Top 10 Worst Places to Live in Alaska - Worst Cities to Live in Alaska, USA

When considering a move to a new state, it's crucial to explore both the best and the worst places to live. Understanding the less desirable areas can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. While various factors contribute to a location's livability, safety and crime rates play a significant role. Other factors that impact desirability include the quality of schools, available properties, and the range of amenities and leisure activities for residents. If you're searching for a new home in Alaska, here are the 10 worst places to live in the state, providing insights to help you choose wisely.

10. Sitka
Sitka, the second-most densely populated city in Alaska, ranks among the top 10 worst places to live due to its high unemployment and crime rates. With the 15th highest crime rate in the state, Sitka is considered relatively dangerous. Additionally, it faces the 17th highest unemployment rate, making it a less desirable location.

9. Bethel
Bethel struggles with low property demand, which is reflected in its affordable prices. The city's education system and economy pose significant concerns. Underfunded schools contribute to poor academic performance, while a six percent unemployment rate adds to the challenges. Limited amenities and leisure activities further detract from the appeal of living in Bethel.

8. Dillingham
Though Dillingham boasts stunning natural beauty in its location atop the Aleutian Islands, it faces several issues. Limited employment opportunities and long commutes contribute to a high unemployment rate. The area also experiences expensive healthcare and surprisingly high crime rates, with a significant risk of becoming a victim of violent crime.

7. Kodiak
Kodiak, the main city and island in the Kodiak Island Borough, presents challenges for residents. It ranks as the sixth most dangerous place to live in Alaska, with a notable risk of property and violent crimes. The local economy is weak, with approximately 9.5 percent of residents living below the poverty line. These factors diminish the allure of the island lifestyle.

6. Ketchikan
Ketchikan has earned a reputation as an unfavorable place to live due to high property crime rates. Residents face a one in 20.1 chance of being a victim. Moreover, below-average property prices indicate low demand. The city also contends with an 8.1 percent unemployment rate and underfunded schools, affecting educational quality.

5. Palmer
While Palmer showcases breathtaking natural landscapes surrounded by mountains and rivers, its economic prospects are lacking. The town suffers from one of the worst economies in the state, characterized by low median household incomes and property prices. Additionally, Palmer experiences the third-highest unemployment rate in Alaska, making it challenging for many residents to make ends meet.

4. Kotzebue
Kotzebue presents a mixed picture. Although it boasts reasonable median household incomes and decent schools, it grapples with a high unemployment rate. Kotzebue holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous city in Alaska, with significant risks of violent and property crimes.

3. Wasilla
Wasilla faces significant crime issues, ranking as the fourth most dangerous place to live in Alaska. Residents have a one in 15.2 chance of experiencing property crimes and a one in 158 chance of becoming a victim of violent crimes. The city also struggles with the state's second-highest unemployment rate and a lack of demand for housing.

2. Kenai
Kenai, located on the same peninsula as Anchorage, poses challenges in terms of accessing medical care, particularly for individuals with long-term health concerns. With an unemployment rate close to nine percent and one of the lowest median home values in the state, Kenai faces economic difficulties.

1. Houston
According to Road Snacks, Houston is considered the worst place to live in Alaska. The city exhibits poor safety, ranking fourth highest in crime rates. Moreover, it has the lowest home values, indicating a struggling economy. Houston's unemployment rate is the worst in the state at 17 percent. Additionally, residents face long average commute times.

Tags

• worst places to live in Alaska
 
• worst cities to live in Alaska
 
• safety
 
• crime rates
 
• property prices
 
• education
 
• economy
 
• unemployment rate
 
• amenities
 
• leisure facilities
 
• Sitka
 
• Bethel
 
• Dillingham
 
• Kodiak
 
• Ketchikan
 
• Palmer
 
• Kotzebue
 
• Wasilla
 
• Kenai
 
• Houston