10 Most Dangerous Cities in Alaska | Worst Places to Live in Alaska with High Crime Rates 2023

10 Most Dangerous Cities in Alaska | Worst Places to Live in Alaska with High Crime Rates 2023. 

Alaska, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rugged wilderness, is also home to several cities grappling with elevated crime rates. In this analysis, we delve into the 10 most dangerous cities in Alaska, shedding light on their unique crime challenges, from assaults to burglaries and robberies. Despite the state's natural beauty, these urban areas contend with crime issues that extend beyond their stunning surroundings. Let's explore the crime landscape of these Alaskan cities in detail.

1. Nome: Assault and Crime Capital

Nome, a city of 3,850 residents, grapples with a disconcerting distinction: it holds the title of the assault capital of Alaska. With 63 reported assaults occurring annually, Nome's assault rate is the highest in the state, leaving residents with a disquieting 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim. This statistic underscores the urgency of returning home before sunset, as safety diminishes after dark.

In addition to the assault issue, Nome faces an alarming property crime rate. Residents confront a daunting 1 in 53 likelihood of having their belongings stolen or damaged. The city witnessed 8 burglaries and 8 car thefts, contributing to its unfortunate ranking as one of the state's riskiest places. Nome reported a total of 164 violent crimes, including 63 assaults, and 72 property crimes in a year. The city's high poverty rate of 7.5% and an unemployment rate of 9.6% are potential contributing factors to its crime challenges. The overall crime rate stands at a staggering 158% higher than the national average.

2. Fairbanks: The Epicenter of Property Crime

Fairbanks, home to 31,427 residents, bears the unenviable distinction of being the burglary, larceny, and car theft capital of Alaska. A shocking 171 burglaries, 908 larcenies, and 197 car thefts occur annually within the city limits. Fairbanks ranks second in the state for robbery, with residents facing a 1 in 121 chance of being victimized.

With a 1 in 25 chance of experiencing a property crime, residents must remain vigilant against porch pirates. The city recorded 41 robberies, adding to the overall sense of insecurity. While Fairbanks wrestles with a poverty rate of 9.3% and an unemployment rate of 8.3%, these economic challenges are intertwined with its crime issues. The overall crime rate is 112% higher than the national average.

3. Anchorage: Battling the Robbery Epidemic

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city with 347,000 residents, grapples with a troubling distinction as the robbery capital of the state. The city recorded a staggering 558 robberies in a single year, leaving residents with a daunting 1 in 30 chance of falling victim to robbery or property damage.

Anchorage's violent crime issue extends further, with 3,472 cases of individuals being killed, attacked, or raped each year. This translates to a sobering 1 in 84 likelihood of experiencing such an incident. The city's 2,338 assaults and 1,444 burglaries contribute to this alarming statistic. Anchorage's high poverty rate of 8.8% and an unemployment rate of 5.2% are likely intertwined with its elevated crime rates. The overall crime rate stands at 99% higher than the national average.

4. Juneau: Confronting the Alarming Rape Rate

Juneau, home to 32,099 residents, faces the challenge of combating one of Alaska's highest rape rates. With 76 reported cases annually, the city holds the dubious distinction of being the third-highest in the state. Residents must exercise caution, as they face a 1 in 108 chance of becoming victims of this crime.

Property crime remains a pressing concern in Juneau, with residents experiencing a 1 in 34 chance of encountering theft or damage. The city's 946 property crimes and 152 burglaries underscore the need for vigilance against porch pirates. While Juneau grapples with a poverty rate of 6.9% and an unemployment rate of 4.4%, these economic challenges are intertwined with its crime issues. The overall crime rate stands at 66% higher than the national average.

5. Wasilla: A Hotbed of Violent and Property Crime

Wasilla, a city of 10,529 residents, grapples with a high incidence of violent crime, with residents facing a 1 in 134 chance of becoming victims. The city has identified a potential solution to its crime problems: reducing school dropout rates and rejuvenating abandoned properties.

