents total commercial fishing earnings, was in the salmon fishery. That same
year, KPB residents fished 12.6% of all Alaskan salmon permits. Those Kenai region residents
harvested 131.1 million pounds of salmon statewide with estimated gross earnings of $97.6 million.
That is a 46% increase in earnings compared to resident’s 2012 estimated gross of $66.7 million from
salmon fisheries.
KPB Resident - Total Commercial Fisheries Earnings as
Percent of Alaska's Total Commercial Fisheries Earnings
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
0%
1990
Source: CFEC Fishery Statistics
Fig. 39
In 2012, KPB residents owned 1,067 commercial fishing vessels, 98 tender/packer vessels, and four
freezer/canner vessels. The number of commercial fishing vessels owned by KBP residents declined
for many years until a 2008 low of 938 vessels; since then the number has been rising.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 46
Fig. 40
Year
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
KPB Resident Permit and Fishing Activity By Year
All Fisheries, All Areas, All Permits
KPB Resident
Permit Activity
No.
No.
Permit Permits
Holders Issued
2,116
2,007
1,898
1,737
1,698
1,590
1,556
1,562
1,543
1,530
1,549
1,538
1,473
1,466
1,441
1,399
1,407
1,407
1,396
1,408
1,428
1,434
1,434
1,429
4,261
4,166
4,033
3,615
3,476
3,069
2,920
2,991
2,872
2,692
2,657
2,542
2,307
2,251
2,227
2,163
2,136
2,121
2,122
2,176
2,206
2,296
2,296
2,216
KPB Resident
Fishing Activity
No.
Est. Gross
No.
Permits Total Pounds Earnings
Fishing Fished
Landed
in $
1,644
1,554
1,504
1,381
1,335
1,286
1,266
1,264
1,188
1,189
1,181
1,105
1,030
1,058
1,035
1,043
1,025
999
1,025
1,024
1,024
1,079
1,079
1,097
2,531
2,614
2,616
2,265
2,268
1,970
1,946
1,945
1,757
1,680
1,688
1,573
1,393
1,427
1,401
1,414
1,364
1,344
1,353
1,399
1,405
1,507
1,507
1,504
100,460,969
102,171,040
148,101,691
105,093,973
105,081,537
110,305,028
95,855,308
102,663,420
97,729,436
108,115,355
101,421,496
97,867,559
104,430,925
102,080,093
112,143,976
138,982,655
112,739,074
146,579,950
129,394,179
122,005,714
171,744,645
148,452,292
148,452,292
185,479,739
95,915,261
67,522,748
129,360,059
71,356,009
79,168,409
74,591,534
73,274,247
68,871,308
50,210,350
79,347,712
62,374,454
47,599,968
52,677,656
64,606,377
71,238,837
77,352,281
76,759,760
99,431,356
107,634,696
85,028,773
125,126,250
124,888,822
124,888,822
136,515,228
Statewide
Est. Gross
KPB
Earnings
Resident
in $
% of Total
1,721,666,600
1,648,696,166
1,822,322,655
1,237,935,397
1,433,455,315
1,370,930,869
1,125,424,836
1,000,483,977
795,952,527
1,169,030,511
955,726,572
793,474,058
796,148,357
938,194,005
990,019,285
1,122,052,241
1,168,678,059
1,298,832,267
1,488,137,938
1,149,586,999
1,487,015,419
1,869,719,562
1,881,387,782
1,909,477,746
5.6%
4.1%
7.1%
5.8%
5.5%
5.4%
6.5%
6.9%
6.3%
6.8%
6.5%
6.0%
6.6%
6.9%
7.2%
6.9%
6.6%
7.7%
7.2%
7.4%
8.4%
6.7%
6.6%
7.1%
Source: CFEC fishery statistics
Icicle Seafoods Seward
plant, file photo by
Heidi Zemach, Seward
City News
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 47
Cook Inlet Salmon Fisheries
The average value of a Cook Inlet purse seine permit jumped $15,000 between 2013 and 2014 and is
at its highest value since 1996, at $86,000. The value of Cook Inlet drift salmon gill net permits
dropped a bit this year but are still near $74,400, a 20-year high.
Cook Inlet sockeye salmon accounted for 74% of all pounds of salmon commercially harvested
in Cook Inlet (CI) in 2014. That year, the average Cook Inlet sockeye harvested weighed 6.06
pounds, down from 6.25 pounds during the 2013 season and a little below the rolling 5-year average
weight. Prices vary from year to year but have generally been building since 2002 for Cook Inlet
commercial sockeye. The average price per pound in 2014 for sockeye was $2.25 per pound, the
same as 2013. This high price per pound has increased the economic value of the fishery, and is at
least partly due to the high quality handling by fishermen and success of the fresh frozen market.
The number of harvested sockeye decreased from 2.74 million fish during 2013 to 2.56 million fish
during 2014. Likewise, pounds of harvested sockeye decreased from 26.7 million pounds during
2013 to 21.1 million pounds during 2014. The total ex-vessel values for Cook Inlet sockeye decreased
from $38.5 million in 2013 to $35.0 million during 2014. There are no factors on the horizon raising
any concerns about run size according to ADF&G biologists.
The Cook Inlet region has seen a period of low, below average King Salmon runs since 2009. That
trend is anticipated to continue during the 2015 season. To reach desired escapement, ADF&G has
for the last several years closed or limited commercial set net fishing along the east side of Upper
Cook Inlet and highly regulated the sport catch of King Salmon. As a result, the value spread of the
harvest between setnet and drift net gear groups is changing (Figure 41). In 2012, a year with major
set net limits, the percent of salmon harvest by set net dropped from 36% of the total Cook Inlet
salmon catch the year before to 8% of the catch in 2012. The percent caught by set netters was back
up to 25% in 2013 however (a full dataset from 2014 is not available). The overall harvest of red
salmon isn’t necessarily being affected but the gear group and individuals catching it are shifting.
Pounds Harvested in 1000s
40,000
$60,000
35,000
$50,000
30,000
$40,000
25,000
20,000
$30,000
15,000
$20,000
10,000
$10,000
5,000
0
$0
Pounds of CI Sockeye Harvested
Ex-Vessel Value CI Sockeye
Pounds of all CI Salmon Harvested by SetNet
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 48
Ex-Vessel Value in $1000s dollars
Cook Inlet Sockeye Harvest
Fig.41
Sources:
ADFG Fishery
Statistics, CFEC
SO4H harvests
0
800
600
400
200
0
Cook Inlet PINK Salmon
10,000
5,000
0
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
0
3,000
Cook Inlet CHUM Salmon
2,000
1,000
0
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
10,000
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
30,000
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
40,000
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Pounds Harvested (in 1000s)
Cook Inlet SOCKEYE Salmon
Cook Inlet CHINOOK Salmon
$3,000
Cook Inlet COHO Salmon
$1,500
$2,000
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: ADF&G, Alaska Commercial Salmon Harvests and Ex-vessel Values
Figures 42-51
with 5-year moving average trendlines
Ex-Vessel Value (in $1000s)
$60,000
Cook Inlet SOCKEYE Salmon
20,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
$1,000
$800
$600
$400
$200
$0
Cook Inlet CHINOOK Salmon
Cook Inlet PINK Salmon
15,000
$2,000
$1,000
$0
Cook Inlet COHO Salmon
$1,000
$500
500
$0
Cook Inlet CHUM Salmon
$1,500
$1,000
$500
$0
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 49
The City of Kenai occupies a unique position in that four distinctly different fisheries take place
within the City’s boundaries: commercial, sport, personal-use, and educational fisheries. Given this,
the City works diligently with other agencies to support sustainable fisheries harvests.
Kenai River DipNetting. The rapid
growth of the Kenai River personal
use dipnet fishery has added a
250,000-400,0000 sockeye fish harvest
in a short time period to the
management mix; beginning in 2013,
harvest of King Salmon was
prohibited. The City of Kenai bears
management expenses that nearly
equal revenue for this fishery. For
example, in 2014 the City instituted a
tide dependent no wake zone for a
6,000 foot segment of the south river
bank to reduce erosion; eliminated an access and improved another, and is constructing a new
access at the Kenai River mouth; maintained solid waste and pit toilets, and provided police foot
and boat patrols. Revenue was generated from municipal boat launch and parking fees.
Cook Inlet Halibut and Sablefish Fisheries
Halibut fishers are another player in the KPB commercial fishing industry, though the pounds
landed at KPB ports has been declining significantly since 2002, as it has been all over the state
coincident with quota reductions.
In 2014, 673 vessels landed 4.5 million pounds of halibut at three ports in the KPB: Homer, Seward,
and Kenai, with over half the effort at Homer. Excluding confidential data, Homer and Seward show
as the 1st and 3rd top landing ports in Alaska for individual fishing quota (IFQ) halibut landings by
pounds. Due to confidential data, the total gross earnings for KPB commerical halibut fisheres
cannot be reported, but it was at least $16.7 million in 2013.
Sablefish fishers, a third major commercial fishery player, harvested 5.48 million pounds brought to
KPB ports on 407 reported landings in 2014. This is 26% of the state’s total commercial sablefish
harvest. Seward had 294 landings with 4.8 million pounds and is the State’s top landing port for
sablefish (excluding confidential data). KPB sablefish commercial fishermen gross earnings are
estimated at $6.5 million in 2013.
Commercial Catch of Pacific Halibut Landed in KPB (pounds)
Fig.52
Millions of Pounds
25
with Five Year Moving Average Trendline
20
15
10
5
0
source: NOAA
IFQ Reports
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 50
Commercial Catch of Pacific Sablefish Landed in KPB (pounds)
Fig.53
Millions of Pounds
12
with Five Year Moving Average Trendline
10
8
6
4
2
source: 0
NOAA IFQ
Reports
Sector Trends, Issues, and Outlook
Add Value. Homer, Kenai, and Seward are top US ports for commercial fish landings and total exvessel value. Fish are plentiful in the region and the industry and workforce are positioned to
continue to benefit. Cook Inlet region seafood processing operations have a competitive advantage
over other parts of the state in being on the road system. Freshly frozen fish can be packed in
refrigerated vans and trucked to US and Canadian markets immediately after it is caught.
Additional economic opportunities are available by increasing local value-added seafood processing
in areas such as new food products, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and skin care, fish skin leather,
supplements, performance fabrics from crab and shrimp shells, bio-oils and fuels, and other
products that increase the percent utilization of whole fish.
King Salmon Decline. Despite these strengths, the fisheries in the KPB are also undergoing serious
challenges and constraints. Reasons for the statewide decline in King Salmon runs were the subject
of a scientific summit a few years ago. There are many unknowns, but a leading idea on the cause is
the temperature current and food supply changes linked to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which is
currently favoring BC, WA and OR king runs9. A commitment to monitor indicator streams around
the state arose as an outcome of the summit. This activity may now be at risk due to state budget
woes.
Halibut BioMass & Allocations. Pacific Halibut quotas are down all over Alaska due to declining
stocks. Reduced overall quota is then allocated among harvester types. For 2015 though, slightly
increased biomass data has led to a small uptick in Area 3A (Cook Inlet region) quota. Biomass
trends and smaller halibut sizes led to limitations on sport charters in the inlet which are now two
halibut per client per day, one of which must be 30 inches or less. Fish size, biomass, allocation
between commercial and sports harvesters, and limits related to bycatch are fishery management
concerns.
“Every Fish has a Name On It”. Being near Alaska’s population centers and having road accessible
fisheries raises attention to Cook Inlet fisheries. At Alaska Board of Fisheries meetings, management
concerns erupt among commercial gear groups, between Anchorage/Mat-Su versus and Cook Inlet
9
Personal communication, P. Shield. Also see Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and http://www.adn.com/article/biologists-lookocean-clues-alaska-king-salmon-collapse
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 51
fishing groups, and between area sport and commercial fishing associations. Unknowns among
management and allocation decisions create anxiety and uncertainty among users.
ADF&G Budget Cuts. Proposed state budget cuts for FY 2016 to ADF&G could impact fish research
and data collection as well as the timeliness of fish decision-making.
Ocean-Warming. The long-term effect of ocean warming and acidification on future commercial
fisheries migration and growth patterns is an unknown and of concern to the industry.
Fish Prices. Finally, market prices for fish are subject to many different variables and market forces.
Price significantly alters profitability and economic impact to the region. Fish business reporter
Laine Welsh in March 2015 reported high halibut and sablefish prices for 2015 to date with blocks of
Southeast Alaska halibut fetching record-setting prices. In February 2015, the Homer Tribune
reported that, “early indicators point to lower salmon prices this year in a plentiful market. A strong
U.S. dollar against the Yen, Euro and other currencies also makes it more expensive for foreign
customers to buy Alaska salmon. At the same time, record numbers of cheaper, farmed salmon
continue to flood into the U.S. from Norway and Chile. 10”
Departing from
the mouth of the
Kenai River, a
fleet of driftnet
commercial
fishing boats
head out at dawn
towards the lower
Cook Inlet.
