Median Income
$71,125
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$404,300
43% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
595/100K
57% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.2%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,120
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.1%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Kachemak Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population835
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density500/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$71,125
Per Capita$39,809
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute13 min
Housing
B
Home Value$404,300
Rent$1,120
Ownership76.2%
Zillow$505,601
Housing Units397
Rent Burden41.5%
Crime
F
Violent595/100K
Property4,481/100K
Health
Obesity31.1%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking15.2%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain23.9 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation227 ft (69 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.2%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+19.2%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute13 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries11
Is Kachemak a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kachemak receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs. Kachemak offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kachemak is $71,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kachemak is $404,300, 43% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,120 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 595 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,481 per 100,000, 129% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Kachemak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 23.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Kachemak has a population of 835 with a density of 500 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.9% of residents, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.9%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.1%
32% below US avg
The median household income in Kachemak is $71,125, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,809. The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,368 business establishments, including 314 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 28.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,125 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,809 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,368 |
| County GDP | $3,590M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 314 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.5% |
The median home value in Kachemak is $404,300, 43% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $505,601, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,120 (4% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 397 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $404,300 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $505,601 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,120 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.8% |
| Housing Units | 397 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.24% |
In Kachemak, 31.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.5% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245. The dentist ratio is 1:1,349. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kachemak vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.1% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Kachemak has a violent crime rate of 595 per 100,000 residents, 57% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,481 per 100,000, 129% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Kachemak receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kachemak vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 595.0/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,481.2/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kachemak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 269 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 23.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 227 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
56°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 227 ft (69 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 59.6745°N, 151.4363°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
115 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
23.9"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9,758 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jan 24, 2016 |
47 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M7.1 |
107 km |
| Jul 29, 2015 |
52 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M6.4 |
101 km |
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
110 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
97 km |
| Jan 24, 2009 |
Southern Alaska |
M5.9 |
86 km |
| May 27, 2019 |
61 km SSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
105 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
54 km |
| May 19, 2000 |
63 km WSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
106 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
49 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
67 km SE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.6 |
99 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
69 km |
| Feb 10, 2004 |
6 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.5 |
47 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
48 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
73 km |
| May 12, 1992 |
37 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.5 |
114 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
129 km |
| Oct 17, 1996 |
70 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
98 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
27 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
80 km |
| Jan 2, 2009 |
62 km NNE of Ouzinkie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 60.0 m (197 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1967 |
GREWINGK, AK |
Meteorological |
60.0 m |
— |
20 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
94 km |
| 1883 |
COOK INLET, AK |
Explosion |
9.1 m |
8 |
115 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
121 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Iliamna (101 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
101 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
118 km |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
186 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
41 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
TRACY AVE |
5,416 |
9 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| June |
50°F (10°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
36°F (2°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
Kachemak has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 23°F in December to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and May the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Kachemak. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $941 |
| Preschool | $840 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,089 |
| Toddler | $1,056 |
| Preschool | $973 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kachemak
What is the population of Kachemak?
Kachemak has a population of 835 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 500 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Kachemak expensive to live in?
Kachemak has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,125, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $404,300 (43% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,120 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Kachemak safe?
The violent crime rate in Kachemak is 595 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,481 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kachemak receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kachemak?
Kachemak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 23.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Kachemak?
Kachemak has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,200. There are 2,368 business establishments in the area, including 314 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 28.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kachemak?
The median home value in Kachemak is $404,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $505,601. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,120. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Kachemak?
Schools in Kachemak score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.2% of adults in Kachemak hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 19.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kachemak?
The obesity rate in Kachemak is 31.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Kachemak?
The average commute in Kachemak is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 28.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kachemak?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kachemak is 85.5% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 90.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.1% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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