In addition to its violent crime woes, Wasilla faces a property crime epidemic, with a 1 in 31 likelihood of having belongings stolen or damaged. The city reports 64 assaults, 9 rapes, and 285 larceny cases each year, contributing to the sense of insecurity among its residents. Wasilla's high poverty rate of 13.3%

6. Ketchikan: Overcoming Its Troubled Past

Ketchikan, while it's hard to imagine it being more perilous in the past, still confronts significant safety concerns today. Residents face a 1 in 222 chance of falling victim to a violent attack, making Ketchikan the 11th most violent city in Alaska. The city doesn't escape the grip of property crime either, holding the 4th highest property crime rate statewide. Here, residents have a startling 1 in 33 chance of experiencing theft or damage to their belongings.

Ketchikan reported 1 murder, 12 rapes, and 213 larceny cases in a year, painting a concerning picture of personal safety. To thrive in this city, vigilance is essential. Despite a poverty rate of 10.8% and an unemployment rate of 7.1%, Ketchikan's overall crime rate remains 47% higher than the national average.

7. North Pole: Seeking a Safer Path

In North Pole, residents face a 1 in 196 chance of experiencing a violent crime, emphasizing the city's need for a safer path forward. Strategies like reducing school dropout rates and revitalizing abandoned areas may offer a remedy. North Pole grapples with the 6th highest property crime rate in Alaska, with residents having a 1 in 49 chance of falling victim to theft or property damage.

While the city reported just 1 robbery in a year, out of 14 violent crimes, it still endured 12 assaults. Despite a relatively lower poverty rate of 6.6% and an unemployment rate of 6.2%, North Pole's overall crime rate remains 43% higher than the national average.

8. Bethel: Confronting a Violent Challenge

Bethel faces a daunting challenge with violent crime, as residents have a 1 in 70 chance of being victims of an attack over the year, making it the 2nd highest in Alaska. Additionally, residents face a 1 in 92 chance of experiencing a property crime, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance regarding personal belongings. The city, with a population of 6,548, reported 93 violent crimes in a year, including 43 rapes and 48 assaults.

Bethel also contends with property crimes, recording 71 such events annually. The city's high poverty rate of 17.1% and an unemployment rate of 9.5% may contribute to its crime challenges. The overall crime rate stands at 5% higher than the national average.

9. Seward: Safety While Enjoying the Scenic Beauty

Seward, despite its breathtaking natural beauty, contends with safety concerns. Residents face the 13th highest violent crime rate and the 7th highest rape rate in Alaska, with a 1 in 308 chance of being attacked. Those who venture out to enjoy the city's parks are advised to buddy up for added safety.

Seward's property crime rate ranks 7th highest in the state, leaving residents with a 1 in 47 chance of experiencing theft or property damage. Although the city reported no murders in a year, it did face 3 reported rapes among its 9 violent crimes. With a poverty rate of 12% and an unemployment rate of 7.1%, Seward's overall crime rate stands 3% higher than the national average.

10. Kenai: A Community Vigilant Against Crime

In Kenai, residents face a 1 in 223 chance of experiencing a violent crime, making it the 12th highest violent crime rate in Alaska. Similarly, residents have a 1 in 53 chance of becoming victims of property crime, underscoring the importance of securing their homes and valuables. Kenai grapples with the challenges of murder and rape, necessitating investments in security measures such as alarms and doorbell cameras.

In this city of 7,799 residents, Kenai reported 1 murder and 128 larceny cases in a year, highlighting the need for continued vigilance. Despite its smaller population, the city contends with significant crime issues.

Tags

• Nome
 
• Fairbanks
 
• Anchorage
 
• Juneau
 
• Wasilla
 
• Ketchikan
 
• North Pole
 
• Bethel
 
• Seward
 
• Dangerous cities
 
• Crime-ridden places
 
• High-crime areas
 
• Crime hotspots
 
• Unsafe cities
 
• Violent crime rate
 
• Property crime rate
 
• Alaska cities
 
• Kenai