December 2013.
Photo Michael
Downey
http://michaeldowney.com
State of
Alaska file
photo,
setnetters
near shore
10
http://www.adn.com/article/20150302/laine-welch-pickled-willy-pulls-three-peat-annual-symphony-seafood
http://homertribune.com/category/columnists/fish-factor/
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 52
Tourism and Visitors
Kenai Peninsula recreational opportunities are enjoyed by residents and
visitors alike. The peninsula’s road accessible rivers, lakes, bays, mountains,
glaciers, fish and wildlife will continue – as long as transportation costs
are not prohibitive – to ensure the area is an important travel destination
for people from Anchorage, the rest of the state, the US, and the world.
The area’s diverse attractions include fishing, wildlife viewing, hunting,
RVing, boating, hiking, biking, skiing, marathons, camping/
backpacking, ATVing, snow machining, kayaking, canoeing, rowing,
sailing, and snowshoeing. The region also benefits from developed
parks and Recreation Centers with tracks, rinks, swimming pools and
more.
Tourism and
Visitors
Industry - Mixed
Outlook: Signs of
Weaknesses but
Good Opportunities
The Kenai Peninsula’s tourism industry is recovering from the 2008-2009 US recession’s
reduction in visitor travel and related spending. Employment numbers are back to pre-recession
(2008) levels, but average monthly wages in this sector have declined compared to 2008.
The once thriving world class King Salmon fishery has been closed for the past few years with
great impact to related tourism, likely causing last year’s decline in water guide-related
business activity.
Growth opportunities include continued diversification away from King Salmon fishing toward
other salmon and fish, tours to less traveled natural assets such as the Harding Icefield and to bearviewing spots on the west side of the Cook Inlet, and more activities and infrastructure for
international or cruise visitors who don’t want to rent a car. Some suggest that more corporate travel
and trade industry offerings are needed west of Cooper Landing.
The Impact of the 2008-2009 National Recession on Tourism
Alaska fared the national recession and real estate bubble crash better than most almost any other
state; housing prices were generally not impacted and employment stayed high throughout.
However, one Alaskan industry felt the impact – tourism. With the national economy in decline and
discretionary spending reduced, coupled with rising fuel costs, visitation to Alaska slowed,
including on the Kenai Peninsula.
State tourism studies show visitor traffic to Alaska dropped over 7% between summer 2008 and
summer 2009. The decrease occurred primarily in air passenger visits, which dropped an estimated
15%. Ferry visitors fell 16% and highway visits were down 8%. Cruise ship passenger volumes
between 2008 and 2009 were flat. However, cruise passengers traveled less within the state, more
often choosing cruise only packages (rather than cruise+land tour packages such as those that go
through Seward). The Kenai Peninsula felt these impacts.
Local business sales that serve visitors and the number of visitors declined sharply between
2008 and 2009, and then began to rise. The good news is that depending on the business type, by
2010 or 2011 most had gross sales back to their 2008 levels (Figure 54).
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 53
Gross Sales - Visitor Related Businesses, Kenai Peninsula 2008-2013
Fig. 54
$300,000,000
$250,000,000
Restaurant/Bar
$200,000,000
Hotel/Motel/Bed &
Breakfast
$150,000,000
Guiding Water
$100,000,000
Arts and Entertainment
$50,000,000
Guiding Land
$0
Source: KPB Finance Dept.
Fig. 55
2013 Gross Sales - Visitor Related Businesses, by City (in $1000’s)
Business Type
Total, for Place
Restaurant/Bar
Hotel/Motel/ Bed & Breakfast
Guiding Water
Arts and Entertainment
Guiding Land
Soldotna
$35,300
$25,678
$4,971
$605
$4,046
*
Homer
$44,686
$17,229
$14,419
$11,353
$1,238
$446
Kenai
$25,087
$14,362
$9,759
$361
$604
*
Seward
$51,681
$13,192
$13,892
$23,936
$58
$604
Seldovia
$1,085
$638
$163
$253
$31
$0
Outside of
Cities
$102,311
$21,743
$45,657
$23,860
$9,400
$1,651
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept.
Businesses, Employment, and Wages
On the Kenai, the visitor industry is experiencing modest growth since recovering from the 20082009 downturn. Since 2008 gross sales have increased at an average annual rate of 2.5%. Total gross
sales in 2013 were $260 million in 2013. Over this same period employment numbers remained
steady but average monthly wages have declined slightly (from $6,180/month in 2008 to
$5,901/month in 2013). Wages have thus not kept pace with inflation over the last six years. As a
result, buying power for employees in this industry has declined.
For this report, visitor oriented businesses include those with Lines of Business (per KPB sales taxes)
or those in the state’s database in Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (NAICS 71); Accommodations
and Food Services (NAICS 72); and Scenic and Sightseeing Services, which includes Water and Land
Guides (NAICS 487000, traditionally aggregated with Transportation for QCEW employment).
Looking at all the data sources, there are approximately 1,000 large and small business owners and
2,650 employed workers in tourism businesses in the KPB. Among these visitor-oriented businesses
and workers:

1,440 businesses registered for KPB sales tax purposes (2015)

1,030 holding Alaska business licenses physically located on the peninsula (2015)
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 54

345 businesses in this sector with 2,648 employees and $52.3 million in wages in the KPB
(2013)

614 small self-employed small business owner in this sector (2012)
Since restaurants and bars serve residents along with visitors, the economic impact just due to
visitors is difficult to isolate for these businesses.
In 2013, the visitor industry accounted for 2,648 salaried employees and over a $52 million payroll
on the Kenai Peninsula (Figures 56). This is approximately 15% of the region’s total employees and
5% of the region’s total wages. Accommodation and Food Services drive the sector, generating
approximately 80% of the employment and wages. The visitor industry is highly seasonal and the
average monthly employment of 2,648 includes a summer high of over 3,700 employees.
Figure 58 includes the 700+ sole-proprietor businesses with their $22 million income to salaried
workers to show the close to $75 million in all work earnings that this sector creates.
Monthly Average Employment
3000
$60
2500
$50
2000
$40
1500
$30
1000
$20
500
$10
0
$0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Source: ADOLWD, QCEW
Employment
Earnings
Fig. 57
Visitor Industry Employment, 2013
Scenic and
Sightseeing
6%
Accommodation
31%
Performing Arts,
Museums, Zoos,
Parks, etc.
1%
Food Services and
Drinking Places
54%
Amusements,
Gambling, Recreation
8%
Source: ADOLWD QCEW
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 55
Real Earnings ($Millions)
Visitor Industry Employment & Wages
Fig. 56
2013 Tourism and Visitor – Workforce/Earnings on Kenai Peninsula
SELF-EMPLOYED
SALARIED EMPLOYEES
PROPRIETORS
TOTAL
TOTAL
average
workforce
earnings
Business Type
employment total wages
No.
income
(% of all)
(% of all)
Arts, Entertainment, &
612
$11,552,089
254
$3,991,089
358
$7,561,000
Recreation
(16%)
(15%)
Accommodation &
2,587
$57,017,104
2,227
$42,344,104
360 $14,673,000
Food Services
(79%)
(76%)
167
$6,027,345
Scenic and Sightseeing
167
$6,027,345
(5%)
(8%)
TOTALS
2,648
$52,362,538 718 $22,234,000
3,366
$74,596,538
Fig. 58
Sources: ADOLWD, QCEW 2013, US Census Nonemployer Statistics, 2012
Visitors by the Numbers
Cruise Ships. On the Kenai Peninsula, cruise ships visit Seward and Homer. Each year Seward
receives about 50 large ships whereas Homer sees primarily smaller ships only a few times per year.
Passenger numbers are calculated using the lowest berth capacity (lowest possible number of
passengers) and a 5% multiplier.
The number of cruise ships and passengers stopping in the region has been declining since the 2001
peak of 110 ships and 330,000 passengers.
The 2008-2009 recession effect hit in 2010 when cruise passengers numbers dropped 9% in one year,
but declines have continued until last year’s increase. However, 2014 cruise visitor volume of almost
149,000 is less than half of 2001 cruise visitor numbers.
Fig. 59
Year
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
SEWARD
Ship Calls Passengers
70
166,059
57
139,285
54
135,574
52
145,454
51
130,578
54
142,245
Cruise Ship Travel
HOMER
Total
%
Ship Calls Passengers Passengers Change
2
1,934
167,993
9
13,797
153,082
-9%
14
15,939
151,513
-1%
7
9,599
155,053
2%
1
401
130,979
-16%
5
6,533
148,778
14%
Source: Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska
Alaska Railroad. The Alaska Railroad Corporation operates two trains between Seward and
Anchorage. The Grandview Cruise Train is only available to cruise ship passengers beginning or
ending their cruise in Seward, as an alternative to the cruise line's standard motorcoach service to
and from the Anchorage airport. The Coastal Classic is open to the public, and makes one daily
round trip from Anchorage to Seward, with an intermediate stop in Girdwood. The Coastal Classic
serves a mix of Alaska residents, independent travelers making day trips to Seward or to Kenai
Fjords National Park, and additional cruise passengers making a connection to/from Anchorage.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 56
Both trains are seasonal, running only between the months of May and September. Between 2009
and 2014 the total number of individuals taking the train to and from Seward increased 18%, from
67,000 to 80,320 passengers.
Fig.60
Alaska Railroad Passengers in Seward
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
-
Grandview Train to/from
Seward
Coastal Classic Departures
from Seward
Coastal Classic Arrivals in
Seward
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: Alaska Railroad
AMHS Ferries. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) serves Homer and Seldovia on the
Kenai Peninsula. In 2006, Homer’s ferry visits and passengers increased as AMHS ferry service to
and from Seward was discontinued. Passenger and vehicle traffic remained steady between 2008
and 2012, years when other tourism travel was down due to the US recession – this could indicate
that the majority of users are local, or travelling out of necessity and not as elective pleasure travel.
In 2013, both ports experienced an approximate 50% decline in passenger and vehicle traffic when
the Ferry Tustamena was pulled for extended repair. In 2014, port departures rose back to 2012
levels and ridership is on its way back to those levels.
Figures
61,62
Alaska Marine Highway Port Departures
300
200
100
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Homer
Seldovia
Seward
Source: AMHS Annual Traffic Reports
400
Alaska Marine Highway Disembarking Passengers
Source: AMHS Annual Traffic
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Homer
Seldovia
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 57
Seward
Visitor Centers and Destinations. While it is difficult to track the exact number of visitors to the
Kenai Peninsula, several key destinations do track their annual visitors, and these destinations can
serve to some extent as a proxy for Borough-wide visitor levels.
Seward’s Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center
experienced a 23% drop in attendees from 2008 to 2009. In subsequent years visitor levels have been
increasing, but in 2014 the center still drew 13% fewer visitors than it had in 2008.
Kenai Fjords National Park experienced a 20% drop in annual visitors in 2009. Visitor levels
recovered and grew in following years, peaking in 2011 at nearly 350,000 visitors. The number of
people visiting the park since has been very close to 2008 numbers.
Although not every visitor to the peninsula makes a stop at a community visitor’s center, Chamber
of Commerce-run Community Centers in Kenai, Soldotna, Seward and Homer all keep track of the
number of visitors they receive from year to year, and this too can help paint a more complete
picture of visitor numbers to the Kenai Peninsula. Of these four visitors centers, all have experienced
a decline in traffic. Particularly low 2014 numbers at the Homer and Seward Visitor’s Centers are
likely due to extensive renovations of their buildings in 2014.
Year
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Fig. 63 Annual Visitors to KPB Destinations
Alaska
Kenai Fjords
Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Centers
SeaLife
National
Center
Park
Kenai
Homer Soldotna
Seward
162,985
272,190
N/A
11,215
49,913
19,326
126,092
218,358
N/A
N/A
44,663
N/A
128,462
297,596
N/A
N/A
34,817
N/A
133,087
346,852
N/A
N/A
39,469
16,268
138,940
281,279
41,866
N/A
38,820
14,238
143,892
283,592
38,707
14,000*
43,320
14,467
142,349
270,666
35,354
8,600*
40,071
13,061
Sources: Alaska SeaLife Center, National Park Service, Kenai Chamber of Commerce, Homer Chamber of Commerce,
Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Seward Chamber of Commerce
Sport Fishing, Charters and Fish Guides
Most visitors to the area have heard that Les Anderson of Soldotna brought in the 97 ¼ pound
world-record setting King Salmon from the Kenai River in May 1985. This legend is both the area’s
advantage and challenge.
