Alaska is the largest US state by area, and its total population is 740K, as most of its land is uninhabitable. The state is known for stunning landscapes, harsh weather conditions, wildlife, and breathtaking Aurora Borealis.
The crime rate of Alaska is a major concern for people visiting and considering relocation. We’re going to take a deep dive into the crime statistics of the state.
We’ll share some of the safest and most dangerous cities with their crime rate and other data to help you understand how safe they are.
Alaska Crime Rate Overview
Alaska’s crime rate is a bit elevated compared to the national average, especially its violent crime rate. That’s the reason people consider it a bit dangerous. Plus, it is known for extreme weather and unpredictable wildlife. However, it is generally safe for travelers if they take precautions.
The total crime rate of the state is 26.04 per 1,000 residents. It’s 13.2% higher than the national median of 23.
The overall crime rate isn’t that high, but the violent crime rate is. With 5,327 violent crimes in total, the rate is 7.26 per 1,000 residents. It’s 80.75% higher than the national median of 4. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes in Alaska are 1 in 138.
The property crime rate is lower than the national median. It is 18.77 per 1,000 residents, while the national median is 19. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes in Alaska are 1 in 53.
Area-wise, Alaska is the largest state in the US. The crime per square mile is only 6. Considering most of its land is uninhabitable, it makes total sense as the national median is 26.5.
Like every other state, Alaska is home to some of the safest as well as most dangerous states in the US. Let’s have a look.
Source:NeighborhoodScout
Top 5 Safest Cities in Alaska
Unalaska
Unalaska is considered one of the safest cities in Alaska because of its comparatively low crime rate. The total crime rate of the city is 4.82 per 1,000 residents, which is 79% lower than the national median of 23.
The violent crime rate of the city is 1.69 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 7 reported cases. It’s a city with zero murder cases.
The property crime rate is 3.13 per 1,000 residents. It’s also much lower than the national median of 19.
Sitka
Sitka is safer than 42% of the US cities. Its total crime rate is 10.75 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 89 reported cases.
The violent crime rate of the city is 2.29 per 1,000 residents. It’s much lower than the national median of 4.
The property crime rate is 8.45 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 118.
Homer
Homer’s total crime rate is 13.08 per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate is 2.15 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 13 reported crimes. There are zero murder cases in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
The property crime rate is 10.93 per 1,000 residents. A total of 66 cases were reported, including “2” burglaries, “2” motor vehicle thefts, and “62” thefts.
Palmer
Palmer’s violent crime rate is approximately half of the national median of 4. With 13 reported violent crimes, the rate is 2.04 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 491.
The property crime rate of the city is 13.33 per 1,000 residents. It’s 30% lower than the national median of 19. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 75.
Kenai
Kenai has a total crime rate of 12.01 per 1,000 residents. It’s safer than 38% of the US cities.
The violent crime rate is 2.97, and the property crime rate is 9.04 per 1,000 residents. Both are way lower than the national medians of 4 and 19, respectively.
The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 337, and property crimes are 1 in 111.
Source:NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Alaska
Anchorage
Anchorage is the most dangerous city in Alaska. Its population is 286,075, and its crime rate is also high, 39.95 per 1,000 residents.
The violent crime rate is 10.62 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 3,037 reported crimes. It’s 165% higher than the national median of 4.
The property crime rate is 29.34 per 1,000 residents, which is 54% higher than the national median of 19.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks’ violent crime rate is 5.96 per 1,000 residents. It’s around 1.5 times the national median (4). The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 168.
The property crime rate is 40.09 per 1,000 residents. It’s more than twice the national median (19). The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 25.
Wasilla
Wasilla’s overall crime rate is 43.74 per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate is 5.63 per 1,000 residents, which is around 41% higher than the national median of 4.
The property crime rate is 38.11 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of property crimes are 1 in 26.
Juneau
Juneau is another dangerous city in Alaska. Its violent crime rate is 5.39 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crimes are 1 in 186.
The property crime rate is 27.98 per 1,000 residents. It’s 47% higher than the national median (19).
Ketchikan
The overall crime rate of Ketchikan is 32.80 per 1,000 residents. Its violent crime rate is 2.97 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national median (4). It also had zero murders and zero robberies in the FBI report 2024 (reflecting 2023).
However, its property crime rate is high. It’s 29.83 per 1,000 residents, which is 1.5 times the national median of 19.
Source:NeighborhoodScout
Common Crimes in Alaska
Violent Crimes
Assault: The assault cases are quite high in Alaska. The crime rate is 5.22 per 1,000 residents, which is around twice the national median of 2.64.
Robbery: With 568 robbery cases, the crime rate is 0.77 per 1,000 residents. It’s a bit higher than the national median of 0.67 per 1,000 residents.
Rape: The rape rate of the state is 1.18 per 1,000 residents. It’s 210% higher than the national median of 0.38 per 1,000 residents.
Murder: The murder rate is 0.08per 1,000 residents. It’s also higher than the national median of 0.06 per 1,000 residents.
All these statistics indicate that the violent crimes in the state are high.
Property Crimes
Theft: The theft rate of the state is 13.58 per 1,000 residents. It’s a little higher than the national median of 13.47 per 1,000 residents.
Burglary: The burglary rate is almost equal to the national median. It’s 2.50 per 1,000 residents, with a total of 1,830 reported cases, while the national median is 2.51.
Vehicle Theft: Vehicle theft cases are lower in the state. The rate is 2.70 per 1,000 residents. It’s 15% lower than the national median of 3.19 per 1,000 residents.
Source:NeighborhoodScout
How Residents Can Ensure Safety in Alaska?
Home Security
For optimal home security, you can install a security system.eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is an excellent option for homes in Alaska. It protects your house from intruders and wildlife through advanced security cameras, a video doorbell, an alarm system, and multiple sensors. In case of any suspicious activity or threat, its 24/7 professional monitoring service is ready to respond.
You can also install the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max. It’s a security camera system with four triple-lens security cameras that capture videos in 16MP. They automatically track the motion of objects and offer intricate details. The local AI agent detects potential threats, sends real-time alerts, and responds accordingly.
Vehicle Security
You can install a car security camera and GPS tracker for enhanced safety. While parking, make sure it is a public space and a well-lit area. Do not park in areas with no public presence. Ensure to keep your valuable items out of sight. At home, you can install a floodlight near your car. It will illuminate the area and deter thieves.
Personal Security
Alaska is known for uninhabitable land and unpredictable wildlife. Make sure you plan your route before you go anywhere. Be aware of your surroundings and pay close attention. Do not use your smartphone.
Keep your valuable items hidden. Share your live location with your loved ones. If there is any emergency, you can reach out to emergency services. Stay away from isolated communities, as the crime rates are usually high in those areas.
FAQs
Is crime a problem in Alaska?
The violent crime rate of Alaska is 7.26 per 1,000 residents. It’s 80.75% higher than the national median of 4. It means violent crimes are quite high compared to the country. However, its property crime rate is 18.77 per 1,000 residents, which is a little lower than the national median, 19 per 1,000 residents.
Why does Alaska have a high crime rate?
Alaska has a high crime rate because of socioeconomic disparities (high poverty, unemployment), use of alcohol & drugs, high prevalence of firearms, and geographical challenges. Often, the isolated communities have a higher number of crimes because of limited access to essential resources and challenges for law enforcement agencies.
What rank is Alaska in crime rate?
Alaska is the second-highest when it comes to the violent crime rates. It’s after New Mexico, with a violent crime rate of 7.26 per 1,000 residents. The assault (5.22 per 1,000 residents) and rape (1.18 per 1,000 residents) rates are 2-3 times higher than the national median.
