| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Anchorage/100k people | Alaska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 10,849 | n/a (estimate) | 3,781 | 2,435 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 27 | n/a | 9.4 | 6.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 462 | n/a | 161.0 | 122.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 479 | n/a | 166.9 | 82.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,944 | n/a | 677.5 | 513.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 2,912 | n/a (estimate) | 1,015 | 724 | 359 |
| Burglary | 910 | n/a | 317.1 | 238.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5,813 | n/a | 2,025.7 | 1,227.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,214 | n/a | 423.1 | 245.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 7,937 | n/a (estimate) | 2,766 | 1,711 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Anchorage crime rate is higher than the national average by 78.4%. Specifically, there were 2912 violent crimes in Anchorage, equivalent to 1015 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 182.6%. Furthermore, Anchorage recorded 7937 property crimes, amounting to 2766 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 57.2%.
Anchorage has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1015 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Anchorage falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 99 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Anchorage is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Anchorage reported a total of 1214 vehicle thefts, resulting in 423 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 237, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What do the local residents think about crime in Anchorage? Well, based on a recent survey of 280 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 25% of Anchorage residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 75% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Anchorage a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Anchorage has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 78%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 29.72 daily incidents, encompassing 7.98 violent crimes and 21.75 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Anchorage as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Anchorage has decreased by 18.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Anchorage is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 16.1%, while property crime has decreased by 19.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Anchorage.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Anchorage, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 35 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Anchorage are areas such as Basher, Rabbit Creek and Hillside East, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Mountain View, Russian Jack Park and Midtown are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Anchorage, 88.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Anchorage, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.71 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Anchorage is $573,789, compared to a national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Anchorage | Alaska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 511 | 1,171 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alaska /100K | National /100K |
| Alaska | 3,433 | 490 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Point MacKenzie, AK | 1,372 | 326 | 772 | 1,098 |
| Anchorage, AK | 302,697 | 1,015 | 2,766 | 3,781 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Greensboro, NC | 304,481 | 924 | 3,383 | 4,307 |
| Plano, TX | 297,929 | 152 | 1,466 | 1,618 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 309,429 | 846 | 3,829 | 4,675 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 310,293 | 427 | 2,280 | 2,707 |
| Orlando, FL | 294,679 | 215 | 1,144 | 1,359 |
| Anchorage, AK | 302,697 | 1,015 | 2,766 | 3,781 |
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