It is an advantage in that the Kenai’s
industry of sport fishing guides, charters,
and related businesses has become known
to sport fishermen and women in the US
and internationally. It is a challenge in
that recent declines in Kenai River King
Salmon numbers and increasing
regulations and unreliable openings to
protect escapement has been occurring for
several years. Word is slowly getting out to
the sport fishing world. Given that King
Salmon numbers are not increasing, guides
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 58
are talking with clients to help set realistic expectations and avoid disappointments. All of this
makes it difficult for guiding businesses that rely on reservations and extended planning. Another
recent challenge to the sport fishing and charter industry are decreased catch limits for halibut (two
per day per client in 2015, one fish under 30”).
Given all this, impacts on the number traveling to fish in the Kenai region are occurring. Anecdotal
and some Kenai Peninsula Tourism Council research suggests that there are fewer high-end
individuals traveling from afar, fewer business “wine & dine” cliental, fewer coming to stock their
freezers for the year, and so on – numbers are down. The number of water guides has declined from
a high in 2006.
Between 2013 and 2014, there was a 3% decline in taxable sales from Water Guides in the 2nd &
3rd quarters (Figure 42).
Fortunately, with some planning and flexibility, rod and reel guides can change the species they
target or move to another river and still provide successful experiences for guests. But, continued
diversification in tourism marketing is needed, away from fish and towards a focus on the region’s
many other assets, such as its mountains, glaciers, and wildlife that high-end visitors seek.
Taxable Sales for 2nd & 3rd Quarter 2014, and,
Percent Change Compared to 2013
Type of Business
Taxable Sales
% change from 2013
Guided Land
$1,518,116
+4%
Guided Water
$43,388,481
-3%
Car Rental
$1,808,786
-23%
Tour Operators
$1,276,925
Flat
Accommodations
$61,385,578
+1.9%
Restaurants
$47,179,060
+1.6%
Fig. 42
Source: Kenai Peninsula Tourism Council
Kenai River Guides - Resident v. Nonresident
Fig.
Fig.6365
500
450
400
Non resident
Resident
350
Source: USDA NRCS Kenai Field Office
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 59
Kenai River Fisherman (Non-Unique )
Fig. 66
120,000
Source: ADFG Alaska
Sport Fishing Survey
Non-guided
100,000
Guided
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Travel by the Numbers
A portion of those arriving by all modes of transportation are visitors to the Kenai Peninsula who
have come to enjoy the many recreational and tourist attractions. However, there is no way to tell
whether those arriving by air and road are visitors, residents, or business/commercial-travelers, so
transportation numbers include all.
Air Access. Air travel into and out of the Kenai Municipal Airport declined between 2008 and 2009
at the beginning of the recession; however, enplanements have been increasing steadily since then.
By 2011, passenger enplanements had returned to pre-recession levels, and by 2012 the airport
experienced a 10 year high in passenger travel. According to McDowell Group Travel Industry
studies, this is consistent with a statewide trend of increased independent travelers from 2009 to
2011, which offset a decline in the number of cruise ship passengers during that period.
At the same time as enplanements are rising, the number of takeoffs and landings has been
decreasing for nearly twenty years. Over time, carriers at the Kenai Municipal Airport are
serving more people with fewer flights. (Figures 70 and 72).
Number of Enplaenments
120000
100000
50000
80000
40000
60000
30000
40000
20000
2004
Fig. 70
60000
Kenai Municipal Airport
Number of Take-offs and
Landings
The Kenai Municipal Airport is the largest of nine airports in the region. Similar to the Kenai airport,
most experienced a decline in use after 2008, but have been slowly regaining passengers. Pounds of
freight shipped by air are variable and volume appears to be linked to local work and projects
2005
2006
2007
Enplanments
Enplanements
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Take-offs and Landings
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 60
2014
Sources:
FAA and Kenai
Road Access. Annual average daily traffic counts (AADT) are documented annually by the Alaska
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) in several locations on the Kenai
Peninsula. Eight sites (see map) have been monitored by the Situations and Prospects reports for
several years. Each is indicative of traffic to and from a certain area on the peninsula.
Since 2000, traffic in the southern peninsula (spots G and H on the map), at the Placer River Bridge
across Seward Highway (spot D) -which is a good proxy for travel to and from the Peninsula and
Anchorage area, and to Seward (spot E) has generally been flat. At the Soldotna-Sterling Highway at
the junction with Kenai Spur Highway (spot B) traffic has increased steadily for 20 years. This site is
within the City of Soldotna and reflects new development and activity in this area- particularly in
the last 5-6 years (see property, development and taxes section of report). Traffic at the NikiskiKenai Spur Highway declined from 2006 to 2011 then jumped, possibly reflecting the close of
Agrium and reduced oil and gas work, with renewed activity in that sector beginning around 2010.
Annual Average Daily Traffic Counts
Fig. 71
20,000
18,000
B Soldotna Sterling Hwy @
Kenai Spur
16,000
A Kenai - Kenai
Spur Hwy
C Soldotna Sterling Hwy @
Robinson Lp
14,000
12,000
H Homer - Sterling
Hwy
10,000
8,000
D Placer River
Bridge-Seward
Hwy
6,000
F Nikiski - Kenai
Spur Hwy
G Anchor RiverSterling Hwy
4,000
2,000
E Moose PassSeward Hwy
0
Source: ADOT&PF AADT
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 61
Locations of Annual Average Daily Traffic Counts
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 62
Fig. 72
Arriving Passengers,
Freight, Mail, & Containers
Beluga
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Homer
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Kenai
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Nanwalek
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Port Graham
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Seldovia
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Seward
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Barge Freight (20 ft. cont)
Soldotna
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
Tyonek
Air Passengers
Air Freight
Air Mail
TOTALS PASSENGERS
Cook Inlet Region Airports
2008
2009
2010
2011
3,085
1,159,631
11,201
2,765
1,591,876
8,356
2,524
739,776
10,095
42,687
704,343
55,032
37,373
695,093
46,033
87,692
2,391,713
25,339
% change
2008-2013
2012
2013
3,375
1,071,888
9,519
3,266
971,396
9,979
2,289
500,157
5,266
-26%
-57%
-53%
36,825
805,269
35,917
36,070
696,623
32,074
38,086
694,905
20,214
36,179
1,322,397
18,376
-15%
88%
-67%
76,368
1,444,965
25,483
79,544
1,342,783
12,781
90,775
1,401,360
13,480
92,863
1,415,967
9,184
94,478
1,418,710
8,395
8%
-41%
-67%
3,524
252,621
151,475
3,530
318,709
79,265
3,326
389,387
30,610
2,558
343,144
24,711
2,662
300,521
16,549
2,391
239,067
15,941
-32%
-5%
-89%
2,918
360,297
50,529
2,778
399,073
45,466
2,770
430,667
39,415
2,252
335,167
42,819
2,045
344,881
34,989
1,897
301,742
22,386
-35%
-16%
-56%
7,290
286,802
107,031
5,883
261,866
88,760
5,511
297,298
87,963
4,330
198,550
85,117
4,215
136,651
72,892
3,592
113,764
48,609
-51%
-60%
-55%
28
-
5
500
-
9
-
14
3,545
5
4,204
3
-
-89%
55
1,850
-
163
9,169
-
43
-
19
7,432
-
-65%
302%
2,992
448,074
25,840
150,271
3,264
492,259
23,088
132,129
3,534
755,987
14,936
146,719
3,333
1,032,340
16,250
144,181
11%
130%
-37%
150,271
3,162
430,331
17,838
133,671
3,192
579,875
21,227
142,566
Notes: Freight: On-Flight Market Freight(pounds)
Mail: On-Flight Market Mail(pounds)
Passengers: On-Flight Market Passengers
Source: US Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, T-100 Market Data
Source: Barge Freight=Twenty Foot Equivalent Container Units. Foreign empties not included.
Domestic Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 63
Transportation and Warehousing
One of the area’s competitive advantages already mentioned a few times in this report is the
easy access by road to southcentral Alaska, the rest of the US and Canada.
In addition to road access, the area is also accessible by water – at major ports in Seward and
Homer as well as many smaller ports and harbors, by air at nine airfields, and by railroad to
Anchorage.
For this report, Transportation and Warehousing businesses include those registered under this Line
of Business for KPB sales tax purposes, as well as those with NAICS code 48 - Transportation and
Warehousing, registered in state databases. This includes Air Transportation, Water Transportation,
Truck Transportation, Transit and Ground Passenger, Pipelines, Support Activities, Postal Service,
Couriers and Messengers, and Warehousing and Storage. The state ADOLWD QCEW database also
includes those engaged in Scenic and Sightseeing work (NAICS 487000), but for this report
employment and wages from those activities are included with Tourism and Visitors.
Figure 67 shows who works in this sector on the Kenai Peninsula. Looking at the varying data
sources, there are between 150-300 large and small business owners and approximately 800
employed workers in transportation and warehousing businesses. Data sources for this sector show:

144 businesses registered for KPB sales tax purposes (2015)

244 holding Alaska business licenses physically located on the Peninsula (2015)

101 businesses in this sector with 802 employees and $40.4 million in wages in the KPB (2013,
ADOLWD QCEW database)

226 small self-employed small business owner in this sector (2012, Nonemployer Statistics)
In 2009, gross transportation and warehousing sales dropped 60% from $223 million to $86 million.
Since many in the transportation and warehousing sector help transport visitors and freight, this
sector was hit by the 2008-2009 national recession which impacted visitation nationwide and in the
state. This impact was particularly noticeable against the backdrop of 2008, which was a peak year
due in part to high sales by three businesses in the City of Kenai.
Business activity was back up in 2010, but has been on a downward trend again in this sector since
that time.
Wages and employment by contrast have both been steadily increasing. In 2013, 802 employees in
this industry (average monthly) earned $40.4 million in wages, and, an additional 226 self-employed
proprietors earned $13 million (2012).
Further analysis is needed to better understand issues affecting this sector.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 64
Fig 67
Transportation & Warehousing Employment, 2013
Warehousing,
Storage, Transit &
Ground Pass,
Pipeline
Air Transportation
18%
25%
Couriers and
Messengers
4%
Postal Service
1%
Water
Transportation
14%
Support
Activities
21%
Truck
Transportation
17%
Fig 68
Source:
ADOLWD
QCEW
Gross Sales-Transportation and Warehousing, Kenai Peninsula, 2003-2013
$250,000,000
$200,000,000
$150,000,000
$100,000,000
$50,000,000
$0
2003
Fig 69
Average Employment
900
Source:
ADOLWD
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Transportation and Warehousing, Employment & Wages, Kenai Peninsula,
2003-2013
$45
800
$40
700
$35
600
$30
500
$25
400
$20
300
$15
200
$10
100
$5
0
$0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 65
2011
2012
2013
Annual Wages (in $millions)
Source: KPB
Finance Dept.
Construction
The construction sector is ranked 5th highest in terms of total earnings to Peninsula residents in
2013.
Earnings followed a positive trend with a strong uptick in 2012 and 2013; an indication of more
income per worker.
Earnings come from 265 businesses with 1,022 employees whose wages totaled $65 million, and, $28
million from the earnings of 597 small business proprietors in this sector (NAICS code 23). The 2015
Alaska business license records list 466 with a business license in this sector on the peninsula and the
borough’s sales tax records list 699 construction businesses physically located in the region.
Employment numbers are not as strong as wages, as the 10-year trend has been an employment dip
to 2009, followed by three flat years, then a modest gain in 2013.
Gross sales made by the construction industry have been quite variable.
A low in 2010 was due primarily to the completion of work on a major retail outlet in Kenai during
2009. A larger business in Homer also had a sales dip between 2008 and 2010 that added to this
decline. Construction sales shot up in 2011-2012 due to a surge in oilfield service company related
construction activity. Sales dropped by 38% in 2013, which along with a decline in warehousing and
transportation, led to a 6% overall drop in borough-wide in gross sales in 2013.
Construction Industry Employment & Earnings
Kenai Peninsula, 2002-2013
Monthly Average Employment
1400
$70
1200
$60
1000
$50
800
$40
600
$30
400
$20
200
$10
0
Earnings ($Millions)
Fig. 73
$0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Employment
Earnings
Source: ADOLWD, QCEW
Gross Sales - Construction Industry, Kenai Peninsula, 2003-2013
Fig. 74
$Millions
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
Source: KPB
Finance Dept
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 66
2010
2011
2012
2013
8 Housing
Land sales and development in the region is primarily being driven by residential development.

The Kenai region has very competitive housing prices compared to the rest of the state
(see cost of living section of report).

Still, 29% of homeowners (with a mortgage) and 41% of renters are paying more than
30% of their income on housing.

Construction of dwelling units in five Kenai Peninsula cities that the Alaska Housing
Finance Corporation (AHFC) tracks jumped from a six-year low of 59 in 2012 to close to
100 in 2014 through the 3rd quarter. Homer consistently leads the way in construction of
new homes.
