Safest cities in Alaska

Known as 'The Last Frontier,' Alaska is celebrated for its vast and stunning natural landscapes, encompassing towering mountains, expansive glaciers, and dense forests. As the largest state in the U.S., spanning over 663,000 square miles, it offers a unique blend of wilderness and adventure. The state's economy is heavily reliant on natural resources, including oil, fishing, and tourism, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers from around the world. Cultural treasures such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage provide deep insights into the traditions and histories of Alaska's indigenous peoples. Popular activities include dog sledding, hiking, and witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights, all of which highlight Alaska's spirit of adventure and natural beauty.

Ensuring low crime rates is crucial in a state as vast and remote as Alaska, making the safest cities in Alaska particularly appealing for those seeking peace and security. The factors that contribute to the safety of these communities include effective law enforcement, strong community engagement, and a profound sense of mutual support among residents. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and reliable metric of safety. Living in a safe environment is essential for maintaining a high quality of life, allowing Alaskans to embrace the state's unique offerings, from its spectacular natural wonders to its vibrant cultural heritage, without the persistent worry of crime.

Sitka Population: 8,569 524 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 95 Property Crime / 100k: 429 chance of being a victim: 1 in 191

Sitka proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Alaska. With only 524 crimes per 100,000 people, Sitka has a crime rate that is 92% lower than the Alaska average. This equates to an average of 0.12 crimes per day and a 1 in 191 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Ketchikan Population: 8,230 1,094 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 163 Property Crime / 100k: 930 chance of being a victim: 1 in 91

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Ketchikan comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Alaska with a crime rate of 1,094 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 63 counts of burglary, 868 counts of theft, 0 counts of vehicle theft, 113 counts of assault, 13 counts of robbery, 38 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Ketchikan, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Kodiak Population: 5,983 1,139 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 317 Property Crime / 100k: 821 chance of being a victim: 1 in 88

With a population of 5,983 and a total crime rate of 1,139 per 100,000 residents, Kodiak is the 3rd safest city in Alaska. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 95% lower than the Alaska average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Bethel Population: 6,548 1,516 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,245 Property Crime / 100k: 271 chance of being a victim: 1 in 66

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Bethel is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 1,516, 94% lower than the Alaska average. This amounts to 0.26 crimes per day and a 1 in 66 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Bethel a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Homer Population: 5,830 1,663 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 424 Property Crime / 100k: 1,239 chance of being a victim: 1 in 60

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Homer consistently ranks high in safety. In Homer, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 1,663, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Palmer Population: 7,359 2,062 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 460 Property Crime / 100k: 1,602 chance of being a victim: 1 in 49

Palmer has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Alaska. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 2,062 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the Alaska average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 95 reports of burglary, 1,190 reports of theft, 317 reports of vehicle theft, 397 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 63 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Kenai Population: 7,799 2,308 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 337 Property Crime / 100k: 1,971 chance of being a victim: 1 in 43

Kenai ranks as the seventh safest city in Alaska and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 43 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.49 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Kenai’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Alaska.

Juneau Population: 32,099 2,351 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 620 Property Crime / 100k: 1,731 chance of being a victim: 1 in 43

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Juneau is the 8th safest city in Alaska. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 68% lower than the Alaska average, reporting a total of 2,351 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Wasilla Population: 10,469 3,599 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 540 Property Crime / 100k: 3,058 chance of being a victim: 1 in 28

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Wasilla is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Alaska, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 3,599 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 90% lower than the state average.

Anchorage Population: 292,090 3,915 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,151 Property Crime / 100k: 2,764 chance of being a victim: 1 in 26

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Alaska, is Anchorage. With a low rate of crime that included 412 burglaries, 1,961 thefts, 390 vehicle thefts, 816 assaults, 153 robberies, 172 rapes and 10 homicides, the overall crime rate was 186% higher than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Alaska

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Sitka	8,569	95	429	524
2	Ketchikan	8,230	163	930	1,094
3	Kodiak	5,983	317	821	1,139
4	Bethel	6,548	1,245	271	1,516
5	Homer	5,830	424	1,239	1,663
6	Palmer	7,359	460	1,602	2,062
7	Kenai	7,799	337	1,971	2,308
8	Juneau	32,099	620	1,731	2,351
9	Wasilla	10,469	540	3,058	3,599
10	Anchorage	292,090	1,151	2,764	3,915
11	Fairbanks	31,427	827	4,292	5,118

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Alaska is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Alaska cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.