According To FBI Statistics, These Are The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Alaska
Alaska is truly the “last frontier.” Our state is filled with legends of outlaws coming here to hide out, and the trend has continued into the new millennium. Using data collected from the FBI’s most recent statistics in 2018, the most dangerous cities in Alaska have been calculated. This data calculates the amount of property and violent crime in cities with more than 2,000 people.
Unfortunately, the small town of Kotzebue takes first place on the list of the most dangerous cities in Alaska. Even though the population is small at only 3,273 people, your odds of being the victim of property crime or violence are very high. You have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming the victim of violence, and a 1 in 23 chance of having someone commit a property crime against you.
Read more about Kotzebue, Alaska.
Kenai ranks as second for most dangerous city overall, but it actually holds the top spot for property crime. As a resident in Kenai, you have a 1 in 14 chance of having someone commit property crime against you. But for violent crime, it's some of the lowest odds on the list. You only have a 1 in 127 chance of someone committing violence against you.
There is lots of natural beauty in this town, despite its crime statistics. Learn about the Kenai River.
It's no surprise that Anchorage is on this list, especially as it is the largest city in the state with what seems like the most amount of negative press. While the city does include some dangerous places to avoid in Alaska, the good thing is that Anchorage has dropped on this list as the most violent city. There's sadly a 1 in 76 chance of being a victim of violent crime, and you have a 1 in 20 chance to become a victim of property crime if you live here.
This city certainly has lots of redeeming qualities to it too. For example, check out the largest restaurant in Alaska, found in Anchorage.
Our capital city of 31,922 people ranks number four on this list. It's actually become safer over the years and has dropped down on the list. Both violent and property crime have been dropping in recent years. You have a 1 in 20 chance of property crime being committed against you or a 1 in 120 chance of violence performed against you.
There are cool things to do in this town, though. If you're visiting, consider taking a day trip or weekend getaway to Juneau Creek Falls in Alaska.
With a population of only 10,522, Wasilla is still the second most dangerous city in Alaska for property crimes. There's a 1 in 16 chance a property owner in Wasilla will experience some type of property crime. Violent crime rates are the lowest on the list, however, with only 1 in 172 chance of becoming a victim of violence here.
While the town itself might be a bit dangerous, check out some of its natural beauty on the Alcantra Loop Trail in Wasilla.
Even though you may think an island would be immune from this list, Kodiak is the sixth most dangerous spot in Alaska. There are just under 6,000 people living here, but there is a 1 in 23 risk of property crime. Ranking lower on the list for violent crime, you must still be vigilant with 1 in 125 odds of becoming a victim of violence.
Don't be totally swayed by the crime statistics, though. There are lots of good things about Kodiak, too. Learn more about Kodiak Island.
Unfortunately, Fairbanks, with a larger population of 31,365 people, has seen a rise in violent crime. You now have a 1 in 163 chance of becoming a victim in this beautiful city in the interior of Alaska. Property crime seems to have remained static in recent years, holding steady at a 1 in 26 chance of property crime being committed.
In spite of the crime here, it is truly a beautiful place. Find out more about Fairbanks, Alaska.
Even though Ketchikan is one of the most picturesque towns in Alaska, it still ranks in the top ten of this list. The beautiful town, of just over 8,000 people, has the third most dangerous rank of property crimes with 4,939 crimes happening per 100,000 people. Its violent crimes are some of the lowest on this list with a 1 in 301 chance of violence perpetrated against you.
If you love the outdoors, though, Ketchikan is for you. See more about Ketchikan, Alaska.
Dillingham has just recently fallen in the ranks to number nine on the list of the most dangerous cities in Alaska. In the past, it came in at number six, although with a population of 2,365 people, that's still quite a lot of crime being committed in such a small town. Property crime has a 1 in 54 chance of happening, and you have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming the victim of violence if you live here.
If you're in the area, head to the nearby Woodtikchick State Park.
Rounding out last place is the gorgeous town of Nome. This city actually takes second place as the most violent town in Alaska, with your chance of becoming a victim of violence at a whopping 1 in 37. Property crime is surprisingly lower, at only 1 in 104 chance of having your place vandalized.
This town has some interesting lore. See all about the history of Nome, Alaska.
Nome, AK, USA
Were you surprised at what made the list of the most dangerous cities in Alaska? Do you live in any of these places? What do you think of the statistics? Let us know in the comments!
Even though these numbers can be shocking, it’s important to remember that in 2017, Alaska was ranked as the happiest state in America by Gallup-Healthways and here are 15 reasons Alaska is the happiest state in America!
Address: Anchorage, AK, USA
Address: Juneau, AK, USA
Address: Kotzebue, AK 99752, USA
Address: Kenai, AK, USA
Address: Wasilla, AK 99654, USA
Address: Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Address: Fairbanks, AK, USA
Address: Kodiak, AK, USA
Address: Dillingham, AK 99576, USA
Address: Nome, AK, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Cities in Alaska
July 11, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the safest cities in Alaska?
After reading about the most dangerous places to live in Alaska, you might find yourself wondering where the safest cities in Alaska are. Luckily, you have plenty of nice options when it comes to deciding where to live and travel in The Last Frontier. Check out the nice town of Sitka if you’re hoping for a lovely small-town atmosphere that will make you feel safe and taken care of. There are incredibly low levels of violent crime here. Seward also boasts nearly no violent crime and it has a fun feel, as visitors like to take trips here to see the beautiful scenery.
What are the most scenic towns in Alaska?
If you’re planning a getaway and you’re looking for a gorgeous place to gaze out at the natural beauty of our state, check out the most scenic towns in Alaska. Talkeetna has one of the cutest downtown areas you’ll find anywhere, and you’ll be charmed from the moment you arrive. For unbeatable outdoor views, head to Gustavus and the closeby Glacier Bay National Park for breathtaking views of Alaska’s famous glaciers.
What is the creepiest town in Alaska?
While you might feel nervous about spending time in a town that is known to have high crime rates, it’s a different story to visit a real ghost town that is uninhabited by people at all! Take a look at the creepiest towns in Alaska for some chills and thrills. Portlock in the Kenai Peninsula stands out because of its unsolved mystery. People started leaving here after a string of people disappeared with no explanation and giant footprints showed up in the mud. Spend time here at your own risk!
Address: Anchorage, AK, USA
Address: Juneau, AK, USA
Address: Kotzebue, AK 99752, USA
Address: Kenai, AK, USA
Address: Wasilla, AK 99654, USA
Address: Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Address: Fairbanks, AK, USA
Address: Kodiak, AK, USA
Address: Dillingham, AK 99576, USA
Address: Nome, AK, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of HuMu Media, an Alaska-based media company. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter, and loves to see and experience new things!