The primary sources of housing data are the US Census 3 and 5-year American Community Survey,
AHFC, and ADOLWD. Care must be exercised when comparing data from different sources. The US
Census gives accurate ten-year trends, and shows that in the Kenai Peninsula Borough the number
of dwelling units grew by 5,707 (23%) between 2000 and 2010. During the same period, the
population grew by 11%.
Housing Information - Kenai Peninsula Borough
Number of Housing Units
1990
2000
2010
2013
Total Housing Units
19,364
24,871
30,578
30,593
Occupied housing units
14,250
18,438
22,161
21,418
Vacant housing units
5,114
6,433
8,417
9,175
of vacant, how many seasonal or recreational use
4,560
6,083
Fig. 75
(18% of all
housing)
Cost of Housing and Rent
Median value of owner-occupied units
Median monthly rent (for renters)
Households spending more than 30% of income on
housing
For homeowners with mortgage
For homeowners without mortgage
For renters
2013 Number
$206,800
$935
(20% of all
housing)
2013 Percent
-
2,600
796
2,229
29%
13%
41%
Sources: 1990, 2000, 2010-US Census, For 2013: 2011-2013 American Community Survey
The AHFC and ADOLWD track building permits, residential development and loans for five cities
on the Kenai Peninsula: Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, Seldovia, and Seward. In these cities, home
construction peaked in 2006, with 153 new dwelling units built, and declined to a low of 59 in 2012
(Figure 76). The drop during this period likely parallels Cook Inlet oil and gas activity as well as the
national 08-09 recession which impacted tourism visitation throughout the state. In 2013, home
construction picked up, again probably coincident with oil and gas activity as well as the recovering
tourism industry.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 67
source: K Wiebold, ADOLWD -ADOLWD/AHFC data
Fig. 76 Five Kenai Area Cities - Number of Dwelling Units Constructed,
2003-2014(3Q)
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Soldotna
8
25
23
28
28
24
20
29
10
14
16
24
Seward
42
17
12
10
2
6
2
2
0
3
4
3
Seldovia
2
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
Kenai
24
19
25
45
30
24
11
20
29
22
33
28
Homer
45
54
76
70
60
37
38
27
31
19
41
42
AHFC/ADOLWD uses data on new construction and from a lenders survey to track the average and
total price of loans and housing. The data on Figure 77 is for all homes, both older and new. The
average price of single family homes has been steadily rising over the last 11 years. Like many other
parts of Alaska, the Kenai region was not affected by the national real estate bust that saw prices
plunge after a 2006 peak in the Lower 48. The average price of multi-family housing is widely
varying. This likely has to do with the age and condition the units being sold.
Average Home Prices, Kenai Peninsula Borough 2003-2014 (3Qtrs)
source: K. Weibold, ADOLWD/AHFC
$600,000
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
$0
2003
Fig. 77
2004
2005
2006
Single Family
2007
2008
2009
2010
Multi-Family
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 68
2011
2012
Condo
2013
3Qtrs
2014
2014 Alaska Housing Assessment Data
The AHFC published a 2014 Alaska Housing Assessment. It is based on information from the 20072011 ACS data, 2010 US Census data, the 2009 Residential Energy Consumption statistics program,
and more. This report consolidates data and provides a systematic comparison across the state.
However, this information is now a bit dated.
According to the Alaska Housing Assessment, 4% of the housing on the Kenai Peninsula is
considered overcrowded or severely overcrowded, which is under the Alaska average of about 6%.
The least overcrowded community in the borough is Ninilchik, where an estimated zero households
are overcrowded; the highest overcrowding rate is found in Nanwalek, at 43%. A dwelling is
considered to be overcrowded if there is more than one person per room and severely overcrowded
if there are more than 1.5 persons per room.
A common evaluation of affordability is amount of income spent on housing. Households that
spend more than 30% percent of their income on housing are considered cost-burdened. According
to the 2014 AHFC Housing Assessment, 31% of housing units in Alaska are cost-burdened, and on
the Kenai Peninsula, the 2011-2013 ACS survey found that 41% of renters are paying more than 30%
for their income as are 29% of homeowners with a mortgage (Figure 13).
Energy use in Alaskan homes is significantly higher than in the rest of the United States. Energy
usage is a combination of heating fuel and electricity costs, and is significantly affected by the
energy efficiency of the home’s construction and whether or not weatherization measures have been
put into place (if an older home).
Percent of Total Residential Space Heating Energy by Fuel Type,
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Fig. 78
Propane, 3%
Electricity, 3%
Wood
11%
Source for chart and
table: 2014 Alaska
Housing Assessment
-Kenai Peninsula
Borough, from a
"mix" of 2009-2012
sources
Fuel Oil
27%
Natural Gas
56%
Residential Space Heating Energy, Kenai Peninsula Borough
Fuel Type
Estimated Total Annual Use
Natural Gas
21,554,824 ccf
Fuel Oil
7,947,985 gallons
Wood
22,620 cords
Propane
1,185,380 gallons
Electricity
30,611,605 kWh
Fig. 79
Source: AHFC 2014 Alaska Housing Assessment, Kenai Peninsula Borough
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 69
Based on the 2009-2012 data used in the 2014 Alaska Housing Assessment, the average annual
energy cost for homes in the Kenai Peninsula Borough is $4,510, 60% higher than the cost in
Anchorage ($2,786) and twice as high than the national average ($2,129), but low compared to many
more rural places in the state. According to this AHFC study, there is wide variability on the
Peninsula, with the lowest average annual energy costs found in Tyonek, where residents pay $2,600
each year, and the highest average annual energy costs in Seldovia where residents pay $7,300
annually.11
9 Cost of Living
One of the most personal and complex measures of economic vitality in a region is the average cost
of living for a household. Various sources of data are available to help determine the typical cost to
live in the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB).
Based on the similarities in cost of living between Anchorage and the KPB revealed by the
McDowell Group’s 2009 Cost Differential Study, the Anchorage CPI can serve as a rough proxy for
the Kenai region12. The McDowell Group study found that borough-wide, prices for housing, food,
transportation, clothing and medical services in the KPB were 1% higher than in Anchorage. This 1%
differential between the KPB and Anchorage matched results from a previous Geographic
Differential Survey conducted in 1985, suggesting that the KPB cost of living has tracked Anchorage
over time. The KPB connection to the road system and proximity to Anchorage likely creates this
close relationship.
While the McDowell Group report did not provide a local level cost of living breakdown for most
communities in the KPB, it did include a community-specific analysis for Homer. Homer’s distance
from Anchorage did not influence the overall cost of living - it had the same cost of living as the
Peninsula as a whole, just 1% higher than Anchorage.
Household Costs
There are other cost of living surveys that compare community level prices for certain goods and
utilities on an annual or quarterly basis. The University of Alaska Fairbanks conducts quarterly
surveys of the cost of food and other utilities for Alaskan cities, including Homer, Kenai, Seward,
and Anchorage. The price of gasoline and heating oil is collected quarterly in Seldovia as part of the
Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development’s Fuel Price Survey. As evidenced by
these data (Figures 80, 81) prices do range throughout the Peninsula.
11
2014 Alaska State Housing Assessment, Kenai Peninsula Borough, page VI, http://www.ahfc.us/efficiency/research-informationcenter/housing-assessment
12
Alaska Geographic Differential Study, McDowell Group,
2009
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 70
Fig. 80
Household
Expenses
Anchorage
Mat-Su
Homer
Kenai (city)
Seward
Seldovia
Week of food
for a family
of four 1
$180.04
$179.66
$217.31
$199.93
-
Electricity
($/ kWh) 2
0.15463
0.15621
0.24163
0.23825
0.22334
Heating
Oil
($/gal) 3
$3.98
$4.54
$4.66
$4.77
$4.80
$5.12
Gasolin
e ($/gal)
4
$3.85
$3.85
$4.28
$4.41
$4.34
$5.13
Lumber
2x4x8' 5
$2.69
$2.97
-
Propane
($/gal) 1
$3.73
$4.12
$4.15
$3.38
-
Dates/sources:
1 3rd Qtr 2014 UAF Food Cost Survey
2 same source as 1, but 1st Qtr 2014 data.
3,4 same source as 1, but 2nd Qtr 2014 data, Quarterly Utility Observations. Except Seldovia, which is- DCRA Fuel Price
Survey
5 ADOLWD 2014 Construction Cost Survey
Of ten boroughs AHFC surveyed in the 4th quarter of 2014, the only place with lower average
rent than KPB was Wrangell.
Similarly, in a survey of the average selling prices for single-family homes (based on loan
volumes), of eight Alaskan boroughs, KPB was 3rd lowest and the average price of $246, 743
was $55,600 below the statewide average.
Fig. 81
Housing Costs
Anchorage
Kenai Peninsula
Borough
Mat Su
Statewide
Anchorage
Mat-Su
Homer (city)
Kenai (city)
Seward (city)
Seldovia City
Average
rent, all
units
$1,135
$831
$1,022
-
Vacancy
rate
Avg. sales
price-single
family home 1
4th Quarter 2014
3.20%
$356,092
6.70%
$246,743
5.30%
-
Sources: 1 AHFC Alaska Housing Market Indicators, Q4 2014,
2013)
$256,162
$302,378
2
Median
Home
Price 2
Average
rent per
renter 2
2009-2013 ACS
$282,800
$176,700
$262,400
$184,800
$176,300
$225,000
$1,142
$904
$892
$885
$724
$448
ACS 5 year housing characteristics (2009-
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 71
Cost of Residential Building Materials
Statewide, the cost of a “market basket” of residential building supplies increased 4% in both 2013
and 2014. Between 2013 and 2014 rates varied quite a bit; from a 17% increase in Kodiak to a 1%
drop in Anchorage and Ketchikan. In the City of Kenai, the cost of building supplies increased 1%
between 2013 and 2014 (ADOLWD, 2014 Annual Construction Cost Survey).
In 2014, transportation on costs increased in all areas. The City of Kenai led though, with an
increased cost of shipping the building materials of 18% whereas Juneau only saw a 4% increase.
Sample (market basket) Residential
Construction Costs, 2014, City of Kenai
2012
2013
2014
Average cost of Building Market Basket
Kenai
$24,586 $27,360 $27,443
Anchorage
$21,524 $23,854 $23,848
Wasilla
$25,151 $23,862 $25,097
Average cost of Shipping from Seattle
Kenai
$11,137 $11,137
Anchorage
$8,245
$8,245
Wasilla
$9,673
$9,673
Alaska Suppliers Comparison Index, 2014, without concrete, rebar,
doors or windows (Anchorage is Baseline)
Anchorage
100
$100
100
Fairbanks
104
$108
112
Juneau
101
$110
117
Kenai
114
$115
115
Ketchikan
115
$117
117
Kodiak
120
$114
134
Sitka
113
$115
104
Wasilla
117
$100
105
Barrow
249
$214
226
Bethel
191
$161
166
Nome
195
$176
188
Fig. 82
Source: ADOLWD 2014 Construction Cost Survey
More than 600 Kenai Peninsula Borough School
District students participated in a construction
and welding class during the 2011-2012 school
year through the Alaska Construction Academies
offered at KPBSD high schools.
Of those 600, at least 150 students completed the
first module of the National Center for
Construction Education and Research.
Photo & story from KPBSD website.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 72
10 Education and Civic Engagement
Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) School District
The number of students enrolled in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has been
decreasing steadily for the last ten years. Preschool (PK) to 12th grade enrollment declined 437
students between 2005 and 2010. The district lost an additional 218 students between the 2010 and
2015 school years (Figure 83).
However, the state projects the number of school aged children on the Peninsula will begin
increasing around 2020.
State projections, based on historical in/ out migration and birth /death rates, call for 13,000 youth
aged 5 to 19 in the Kenai Peninsula in 2042. For comparison, there are 9,150 PK to 12th grade students
enrolled in Kenai Peninsula schools in 2015.
