Alaska Crime Rate in 2024 – 5 Most Dangerous Cities

Alaska, often perceived as a vast and sparsely populated state, has challenges when it comes to crime and safety.

With its diverse geography ranging from remote villages to bustling cities, understanding crime rates is crucial for residents and visitors alike.

At the moment, Alaska crime rate is at 25.48, with 1 in 132 people having a chance of being a victim of a crime.

Through this analysis, we aim to provide a clearer picture of where crime is most prevalent and discuss potential reasons behind these trends.

5. Bethel – 15.16 per 1000 People

Bethel exhibits a high violent crime rate of 12.45 per 1000 people and a total crime rate of 15.16 per 1000.

While the property rate is significantly lower than the national average, at 86% below, violent crime is 237% higher than the national average according to AreaVibes.

The city’s crime issues are compounded by significant socio-economic challenges, including high poverty and unemployment rates, alongside prevalent gang activities.

Social factors such as substance abuse, limited educational opportunities, and a lack of community resources also contribute significantly to the crime rates.

These challenges necessitate a comprehensive approach to crime prevention and community safety.

4. Juneau – 23.51 per 1000 People

Juneau, a town with 32,061 population, shows a violent crime rate of 6.20 per 1000 and a total crime rate of 23.51 per 1000.

Juneau’s violent crime rate is 68% higher than the state average, higher than many other communities of similar size across the nation.

The elevated crime rate in Juneau can be attributed to several factors. Economic challenges such as job scarcity in certain sectors, high living costs, and socio-economic disparities contribute heavily to both property and violent crimes.

Geographic isolation, rough climate, and limited access to resources can exacerbate these issues, making crime prevention and response more challenging.

3. Wasilla – 35.99 per 1000 People

In Wasilla, the population of 10,223 faces a violent crime rate of 5.40 per 1000 and a total crime rate of 35.99 per 1000.

The city has struggled with crime for many years, significantly impacted by socioeconomic factors such as poverty and unemployment.

The long-standing crime issues in Wasilla are deeply intertwined with socioeconomic challenges that plague the community.

High rates of poverty and unemployment create conditions conducive to crime, as individuals struggling economically may turn to illegal activities as a means of survival.

2. Anchorage – 38.97 per 1000 People

As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is the second most dangerous city to live in since crime rates are alarming, with 11.51 violent crimes per 1000 people and a total of 38.97 crimes per 1000 as NeighborhoodScout states.

It is alarming when you know that violent crime is 211% higher than at the federal level, which was covered in the AreaVibes report.

These figures have remained persistent over the years, highlighting areas within the city that are particularly prone to crime.

The nature of crime in Anchorage, from thefts to assaults, poses ongoing challenges for law enforcement and community safety programs.

An interesting thing to see is that stabbing has become significantly more common than it was just a decade ago.

Anchorage Police Department has a lot on its plate. Fortunately, they are equipped and ready to tackle crime within the city, as we saw some months ago when they arrested a new suspect for an old crime committed in 2022.

1. Fairbanks – 52.26 per 1000 People

Fairbanks reports a violent crime rate of 8.44 per 1000 and a staggering total crime rate of 52.26 per 1000. Therefore, you can see why Alaska crime rate gets a large chunk from Fairbanks.

That makes it one of the cities with the highest crime rates in the state.

The distribution of crime in Fairbanks is uneven, with certain neighborhoods facing much higher crime rates compared to others. The current trend is a rising number of assaults as we can see in Public Safety Report.

The variation can be attributed to a range of factors including economic disparities, the presence of high-risk areas, and differing levels of police presence and community engagement in crime prevention efforts.

Such disparities necessitate targeted approaches to law enforcement and community programs, aiming to reduce crime rates in the most affected areas while enhancing overall public safety across the city.

Alaska Crime Overview

Now let us take a look at the Alaska crime rate and current trends.

Spike in Murders Despite Overall Crime Decline

In 2022, we witnessed a significant 67% increase in murders in Alaska as AlaskasNewsSource states, with 70 homicides compared to 42 in 2021.

The rise contrasts with an overall 1.6% decline in criminal offenses reported statewide, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety’s annual Crime in Alaska Report.

Commissioner Bryan Barlow noted that while the spike in murders is concerning, other crime categories, such as property crimes and major offenses like sexual assault, have seen declines.

Property crimes dropped by 2.7%, and reports of sexual assault decreased by nearly 6%. The report also highlighted a 3.8% drop in robbery cases, although aggravated assaults rose by 4.1%.

Trends in Violent and Property Crimes

Alaska’s crime statistics reveal a complex picture. While the overall Alaska crime rate has been on a downward trend since 2018, driven largely by reductions in property crime, the state continues to grapple with high rates of violent crime.

The Alaska Justice Information Center presented data to the state Senate Judiciary Committee showing that despite a global decline in crime rates, Alaska’s rates of violent crime have been gradually rising, particularly rape and aggravated assault.

Since 2013, Alaska’s reported rape rate has been three to four times the national average, a trend that has remained consistent.

Decrease in Property Crimes

Property crime rates in Alaska have seen a notable decrease, continuing a trend over the past four years. Burglary rates fell by more than 15% and are now well below the national average.

However, there were anomalies, such as a short-lived spike in auto thefts from 2015 to 2020. The overall decline in property crime has significantly contributed to the reduction in total Alaska crime rate, even as violent crimes remain a pressing issue.

The Role of Law Enforcement and Public Policy

Governor Mike Dunleavy and Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell have emphasized their commitment to public safety. The repeal of the catch-and-release SB 91 legislation and other significant investments in law enforcement have been credited with contributing to the overall decline in crime.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly in addressing violent crimes such as murders in Alaska and aggravated assault. The state’s annual crime report, part of a nationwide effort to track crime data, underscores the importance of continued vigilance and resource allocation to ensure public safety.

Methodology

For analysis of Alaska crime rate, I rely on the crime data annually published by the different sources like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes, which use data collected from government sources.

This data is released in two key segments: a preliminary overview focused on the nation’s largest cities, followed by a detailed year-end report.

In pursuing a nuanced examination, our study predominantly concentrated on the state of Alaska to get a more rounded state-wide perspective.

The Bottom Line

This review of the five most dangerous cities in Alaska highlights the varied nature of crime across the state. While some areas struggle more with violent crimes, others face high rates of property crimes.

Collaborative efforts between community members and law enforcement are essential for effectively reducing these crime rates.

Looking forward, all residents must engage in and support crime reduction initiatives to ensure a safer environment for everyone.