Safest cities in Alaska

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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 1,065 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 227 Property Crime / 100k: 838 chance of being a victim: 1 in 94

Sitka proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Alaska. With only 1,065 crimes per 100,000 people, Sitka has a crime rate that is 92% lower than the Alaska average. This equates to an average of 0.24 crimes per day and a 1 in 94 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.

Kenai Population: 7,799 1,198 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 296 Property Crime / 100k: 901 chance of being a victim: 1 in 83

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Kenai comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Alaska with a crime rate of 1,198 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 39 counts of burglary, 811 counts of theft, 52 counts of vehicle theft, 206 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 77 counts of rape and 13 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Kenai, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Homer Population: 5,830 1,306 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 215 Property Crime / 100k: 1,091 chance of being a victim: 1 in 77

With a population of 5,830 and a total crime rate of 1,306 per 100,000 residents, Homer is the 3rd safest city in Alaska. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 94% 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.

Kodiak Population: 5,983 1,400 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 336 Property Crime / 100k: 1,064 chance of being a victim: 1 in 71

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Kodiak 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 1,400, 95% lower than the Alaska average. This amounts to 0.21 crimes per day and a 1 in 71 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 Kodiak a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Palmer Population: 7,359 1,508 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 200 Property Crime / 100k: 1,308 chance of being a victim: 1 in 66

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Palmer consistently ranks high in safety. In Palmer, 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 1,508, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Bethel Population: 6,548 1,585 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 848 Property Crime / 100k: 736 chance of being a victim: 1 in 63

Bethel 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 1,585 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the Alaska average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 160 reports of burglary, 432 reports of theft, 144 reports of vehicle theft, 752 reports of assault, 16 reports of robbery, 80 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Ketchikan Population: 8,230 3,305 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 299 Property Crime / 100k: 3,006 chance of being a victim: 1 in 30

Ketchikan ranks as the seventh safest city in Alaska and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.73 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. Ketchikan’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Alaska.

Juneau Population: 32,099 3,354 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 541 Property Crime / 100k: 2,812 chance of being a victim: 1 in 30

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 69% lower than the Alaska average, reporting a total of 3,354 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.

Anchorage Population: 292,090 3,953 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,062 Property Crime / 100k: 2,892 chance of being a victim: 1 in 25

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Anchorage 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 3,953 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 185% higher than the state average.

Wasilla Population: 10,469 4,340 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 559 Property Crime / 100k: 3,781 chance of being a victim: 1 in 23

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Alaska, is Wasilla. With a low rate of crime that included 559 burglaries, 2,973 thefts, 249 vehicle thefts, 409 assaults, 90 robberies, 60 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 90% lower 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	227	838	1,065
2	Kenai	7,799	296	901	1,198
3	Homer	5,830	215	1,091	1,306
4	Kodiak	5,983	336	1,064	1,400
5	Palmer	7,359	200	1,308	1,508
6	Bethel	6,548	848	736	1,585
7	Ketchikan	8,230	299	3,006	3,305
8	Juneau	32,099	541	2,812	3,354
9	Anchorage	292,090	1,062	2,892	3,953
10	Wasilla	10,469	559	3,781	4,340
11	Fairbanks	31,427	594	3,995	4,590

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.