Fig. 83
KPB School District Enrollment by School and Community (Pre K-12
School
Community
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Chapman School
Tustumena Elementary
Cooper Landing School
Kachemak Selo School
Razdolna School
Voznesenka School
McNeil Canyon Elementary
Fireweed Academy
Homer Flex School
Homer High School
Homer Middle School
Paul Banks Elementary
West Homer Elementary
Hope School
River City Academy
Skyview Middle/High School
Aurora Borealis Chter School
Kaleidoscope Sch. Arts & Sciences
Kenai Alternative High School
Kenai Central High School
Anchor Point
Anchor Point Total
Cohoe
Cohoe Total
Cooper Landing
Cooper Landing Total
Fox River
Fox River
Fox River
Fox River Total
Fritz Creek
Fritz Creek Total
Homer
Homer
Homer
Homer
Homer
Homer
Homer Total
Hope
Hope Total
Kalifornsky
Kalifornsky
Kalifornsky Total
Kenai
Kenai
Kenai
Kenai
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 73
2005
2010
2015
9805
131
131
167
167
12
12
91
37
133
261
123
123
34
43
500
248
236
253
1314
14
14
546
546
178
88
49
530
9368
104
104
153
153
7
7
91
38
107
236
137
137
74
37
422
215
233
237
1218
15
15
56
403
459
182
248
82
539
9150
113
113
181
181
19
19
57
83
117
257
120
120
103
31
407
199
212
228
1180
22
22
88
395
483
188
253
77
511
change
10-15
-218
9
9
28
12
21
-17
-38
7
24
School
Community
Kenai Middle School
Kenai Peninsula Youth Facility
Marathon School
Mt. View Elementary
Sears Elementary
Moose Pass School
Nanwalek School
Nikiski Middle/High School
Nikiski North Star Elementary
Nikolaevsk School
Ninilchik School
Port Graham School
Susan B English School
Seward Elementary
Seward High School
Seward Middle School
Spring Creek School
Connections
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary
Redoubt Elementary
Soldotna Elementary School
Soldotna High School
Soldotna Middle School
Soldotna Montessori Charter School
Soldotna Prep School
Sterling Elementary
Tebughna School
Kenai
Kenai
Kenai
Kenai
Kenai
Kenai Total
Moose Pass
Moose Pass Total
Nanwalek
Nanwalek Total
Nikiski
Nikiski
Nikiski Total
Nikolaevsk
Nikolaevsk Total
Ninilchik
Ninilchik Total
Port Graham
Port Graham Total
Seldovia
Seldovia Total
Seward
Seward
Seward
Seward
Seward Total
Soldotna
Soldotna
Soldotna
Soldotna
Soldotna
Soldotna
Soldotna
Soldotna
Soldotna Total
Sterling
Sterling Total
Tyonek
Tyonek Total
2005
2010
2015
369
2
323
255
1794
37
37
63
63
433
393
826
73
73
201
201
30
30
66
66
317
261
210
44
832
716
446
414
299
541
556
100
3072
201
201
42
42
361
4
438
1854
18
18
69
69
372
415
787
74
74
170
170
15
15
47
47
284
183
92
20
579
1006
438
379
277
568
430
159
3257
139
139
30
30
383
10
453
1875
14
14
78
78
413
370
783
64
64
164
164
27
27
41
41
300
186
125
611
734
390
424
320
605
155
208
2836
251
251
31
31
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Student Enrollments
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 74
change
10-15
21
-4
9
-4
-10
-6
12
-6
32
-421
112
1
Many student performance indicators are improving. The dropout rate in the 2013/2014 school year
was down to 2.8%, from a ten year high of 4.5% in 2009/2010. Among the 2014 high school senior
cohort, the graduation rate was 81.4%, the district’s highest in ten years (Figure 84). Graduation rate
refers to the number of students who earned a high school diploma within four years of starting
high school.
Graduation and Attendance Rates
85%
83%
81%
79%
77%
75%
73%
71%
69%
67%
65%
20.0%
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
10.0%
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Sources: ADEED: State AY District Reports;
Alaska State Report Card to the Public
Graduation Rate*
Drop Out Rate
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
a comparison of graduation and drop-out rates
Fig.84
Dropout Rate
In 2014, 193 seniors were eligible for the academically rigorous Alaska Performance Scholarship,
compared to 167 the year before.
On SATs and ACTs Kenai Peninsula School district students consistently beat statewide averages,
but Kenai School District scores have been dropping for several years in a row (Figure 85).
Fig. 85
Year
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
SAT and ACT Test Scores
Average ACT Scores
Mean SAT Scores
KPB
Statewide
KPB
Statewide
Schools
Schools
Schools
Schools
24.0
21.2
1572
1533
23.7
21.0
1570
1528
23.1
21.1
1544
1509
23.1
21.2
1562
1513
22.3
21.2
1516
1504
22.5
21.1
1493
1495
21.7
21.0
1496
1485
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Student Assessment Results
On standards based testing (SBA), more Kenai Peninsula School District 5th and 9th grade students
score Advanced or Proficient than students in Anchorage or the statewide average, and scored
higher than Mat-Su students in most cases.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 75
Fig. 86
Reading
Writing
Math
Adv/ Below Adv/ Below Adv/ Below
Prof Prof
Prof Prof
Prof Prof
percent
89.65 10.35 86.43 13.57 81.10 18.90
85.49 14.51 82.78 17.22 74.94 25.06
87.29 12.71 82.19 17.81 76.22 23.78
81.10 18.90 76.80 23.20 70.50 29.50
percent
88.62 11.38 82.46 17.54 69.57 30.43
82.54 17.46 75.09 24.91 62.13 37.87
89.55 10.45 81.32 18.68 72.61 27.39
81.10 18.90 72.90 27.10 61.50 38.50
SPRING 2014 - Standards Based
Assessment (SBA)
GRADE 5
Kenai Peninsula School District
Anchorage School District
Mat Su School District
Statewide Average
GRADE 9
Kenai Peninsula School District
Anchorage School District
Mat Su School District
Statewide Average
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development - Assessment, Accountability and Student Information
Postsecondary Schools
Two postsecondary schools offer degree programs and vocational training on the Kenai Peninsula.
The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), located in Kenai, offers short term programs of
less than six weeks, and long-term training programs of 6 weeks or more. Training programs
include the Alaska Culinary Academy, the Alaska Maritime Training Center, and courses in
information technology, nursing, applied technology and power plant operations. While enrollment
has remained steady at around 350 students per year in longer term programs, AVTEC has
experienced significant growth over the last three years in the number of students enrolled in short
term programs.
In the fall semester of 2014, 2,886 students enrolled in courses at Kenai Peninsula College (KPC), a
branch of the University of Alaska Anchorage. KPC’s main Kenai River Campus in Soldotna has
over 2,000 students each semester, and is augmented by satellite campuses in Seward, Homer and
Anchorage. The school operates three flagship programs that provide workforce development to the
oil and gas industry. In the spring of 2015, the Process Technology enrolled 225 students; the
Industrial Process Implementation program had 50 students; and Occupational Safety and Health
enrolled 90. KPC’s introduction of live video streaming for all classes has extended the reach of the
program to students working on the North Slope and offshore.
AVTEC and Kenai Peninsula College, Number of Enrolled Students (FT & PT)
Fig. 87
5000
4000
3000
2000
2,230
2,438
3,001
2,905
2,744
2886
1,858
1,944
966
1009
1118
1387
1309
976
1121
1280
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1000
0
Sources: AVTEC, KPC
AVTEC Students
KPC Students, all campuses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 76
Educational Attainment and Civic Engagement
Among adults aged 25 and older in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, 93% have a high school diploma
or greater compared to 92% statewide. The number of college graduates in the Kenai Peninsula at
24% is slightly lower than the state’s average of 28%.
Educational Attainment, Adults Age 25+
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Less than 9th
grade
Fig. 88
9th-12th
grade, no
diploma
High school Some college,
grad (or GED) no degree
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Associates
degree
Bachelor's
degree
Alaska
Grad. or
professional
degree
Source: ACS 2009-2013
In addition to educational attainment, measures such as voter participation and library circulation
rates, can convey information about a population’s literacy and engagement. The voter participation
rate for the Kenai Peninsula area tracks consistently with statewide participation in national general
elections, leading by one to two percentage points. Turnout is routinely higher in presidential
election cycles. Kenai Peninsula Borough general elections draw a lower, fluctuating turnout, from a
ten-year low of 13% to a high of 29%.
Library circulation rates per capita have also fluctuated over a ten-year period. The most recent data
available, from fiscal year 2012, shows that library circulation on the Peninsula is particularly high in
smaller communities, and well above statewide rates.
Fig. 89
Kenai Peninsula Public Library Annual Circulation of Library Materials, Per Capita
Anchor Point Public Library
Cooper Landing Community Library
Homer Public Library
Hope/Sunrise Community Library
Kasilof Public Library
Kenai Community Library
Moose Pass Public Library
Ninilchik Community Library
Seldovia Public Library
Seward Community Library
Soldotna
Total, all Alaska Libraries
FY02
5.6
7.9
20.4
5.9
15.7
12.8
7.4
25.3
5.4
21.1
20.7
5.8
FY08
7.9
8.2
18.3
0.0
9.7
16.2
36.2
19.8
19.6
25.6
25.3
6.3
Libraries in italics report data by calendar year, rather than by fiscal year.
Source: Alaska State Library, Alaska Public Library Statistics
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 77
FY12
8.3
10.9
20.7
10.7
8.8
17.2
30.3
12.6
23.2
21.6
19.4
7.1
11 Agriculture
As reported by the five year US Agricultural Census, the number of farms in the Kenai Peninsula
has been increasing for the last ten years, though the total acreage under cultivation has fallen. A
farm is defined as any place where $1000 of agricultural products is produced and sold.
From 2002 to 2012, the number of farms in the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) grew by 65%,
from 98 to 162 farm operations. This far exceeded statewide growth in the number of farms
during that same period.
Many of the farms started over the last 10 years are small operations, leading to a change in the
average Kenai Peninsula farm size from 370 acres in 2002 to under 200 acres in 2012.
Mean Farm Size, Alaska and Kenai Peninsula (acres)
KPB
2000
AK
acres
1500
1000
500
0
1997
Fig. 91
Year
1997
2002
2007
2012
2002
Farms on Kenai Peninsula
Number of
Acreage in
Farms
Farms
89
56,474
98
36,269
124
29,140
162
38,289
2007
2012
source: USDA Agricultural Census
Fig. 90
The regional growth in the agriculture industry is also
reflected in the number of high tunnels constructed on
the Kenai Peninsula. The USDA Seasonal High Tunnel
Initiative for Crops, which provides grant funding for
high tunnel construction to extend farmers’ growing
season, has paid for the construction of 252 high tunnels
on the Kenai Peninsula between 2010 and 2014.
Source: USDA Agricultural Census
Kenai Farmers Market, Picture from Local Food Facebook Page
These increases in cultivation
do not translate to immediate
economic growth. According
to data gathered annually by
the Bureau of Economic
Analysis, 2013 was the first
year since 2005 that farm
proprietors in the Borough had
net positive income. This is
likely due to the high number
of new farm operations in the
region. Farms have high
startup costs, and often require
a multi-year period to see
return on investment and
reach full production levels.
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 78
12 City Profiles
City of Homer (Figures 92-94)
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, unless noted otherwise
POPULATION
2014 Population 1
# PFDs 2013 2 (in zip code 99603)
School Enrollment, all schools in City of Homer (Oct 1, 2014) 3
HOUSING
Total housing units
Occupied housing units
Vacant housing units
Median value of owner-occupied units
Median monthly rent (for renters)
Households spending more than 30% of income on housing
For homeowners with a mortgage
For homeowners without a mortgage
For renters
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Population 16 years and over
In civilian labor force
Unemployed
Working
Private wage and salary workers
Government workers
Self-employed in own not-incorporated biz. workers
Unpaid family workers
In Armed Forces
Not in labor force
INCOME AND BENEFITS (in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Total households
Median household income
Mean household income
Households with…
Earnings
Social Security
Retirement income
Supplemental Security Income
Cash public assistance income
Food Stamp/SNAP benefits in the past 12 months
Total Families
Median family income
Mean family income
Per capita income
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 79
5,099
9,720
1,180
2013
Percent
2,747
2,207
80.3%
540
19.7%
$262,400
$892
ME
ME
ME
4,082
2,528
175
2,353
1,557
407
381
8
37
1,517
2,207
$53,750
$72,703
1,763
621
399
92
189
215
1,246
$74,583
$91,596
$32,046
61.9%
4.3%
57.6%
66.2%
17.3%
16.2%
0.3%
0.9%
37.2%
79.9%
28.1%
18.1%
4.2%
8.6%
9.7%
-
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Civilian noninstitutionalized population
With health insurance coverage
Without health insurance coverage
BELOW FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL
All families
Families with female householder, no husband present
All people
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Population 25 years and over
Less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or professional degree
5,085
3,865
1,220
76.0%
24.0%
-
6.6%
10.2%
3,555
-
0.6%
3.8%
21.9%
32.2%
9.1%
20.6%
11.8%
ME - Margin of error exceeds 6%, not reported
1 ADOLWD
2 Reported by zip code, ADOR
3 # Students enrolled in schools within city boundary, ADEED
Sales Tax
Year
2014
2009
2004
Rate
4.5%
4.5%
3.5%
Revenue
$7,399,059
$7,600,739
$4,353,146
CITY OF HOMER TAXES
Property Tax
O&G
Mill Rate
Revenue
Revenue
11.3
$3,220,859
$181,087
11.3
$2,980,980
$0
13.35
$1,742,434
$0
Source: DCCED Alaska Taxable Data Base
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 80
Total
$3,401,946
$2,980,980
$1,742,434
GROSS BUSINESS SALES IN CITY OF HOMER (in 1000s)
Business Type
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Admin, Waste Mgmt
$17,430
$17,534
$21,554
$29,332
$15,950
$15,874
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
$209
$161
$221
$124
$109
$121
Arts & Entertainment
$1,238
$1,206
$1,167
$1,182
$1,151
$1,424
Construction Contracting
$39,968
$34,242
$27,237
$20,125
$37,856
$39,628
Educational Svs
$274
$302
$288
$272
$274
$313
Finance & Insurance
$99
$107
$113
$167
$74
$65
Guiding Land
$446
$124
$142
$123
$79
$60
Guiding Water
$11,353
$10,686
$10,676
$9,982
$9,252
$11,858
Health Care, Social Asst
$5,376
$5,509
$4,785
$4,276
$3,220
$2,738
Hotel/Motel/B&B
$14,419
$13,875
$13,481
$12,430
$11,652
$14,254
Information
$6,735
$6,917
$7,390
$7,432
$7,733
$8,567
Mgmt of Companies
$0
*
$0
$0
$0
$0
Manufacturing
$7,660
$9,237
$7,798
$7,231
$6,693
$7,722
Mining/Quarrying
*
*
$0
*
*
*
Prof, Scientific & Technical Svs
$10,097
$8,084
$6,341
$6,630
$7,438
$7,174
Public Admin
$5,265
$5,078
$4,639
$4,458
$4,677
$4,250
Remediation Svs
$516
$420
*
$0
*
$0
Rental Commercial Prop
$935
$942
$1,054
$982
$713
$445
Rental Non-Residential Prop
$1,181
$900
$828
$1,034
$683
$949
Rental Self-storage &
$2,659
$2,451
$2,159
$2,009
$1,856
$1,799
Miniwarehouses
Rental Personal Prop
$875
$907
$976
$891
$883
$737
Rental Residential Prop
$11,619
$11,321
$10,467
$9,853
$9,880
$13,167
Restaurant/Bar
$17,229
$16,012
$16,120
$14,999
$13,750
$13,867
Retail Trade
$162,593 $167,112 $163,337 $141,845 $133,461 $148,018
Services
$24,813
$20,595
$16,726
$15,721
$12,078
$12,010
Telecommunications
$1,677
$1,707
$2,136
$2,320
$2,106
$834
Timbering
*
*
*
*
*
*
Trailer Court
*
*
*
*
*
*
Transportation, Warehousing
$15,988
$28,624
$24,657
$21,419
$17,591
$20,513
Utilities
$49,358
$48,569
$41,979
$26,477
$51,087
$45,867
Wholesale Trade
$25,956
$18,366
$18,995
$17,107
$12,904
$11,287
GRAND TOTAL
$436,004 $431,017 $405,367 $358,435 $364,189 $383,561
Annual % change
1.2%
6.3%
13.1%
-1.6%
-5.1%
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept *confidential
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 81
City of Kenai (Figures 95-97)
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, unless noted otherwise
POPULATION
2014 Population 1
# PFDs 2013 2 (in zip code 99611)
School Enrollment, all schools in City of Kenai (Oct 1, 2014) 3
HOUSING
Total housing units
Occupied housing units
Vacant housing units
Median value of owner-occupied units
Median monthly rent (for renters)
Households spending more than 30% of income on housing
For homeowners with a mortgage
For homeowners without a mortgage
For renters
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Population 16 years and over
In civilian labor force
Unemployed
Working
Private wage and salary workers
Government workers
Self-employed in own not-incorporated biz. workers
Unpaid family workers
In Armed Forces
Not in labor force
INCOME AND BENEFITS (in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Total households
Median household income
Mean household income
Households with…
Earnings
Social Security
Retirement income
Supplemental Security Income
Cash public assistance income
Food Stamp/SNAP benefits in the past 12 months
Total Families
Median family income
Mean family income
Per capita income
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Civilian noninstitutionalized population
With health insurance coverage
Without health insurance coverage
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 82
7,167
12,706
1,875
2013
Percent
3,108
2,820
90.7%
288
9.3%
$184,800
$885
328
52
390
30.5%
9.4%
35.9%
5,608
3,915
437
3,478
2,664
561
253
0
0
1,693
69.8%
7.8%
62.0%
76.6%
16.1%
7.3%
0.0%
0.0%
30.2%
2,820
$63,019
$78,137
-
2,390
634
511
184
165
271
1,870
$76,815
$89,140
$31,710
84.8%
22.5%
18.1%
6.5%
5.9%
9.6%
-
7,230
5,417
1,813
74.9%
25.1%
BELOW FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL
All families
Families with female householder, no husband present
All people
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Population 25 years and over
Less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or professional degree
ME
-
3.7%
9.4%
4,662
-
1.8%
5.1%
35.6%
27.4%
7.9%
12.8%
9.4%
ME - Margin of error exceeds 6%, not reported
1 ADOLWD
2 PFDs reported by zip code, ADOR
3 # Students enrolled in schools within city boundary, ADEED
Year
2014
2009
2004
Sales Tax
Rate
Revenue
3%
$6,623,650
3%
$5,372,499
3%
$3,680,000
CITY OF KENAI TAXES
Property Tax
Mill Rate
Revenue
O&G
8.86
$3,204,551
$191,845
9.0
$2,550,238
$90,104
12.10
$1,950,156
$26,130
Total
$3,396,396
$2,640,342
$1,976,286
Source: DCCED Alaska Taxable Data Base
Kenai Mayor Pat Porter welcomes audience at 2015 KPEDD Industry Outlook Forum
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 83
GROSS BUSINESS SALES IN CITY OF KENAI (in 1000s)
Business Type
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Admin, Waste Mgmt
$3,615
$3,090
$3,024
$2,781
$3,193
$2,860
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
$463
$359
$319
$309
$347
$408
Arts & Entertainment
$604
$738
$750
$1,220
$999
$855
Construction Contracting
$61,791
$51,662
$31,488
$31,366
$54,256
$55,126
Educational Svs
$643
$362
$310
$251
$218
$637
Finance & Insurance
$572
$584
$659
$604
$461
$453
Guiding Land
*
*
*
*
*
*
Guiding Water
$361
$719
$513
$692
$543
$1,011
Health Care, Social Asst
$326
$375
$624
$1,139
$1,268
$1,866
Hotel/Motel/B&B
$9,759
$9,659
$7,798
$7,178
$6,862
$7,888
Information
$10,656
$10,750
$10,894
$11,027
$10,963
$12,171
Mgmt of Companies
$0
*
$0
$0
$0
$0
Manufacturing
$25,157
$22,286
$39,115
$18,833
$21,576
$38,343
Mining/Quarrying
$4,519
$5,001
$9,770
$9,973
$14,712
$60,106
Prof, Scientific & Technical Svs
$12,552
$14,704
$11,419
$11,872
$12,037
$12,329
Public Admin
$5,158
$4,749
$4,408
$3,939
$3,881
$4,101
Remediation Svs
*
*
*
*
*
*
Rental Commercial Prop
$618
$611
$833
$634
$465
$450
Rental Non-Residential Prop
$4,260
$4,884
$3,961
$3,480
$3,610
$4,114
Rental Self-storage &
*
*
*
*
*
*
Miniwarehouses
Rental Personal Prop
$455
$845
$871
$1,017
$1,153
$982
Rental Residential Prop
$12,170
$12,220
$11,368
$11,302
$12,238
$12,787
Restaurant/Bar
$14,362
$14,287
$14,234
$13,654
$12,955
$13,140
Retail Trade
$269,715 $276,010 $267,720 $212,351 $169,876 $166,509
Services
$7,901
$8,119
$7,334
$6,340
$5,197
$5,532
Telecommunications
$1,685
$1,780
$1,807
$1,936
$2,078
$963
Transportation, Warehousing
$12,720
$17,042
$15,127
$19,103
$15,922 $151,469
Utilities
$46,216
$34,499
$18,489
$16,299
$19,014
$15,431
Wholesale Trade
$78,681
$76,385
$53,846
$23,925
$21,916
$40,373
GRAND TOTAL
$584,960 $571,720 $516,682 $411,223 $395,741 $609,904
Annual % change
2.3%
10.7%
25.6%
3.9%
-35.1%
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept
*confidential
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 84
City of Seldovia (Figures 98-99)
A demographic profile is not presented for the City of Seldovia because the population is small
enough that the 2009-2013 American Community Survey margin of error is high and renders the
data unreliable.
GROSS BUSINESS SALES IN CITY OF SELDOVIA (in 1000s)
Business Type
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Admin, Waste Mgmt
$0
*
*
*
*
*
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
$0
$0
*
$0
*
*
Arts & Entertainment
$31
$58
$49
$34
$19
$727
Construction Contracting
$990
$870
$1,314 $3,497 $989,702 $989,702
Educational Svs
$0
*
*
*
*
*
Finance & Insurance
$0
$0
*
*
$20
$33
Guiding Land
$0
$0
$0
*
$206
$226
Guiding Water
$253
$273
$237
$197
$3
$0
Health Care, Social Asst
$0
$0
$54
*
$249
$819
Hotel/Motel/B&B
$163
$193
$180
$194
$358
$338
Information
$398
$427
$389
$356
$1
$33
Manufacturing
*
*
*
*
$0
*
Prof, Scientific & Technical Svs
$343
$325
$146
$172
$69
$94
Public Admin
*
*
*
*
*
*
Rental Commercial Prop
*
*
*
*
*
*
Rental Non-Residential Prop
$0
$0
*
*
*
*
Rental Self-storage &
$0
$0
$0
$0
*
*
Miniwarehouses
Rental Personal Prop
*
*
*
*
*
*
Rental Residential Prop
$54
$52
$69
$93
$43
$98
Restaurant/Bar
$638
$735
$836
$795
$655
$828
Retail Trade
$798
$645
$778
$905
$852
$1,156
Services
$31
$37
$166
$129
$91
$140
Telecommunications
*
*
*
*
*
*
Transportation, Warehousing
*
*
*
*
*
*
Utilities
*
*
*
*
*
*
Wholesale Trade
*
*
*
*
*
*
GRAND TOTAL
$3,699
$3,614
$4,217 $6,373 $4,170
$5,499
Annual % change
2.3%
-14.3% -33.8% 52.8% -24.2%
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept
Year
2014
2009
2004
*confidential
CITY OF SELDOVIA TAXES
Sales Tax
Property Tax
Rate
Revenue
Mill Rate
Revenue
O&G
2.5%/4.5%
$128,487
9.85
$213,696
$0
2.5%/4.5%
$76,970
9.10
$126,554
$0
2.5%/6.5%
$107,299
13.85
$146,451
$0
Source: DCCED Alaska Taxable Data Base
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 85
Total
$213,696
$126,554
$146,451
Top: Seldovia Bay, photo from Alaska Primary Care Assn website
Bottom:: photo from Seldovia Bay ferry website
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 86
City of Seward (Figures 100-102)
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, unless noted otherwise
POPULATION
2014 Population 1
# PFDs 2013 2 (in zip code 99664)
School Enrollment, all schools in City of Seward (Oct 1, 2014 )3
HOUSING
Total housing units
Occupied housing units
Vacant housing units
Median value of owner-occupied units
Median monthly rent (for renters)
Households spending more than 30% of income on housing
For homeowners with a mortgage
For homeowners without a mortgage
For renters
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Population 16 years and over
In civilian labor force
Unemployed
Working
Private wage and salary workers
Government workers
Self-employed in own not-incorporated biz. workers
Unpaid family workers
In Armed Forces
Not in labor force
INCOME AND BENEFITS (in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Total households
Median household income
Mean household income
Households with…
Earnings
Social Security
Retirement income
Supplemental Security Income
Cash public assistance income
Food Stamp/SNAP benefits in the past 12 months
Total Families
Median family income
Mean family income
Per capita income
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Civilian noninstitutionalized population
With health insurance coverage
Without health insurance coverage
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 87
2,768
3,923
611
2013
Percent
1,210
ME
ME
$176,300
$724
ME
ME
ME
-
2,386
ME
91
ME
ME
ME
87
9
7
ME
7.7%
0.8%
-
975
$46,971
$72,889
ME
ME
ME
ME
28
ME
ME
530
$75,114
$99,462
$28,902
2.9%
-
2,325
ME
ME
-
BELOW FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL
All families
Families with female householder, no husband present
All people
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Population 25 years and over
Less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or professional degree
ME
-
2.8%
4.2%
2,160
ME
ME
ME
ME
3.1%
5.5%
3.0%
-
ME - Margin of error exceeds 6%, not reported
1 ADOLWD
2 PFDs reported by zip code, ADOR
3 # Students enrolled in schools within city boundary, ADEED
Year
2014
2009
2004
CITY OF SEWARD TAXES
Sales Tax
Property Tax
Rate
Revenue
Mill Rate Revenue
O&G
4%
$4,584,701
8.37
$1,276,897
$0
4%
$4,138,995
8.12
$953,957
$0
4%
$2,674,839
10.22
$670,297
$0
Source: DCCED Alaska Taxable Data Base
Start of the annual Mt. Marathon Race in Seward
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 88
Total
$1,276,897
$953,957
$670,297
GROSS BUSINESS SALES IN CITY OF SEWARD (in 1000s)
Business Type
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Admin, Waste Mgmt
$2,514
$2,077
$1,772
$1,575
$1,306
$1,201
Ag, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting
$27
$10
*
$0
$0
*
Arts & Entertainment
$58
$252
$616
$534
$93
$66
Construction Contracting
$26,040
$29,769
$23,956
$22,290
$33,687
$31,073
Educational Svs
$39
$56
$57
$40
$17
$48
Finance & Insurance
$47
$144
$446
$118
$86
$90
Guiding Land
$604
$151
$149
$195
$80
$40
Guiding Water
$23,936
$20,968
$21,080
$19,769
$17,258
$22,928
Health Care, Social Asst
$1,310
$1,165
$1,225
$1,495
$1,694
$1,812
Hotel/Motel/B&B
$13,892
$12,604
$11,601
$10,207
$9,401
$12,124
Information
$3,705
$3,644
$3,845
$3,915
$3,967
$4,084
Manufacturing
$16,941
$20,175
$16,136
$13,979
$14,522
$17,637
Mining/Quarrying
$0
$0
$0
$0
$72
$105
Prof, Scientific & Technical Svs
$8,624
$10,257
$11,314
$9,942
$7,062
$4,224
Public Admin
$7,399
$7,366
$7,076
$6,793
$6,987
$6,743
Remediation Svs
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1
Rental Commercial Prop
$1,845
$1,973
$1,516
$1,739
$1,705
$1,946
Rental Non-Residential Prop
$426
$348
$262
$298
$352
$509
Rental Self-storage &
*
*
*
*
*
*
Miniwarehouses
Rental Personal Prop
$133
$160
$149
$140
$125
$100
Rental Residential Prop
$7,865
$5,257
$5,397
$4,369
$5,506
$5,183
Restaurant/Bar
$13,192
$12,005
$11,132
$10,052
$9,197
$10,243
Retail Trade
$54,276
$52,178
$51,417
$49,972
$46,894
$50,722
Services
$14,361
$17,973
$10,434
$1,886
$2,420
$2,474
Telecommunications
$396
$480
$493
$610
$405
$413
Transportation, Warehousing
$9,722
$7,127
$4,631
$4,277
$4,592
$6,479
Utilities
*
*
*
*
*
*
Wholesale Trade
$31,627
$31,537
$26,292
$22,343
$18,426
$30,050
GRAND TOTAL
$238,980 $237,677 $210,994 $186,539 $185,854 $210,296
Annual % change
0.5%
12.6%
13.1%
0.4%
-11.6%
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept
*confidential
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 89
City of Soldotna (Figures 103-105)
Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, unless noted otherwise
POPULATION
2014 Population 1
# PFDs 2013 2 (in zip code 99669)
School Enrollment, all schools in City of Soldotna (Oct 1, 2014) 3
HOUSING
Total housing units
Occupied housing units
Vacant housing units
Median value of owner-occupied units
Median monthly rent (for renters)
Households spending more than 30% of income on housing
For homeowners with a mortgage
For homeowners without a mortgage
For renters
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Population 16 years and over
In civilian labor force
Unemployed
Working
Private wage and salary workers
Government workers
Self-employed in own not-incorporated biz. workers
Unpaid family workers
In Armed Forces
Not in labor force
INCOME AND BENEFITS (in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Total households
Median household income
Mean household income
Households with…
Earnings
Social Security
Retirement income
Supplemental Security Income
Cash public assistance income
Food Stamp/SNAP benefits in the past 12 months
Total Families
Median family income
Mean family income
Per capita income
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Civilian noninstitutionalized population
With health insurance coverage
Without health insurance coverage
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 90
4,311
14,426
2,836
2013
Percent
1,844
1,669
90.5%
175
9.5%
$213,800
$990
ME
ME
ME
3,323
2,007
256
1,751
1,474
236
41
0
0
1,316
1,669
$54,931
$77,447
60.4%
7.7%
52.7%
84.2%
13.5%
2.3%
0.0%
0.0%
39.6%
-
1,337
497
314
111
131
199
1,193
$57,656
$88,484
$31,295
80.1%
29.8%
18.8%
6.7%
7.8%
11.9%
-
4,211
3,226
985
76.6%
23.4%
BELOW FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL
All families
Families with female householder, no husband present
All people
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Population 25 years and over
Less than 9th grade
9th to 12th grade, no diploma
High school graduate (includes equivalency)
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or professional degree
ME
2,615
-
ME - Margin of error exceeds 6%, not reported
1 ADOLWD
2 PFDs reported by zip code, ADOR
3 # Students enrolled in schools within city boundary, ADEED
Year
2014
2009
2004
CITY OF SOLDOTNA TAXES
Sales Tax
Property Tax
Rate
Revenue
Mill Rate
Revenue
O&G
3%
$7,725,471
7.66
$268,057
$0
3%
$7,717,581
9.10
$803,576
$0
3%
$5,694,134
11.60
$523,714
$0
Source: DCCED Alaska Taxable Data Base
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 91
Total
$268,057
$803,576
$523,714
3.5%
5.0%
2.8%
4.7%
30.8%
29.6%
8.0%
13.8%
10.3%
GROSS BUSINESS SALES IN CITY OF SOLDOTNA (in 1000s)
Business Type
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Admin, Waste Mgmt
$3,656
$3,144
$2,824
$2,437
$3,224
$6,678
Ag, Forestry, Fishing,
$88
$84
$107
$45
$30
$144
Hunting
Arts & Entertainment
$4,046
$1,633
$1,570
$1,392
$1,433
$1,515
Construction Contracting
$73,914
$39,160
$25,989
$21,223
$24,769
$35,627
Educational Svs
$716
$712
$721
$588
$601
$629
Finance & Insurance
$442
$385
$376
$835
$701
$940
Guiding Land
*
*
*
*
*
*
Guiding Water
$605
$777
$908
$678
$988
$1,694
Health Care, Social Asst
$9,101
$10,657
$12,002
$11,460
$9,050
$9,388
Hotel/Motel/B&B
$4,971
$4,811
$4,794
$4,264
$4,617
$5,404
Information
$10,090
$10,472
$10,526
$10,753
$11,316
$11,828
Mgmt of Companies
$0
*
$0
$0
*
*
Manufacturing
$7,551
$15,010
$9,329
$10,592
$11,048
$10,118
Mining/Quarrying
$3,125
$56
$79
$61
$79
$127
Prof, Scientific & Technical
$10,883
$10,531
$10,621
$9,612
$9,542
$10,263
Svs
Public Admin
$1,612
$1,634
$1,394
$1,358
$1,320
$1,189
Rental Commercial Prop
$2,219
$2,000
$1,815
$1,781
$1,637
$1,445
Rental Non-Residential Prop
$6,712
$4,354
$4,678
$4,862
$4,793
$5,748
Rental Self-storage &
*
$0
$0
$0
*
*
Miniwarehouses
Rental Personal Prop
$856
$849
$759
$727
$603
$374
Rental Residential Prop
$11,112
$9,827
$9,331
$9,276
$8,704
$9,491
Restaurant/Bar
$25,678
$25,489
$23,378
$22,414
$22,575
$23,987
Retail Trade
$261,132 $255,400 $243,332 $246,262 $251,821 $286,385
Services
$9,760
$9,095
$8,998
$9,094
$8,943
$8,275
Telecommunications
$3,071
$2,705
$2,436
$2,811
$2,113
$536
Timbering
$0
$0
$0
$0
*
*
Transportation,
$3,451
$13,741
$13,801
$10,815
$8,272
$10,779
Warehousing
Utilities
$14,103
$14,142
$22,768
$27,099
$14,543
$12,420
Wholesale Trade
$31,766
$18,960
$18,202
$18,189
$18,119
$13,244
GRAND TOTAL
$500,663 $455,627 $430,740 $428,628 $420,839 $468,228
Annual % change
9.9%
5.8%
0.5%
1.9%
-10.1%
Source: Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Dept
*confidential
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 92
13 County Business Patterns –By Zip Code
Number of businesses per sector is reported for each zip code. For the Kenai Peninsula Borough as a
whole, in addition to number of businesses per sector, number of employees by sector and annual
payroll by sector is reported. Information is shown for 2012 and 2008, the most recently available
data and five years previous. All data is gathered from County Business Patterns Census data,
http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp/
Zip
Code
99556
99568
99572
99603
99605
99610
99611
99631
99635
99639
99663
99664
99669
99672
99682
Includes these communities…
Kenai Peninsula Borough (all zip codes aggregated)
Anchor Point, Nikolaevsk, Happy Valley
Clam Gulch
Cooper Landing
Homer, Diamond Ridge, Fritz Creek, Kachemak, Halibut Cove, Port Graham, Nanwalek
Hope, Sunrise
Kasilof/Cohoe
Kenai, Salamatof, Point Possession
Moose Pass, Crown Point
Nikiski
Ninilchik
Seldovia, Seldovia Village
Seward, Lowell Point, Bear Creek, Primrose
Soldotna, Kalifornsky, Funny River, Ridgeway
Sterling
Tyonek, Beluga
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 93
Anchor Point, Nikolaevsk, Happy Valley – Zip Code 99556
Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013
ZIP 99556
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
57
55
230
146
$5,965,000 $10,098,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99556
Anchor Point, Nikolaevsk, Happy Valley
7
Other Services (except Public Administration)
5
4
Accommodation and Food Services
5
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
1
4
Health Care and Social Assistance
3
Educational Services
1
3
3
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation Services
2
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3
2012
1
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
2
4
Information
2
2008
6
Transportation and Warehousing
4
3
Retail Trade
5
1
Manufacturing
2
13
Construction
14
Utilities
2
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
2
2
3
3
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
2
0
5
10
Total Number of Establishments
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 94
15
Clam Gulch Area – Zip Code 99568
Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013
ZIP 99568
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
4
6
$207,000
2012
4
6
$275,000
Number of Businesses by Industry -ZIP 99568
Clam Gulch
Accommodation and food services
2
1
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
1
2012
1
Transportation and Warehousing
2008
2
Construction
1
0
1
2
Total Number of Establishments
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 95
3
Cooper Landing Area – Zip Code 99572
Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013
ZIP 99572
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
31
37
45
45
$2,878,000 $4,272,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99572
Cooper Landing
9
Accommodation and Food Services
11
8
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
6
3
3
Health Care and Social Assistance
Transportation and warehousing
2
1
Educational Services
Administrative and Support and Waste
Management and Remediation Services
1
2012
1
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
2008
1
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
1
Finance and Insurance
4
4
Retail Trade
1
Manufacturing
5
Construction
3
Utilities
1
1
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
1
1
0
5
10
Total Number of Establishments
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 96
15
Homer, Diamond Ridge, Fritz Creek, Kachemak, Halibut Cove, Port Graham, Nanwalek Area
– Zip Code 99603
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99603
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
485
506
2,543
2,968
$91,289,000 $108,827,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99603
Homer, Diamond Ridge, Fritz Creek, Katchemak, Halibut Cove, Port Graham,
Nanwalek
Industries not Classified
1
37
37
Other Services (except Public Administration)
57
60
Accommodation and Food Services
17
19
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Health Care and Social Assistance
44
48
5
6
Educational Services
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation Services
15
20
2012
24
25
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
17
16
14
12
12
9
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Finance and Insurance
Information
2008
42
45
Transportation and Warehousing
61
61
Retail Trade
Wholesale Trade
12
16
17
17
Manufacturing
62
Construction
75
2
3
Utilities
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
55
28
0
20
40
60
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 97
80
Hope, Sunrise Area – Zip Code 99605
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99605
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
10
11
$564,000
2012
10
0-19
$742,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99605
Hope, Sunrise
Other Services (except Public Administration)
2
Accommodation and Food Services
2
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
2
2
3
1
1
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation Services
Professional, scientific, and technical services
Transportation and warehousing
Retail Trade
1
2012
1
1
1
2008
2
Manufacturing
Construction
1
0
1
2
Total Number Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 98
3
4
Kasilof, Cohoe Area – Zip Code 99610
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99610
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
43
40
20-99
20-99
$3,316,000 $3,800,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99610
Kasilof Cohoe
Industries not classified
1
6
6
Other Services (except Public
Administration)
3
3
Accommodation and Food Services
2
2
Health Care and Social Assistance
4
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation
Services
3
Professional, scientific, and technical
services
1
Real estate and rental and leasing
2012
1
2008
1
Information
3
Transportation and Warehousing
1
3
3
Retail Trade
3
Manufacturing
4
11
Construction
15
4
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
3
0
5
10
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 99
15
20
Kenai, Salamatof, Point Possession Area – Zip Code 99611
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99611
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
407
411
3,158
3,769
$143,088,000 $210,420,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99611
Kenai, Salamatof, Point Posession
Industries not Classified
1
54
Other Services (except Public Administration)
45
41
43
Accommodation and Food Services
10
9
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
41
43
Health Care and Social Assistance
5
6
Educational Services
21
22
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation Services
2
1
Management of Companies and Enterprises
38
39
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
12
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
16
18
Finance and Insurance
2012
2008
11
5
4
Information
17
19
Transportation and Warehousing
34
Retail Trade
40
21
21
Wholesale Trade
16
Manufacturing
11
60
61
Construction
1
2
Utilities
9
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
7
6
6
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
0
10
20
30
40
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 100
50
60
70
Moose Pass, Crown Point Area – Zip Code 99631
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99631
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
9
8
27
30
$3,012,000 $3,152,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99631
Moose Pass, Crown Point
2
Accommodation and Food Services
2
1
Educational Services
1
1
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
1
2012
Transportation and warehousing
2
2008
2
Retail Trade
1
1
Construction
2
1
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
0
1
2
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 101
3
Nikiski Area – Zip Code 99635
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99635
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
50
45
487
268
$38,457,000 $18,537,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99635
Nikiski
5
Other Services (except Public Administration)
5
5
Accommodation and Food Services
5
1
Health Care and Social Assistance
2
3
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation Services
2
Professional, scientific, and technical services
2012
1
2008
4
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
3
7
Transportation and Warehousing
5
5
Retail Trade
5
3
Wholesale Trade
3
1
Manufacturing
4
10
Construction
12
1
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
3
0
2
4
6
8
10
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 102
12
14
Ninilchik Area – Zip Code 99639
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99639
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
33
35
79
128
$3,383,000 $5,288,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99639
Ninilchik
13
Accommodation and Food Services
10
2
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
1
3
Health Care and Social Assistance
3
2
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, and
Remediation Services
1
Professional, Scientific, and Technical
Services
2
2012
1
Information
1
3
Transportation and Warehousing
2008
3
4
Retail Trade
5
2
Manufacturing
1
2
Construction
5
2
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 103
Seldovia, Seldovia Village Area – Zip Code 99663
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99663
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
18
15
20-99
47
$1,640,000 $1,664,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99663
Seldovia, Seldovia Village
3
Accommodation and food services
4
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation
Services
1
Professional, Scientific, and Technical
Services
1
2
1
3
Transportation and Warehousing
2
2012
2
Retail trade
2
2008
1
Wholesale trade
1
2
Construction
4
1
Utilities
1
1
Forestry, fishing, hunting, and Agriculture
Support
1
0
1
2
3
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 104
4
5
Seward, Lowell Point, Bear Creek, Primrose Area – Zip Code 99664
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99664
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
188
195
1,222
1,284
$52,305,000 $57,136,000
Number of Businesses by Industry Seward, Lowell Point, Bear Creek, Primrose
1
1
Industries not classified
13
Other Services (except Public Administration)
17
48
Accommodation and Food Services
39
7
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
9
18
16
Health Care and Social Assistance
2
Educational Services
1
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation
Services
8
6
2012
1
2
Management of Companies and Enterprises
9
11
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
2008
3
3
4
3
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Finance and Insurance
2
Information
1
26
26
Transportation and Warehousing
21
21
Retail Trade
3
Wholesale Trade
6
6
7
Manufacturing
12
13
Construction
1
1
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
10
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
5
0
10
20
30
40
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 105
50
60
Soldotna, Kalifornsky, Funny River, Ridgeway Area – Zip Code 99669
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99669
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
550
606
4886
5211
$170,013,000 $198,756,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99669
Soldotna, Kalifornsky, Funny River, Ridgeway
58
Other Services (except Public Administration)
53
70
Accommodation and Food Services
63
19
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
16
107
Health Care and Social Assistance
84
7
Educational Services
9
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt, Remediation
Services
20
19
Management of companies and enterprises
1
2012
31
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
32
25
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
2008
25
23
Finance and Insurance
24
5
Information
6
29
Transportation and Warehousing
23
113
Retail Trade
101
9
Wholesale Trade
13
9
Manufacturing
12
72
Construction
66
Utilities
1
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
2
1
1
6
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
1
0
20
40
60
80
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 106
100
120
Sterling Area – Zip Code 99672
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99672
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
70
67
100-249
201
$8,736,000 $8,033,000
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99672
Sterling
Other Services (except Public
Administration)
4
6
4
Accommodation and Food Services
7
Arts, Entertainment, and
Recreation
2
3
4
Health Care and Social Assistance
3
2
Educational Services
1
Admin, Support, Waste Mgt,
Remediation Services
3
2
Professional, Scientific, and
Technical Services
9
2012
5
2
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
2008
3
3
Transportation and Warehousing
2
5
Retail Trade
8
Wholesale trade
2
4
4
Manufacturing
22
Construction
21
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas
Extraction
1
2
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and
Hunting
2
1
0
5
10
15
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 107
20
25
Tyonek, Beluga Area – Zip Code 99682
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Zip Code Business Patterns, 2008 and 2012
ZIP 99682
Total Number of Businesses
Total Number of Employees
Annual Payroll
2008
2012
2
4
0-19
0-19
Withheld Withheld
Number of Businesses by Industry - ZIP 99682
Tyonek, Beluga
Other Services (except Public
Administration)
1
Accommodation and Food
Services
1
1
2012
1
Retail Trade
2008
1
1
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
and Hunting
0
1
Total Number of Businesses
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 108
2
14 Report Contributors and Primary Data Sources
Report Contributors
Alyssa Rodriegues, ADOLWD Research & Analysis
Beau Burgess, business owner, Homer City Council
Brendyn Shiflea, First National Bank of Alaska, KPEDD Board
Bret Luick, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Bruce Richards, Central Peninsula Hospital
Caitlin Coreson, KPEDD
Cassie Strodtman, Alaska SeaLife Center
Cheryle James, Wildmans, KPEDD Board
Chris Tilly, Kenai Peninsula Borough Finance Office
Conor Bell, ADOLWD Research & Analysis
Craig Rang, All American Oil Field
Dale Bagley, Redoubt Realty, KPEDD Board
Dorothy Osenga, Seward Chamber of Commerce
Eric Engebretsen, Bay Weld Boats
Erica Shinn, Kenai Municipal Airport
Gary Greenberg, Alaska Map Company
Gary Katsion, Lodge Owner
Jason Feeken, KPEDD Board
John Pollack, Kenai Peninsula College
Johna Beech, Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
Jorge Davila, Homer Chamber and Visitor Center
Karinne Wiebold, ADOLWD Research & Analysis
Katie Koester, City of Homer, KPEDD Board
Katie Ring, Kenai Peninsula Borough
Keith Baxter, Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council
Kim Kain, AVTEC
Lalanya Downs, Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska
Larry Persily, Kenai Peninsula Borough
Leeann Bayer, Alaska Marine Highway System, ADOT&PF
Mali Abrahamson, ADOLWD Research & Analysis
Mark Dixon, Soldotna City Manager
Meg Mueler, USDA-NCRS Kenai Field Office
Michael Haines, entrepreneur
Neil Wagner, consultant, investor
Pamela Russell, State DNR, Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Patrick Shields, ADF&G Commercial Fisheries
Renata Benett, Totem Ocean Trailer Express
Rick Davis, Central Peninsula Hospital
Rob Lewis, Kenai Peninsula Borough
Rick Roeske, KPEDD
Ron Long, City of Seward
Scott Winther, Alaska Railroad Corporation
Shannon Hamrick, Kenai Peninsula Tourism Management Council
Stan Mishin, KPEDD Board
Tanya Lautaret, Homer Electric Association
Tom Anderson, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assessor
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 109
Primary Data Sources
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Alaska Commercial Salmon Harvests and Exvessel Values
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=CommercialByFisherySalmon.exvesselquery
Alaska Sport Fishing Survey https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/sportfishingsurvey/
Alaska Department of Commerce and Community Economic Development
Alaska Taxable Data Base
http://commerce.state.ak.us/dnn/dcra/OfficeoftheStateAssessor/AlaskaTaxableDatabase.aspx
Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA) Alaska Fuel Price Survey
http://commerce.state.ak.us/dnn/dcra/researchanalysis/fuelpricesurvey.aspx
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Population Estimates http://laborstats.alaska.gov/pop/popest.htm
Population Projections http://laborstats.alaska.gov/pop/popproj.htm
Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) http://laborstats.alaska.gov/qcew/qcew.htm
Alaska Occupational Database (ODB) http://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/odb/index.cfm
PFD Migration Indicator Data http://laborstats.alaska.gov/pop/migration.htm
Seafood Processing Workers and Wages http://labor.alaska.gov/research/seafood/seafoodscentral.htm
Construction Cost Survey http://laborstats.alaska.gov/housing/constcost.pdf
Alaska Department of Revenue
Tax Division, Shared Taxes and Fees Annual Report
http://www.tax.alaska.gov/programs/sourcebook/index.aspx
Tax Division Annual Report http://www.tax.alaska.gov/programs/sourcebook/index.aspx
Permanent Fund Dividend Division Annual Reports https://pfd.alaska.gov/DivisionInfo/AnnualReports
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Average Daily Traffic Count Maps http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/mapping/adt.shtml
Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) Annual Reports http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/reports.shtml
Alaska State Library
Alaska Public Library Statistics http://library.alaska.gov/dev/plstats/plstats.html
Alaska Division of Elections
Voter Registration Statistics http://www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_vrs-er.php
Election Results http://www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_vrs-er.php
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
School Enrollment Totals for All Alaska School Districts http://education.alaska.gov/stats/
Dropout Rates by District http://education.alaska.gov/stats/
State AYP District Reports http://education.alaska.gov/reportcard/
Alaska State Report Card to the Public http://education.alaska.gov/reportcardtothepublic/
Free and Reduced Lunch Eligibility Reports https://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/cnp/NSLP.html
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Alaska Housing Assessment http://www.ahfc.us/efficiency/research-information-center/housingassessment/
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Personal income, per capita income, and population (CA1-3)
http://www.bea.gov/iTable/index_regional.cfm
Regional economic profiles (CA 30) http://www.bea.gov/iTable/index_regional.cfm
Farm income and expenses (CA45) http://www.bea.gov/iTable/index_regional.cfm
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 110
Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission
Commercial Vessel Database http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/fishery_statistics/vessels.htm
Fishery Statistics – Participation and Earnings http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/fishery_statistics/earnings.htm
Fishery Statistics – Permits and Permit Holders http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/fishery_statistics/permits.htm
Permit Value Reports http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/mnu_Permit_Values.htm
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
National Health Expenditure Data http://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/ResearchStatistics-Data-and-Systems.html
Federal Aviation Administration
Airport Operations and Rankings Reports http://aspm.faa.gov/opsnet/sys/Main.asp?force=atads
Foundation Center
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990s http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Tax Roll, Sales Tax Department Gross and Taxable Sales Reports
Mill Rates http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/assessing-dept/hot-topics/mill-rates
School District Assessment Results http://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/departments.aspx?id=46
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Individual Fishing Quota Program (IFQ) Harvest and Landing Reports
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqreports.htm
Individual Fishing Quota Program (IFQ) Cost Recovery and Ex-vessel Reports
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqreports.htm
Individual Fishing Quota Program (IFQ) Crewmember Statistics
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqreports.htm
National Parks Service
Visitor Use Statistics https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Food Cost Survey http://www.uaf.edu/ces/hhfd/fcs/
U.S. Census Bureau
Nonemployer Statistics https://www.census.gov/econ/nonemployer/index.html
2009-2013 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates http://factfinder.census.gov
2011-2013 American Community Survey (ACS) 3-Year Estimates http://factfinder.census.gov
Zip Code Business Patterns http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp/
United States Department of Agriculture
Census of Agriculture http://www.agcensus.usda.gov
United States Department of Transportation
Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Air Carrier Statistics (Form 41 Traffic), T100 Domestic Market Data
http://www.transtats.bts.gov/tables.asp?db_id=111&DB_Name=
Back Cover: Mt. Redoubt Volcano erupting across Cook Inlet, 2009.
Photo, Gary Greenberg
KPEDD - 2015 Situations & Prospects page 111
2015 Kenai Peninsula
Situations & Prospects