The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Alaska


The most dangerous places in Alaska are Fairbanks and Anchorage for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Alaska research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Alaska.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 2,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 23 Alaska cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Alaska is Fairbanks based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Alaska is 826 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Alaska is 4,291 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Alaska is Haines.

  • Alaska is the 6th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Alaska Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


Grizzly bears, crazy hunters, and ice are just a few of the dangerous things that Alaskans have to deal with regularly. Unfortunately, the people in the most dangerous places in Alaska also have to deal with crime.

Because Alaska ranks as the 6th most dangerous state in the country, we thought it would be a good idea to produce a list of the most dangerous places in Alaska for 2024. That way, you’ll be well-informed before making life-changing decisions about where to live in Alaska.

We analyzed 23 Alaska cities for important factors like violent and property crime per capita for every place with over 2,000 residents.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Alaska For 2024

  1. Fairbanks
  2. Anchorage
  3. Wasilla
  4. Kotzebue
  5. Juneau
  6. Dillingham
  7. Nome
  8. Kenai
  9. Palmer
  10. North Pole

What’s the most dangerous city in Alaska for 2024? The most dangerous city in Alaska for 2024 is Fairbanks.

Although the state has 50 law enforcement agencies employing over 1,000 police officers, they can’t be everywhere. So, bigger cities like Anchorage and Juneau are starting to feel the effects.

For more Alaska reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Alaska For 2024

Fairbanks, AK

Source: Wikipedia User FairbanksMike | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 32,785
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 826 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,291 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 10
More on Fairbanks: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

While Fairbanks, Alaska might rank 2nd in population, it ranks highest in total crime for 2024. Its thriving downtown community with lots of entertainment cannot make up for the fact that Fairbanks ranks highest in Alaska for property crime.

Unlike other more remote cities in Alaska, Fairbanks receives a large amount of tourism throughout the year. It is one of the best places to watch the northern lights during the Aurora season and has the summer sun 24 hours a day throughout the summer. It is also home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which houses a large number of college students. These factors contribute to the large amount of property crime the area experiences given its year round population.

Anchorage, AK

Source: Wikipedia User Frank K. from Anchorage, Alaska, USA | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 285,821
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,150 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,763 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 29
More on Anchorage: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

As one of the largest cities in Alaska featured on our list of the most dangerous places, Anchorage has a population of more than 285,821, which puts it in 1st in terms of size. It is second in terms of dangerous cities in the state.

Specifically, Anchorage is known for its high levels of violent crimes, aggravated assaults, and property crimes. In 2022, there were 3,289 violent crimes, 2,332 aggravated assaults, and 7,900 property crimes reports in the city. Anchorage also ranks 1st for the number of burglaries it reported in the same year.

Anchorage is known for its stunning glaciers and wildlife, as well as its residential community of artists and musicians.

Wasilla, AK

Source: Wikipedia User Beeblebrox (talk). Beeblebrox | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 9,809
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 540 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,058 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Wasilla: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located on the northern part of Cook Inlet, Wasilla is one of the largest cities in the state of Alaska. It ranks 5th in population with 9,809 residents. It is easily one of the more dangerous cities in Alaska.

Specifically, Wasilla has a problem with property crimes and burglaries. It ranks 12th for burglaries and second highest in property crimes in 2022. It might not be the best place to move your family to.

Unrelated to its status as a dangerous city, Wasilla is the headquartered for the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It is also known for being the home of Sarah Palin.

Kotzebue, AK

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 3,041
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,512 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 986 (13th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Kotzebue: Data | Crime

Kotzebue, Alaska is a community located just north of the Arctic Circle, with a very large population of Inupiat people. The village was once a trading center for indigenous groups. Today, the small community of 3,041 people has a problem with dangerous crime levels.

For 2024, Kotzebue ranks 3rd for rape and second highest violent crimes, which equates to 7 rapes and 46 reported in the 2022 reporting year. This is a very large amount for a population that is so small.

The city, located in the Northwest Arctic Borough on the Baldwin Peninsula, is fairly close in proximity to Russia. It does not have a large tourism industry.

Juneau, AK

Source: Wikipedia User Mark Hogan | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

8
/10

Population: 31,775
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 619 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,730 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Juneau: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Juneau, the state capital, is also one of the most dangers in Alaska based on the most recently release of FBI crime data. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this city has appeared on our list — it has made it every year since we started ranking cities in 2015.

While it’s very hard to exit or enter the city, the people that do live there seem to steal and cheat each other a little more than you’d like in the Last Frontier state. Burglary is the main problem as the city ranks fifth highest for burglaries this year.

And while Juneau is relatively dangerous for the state, you should worry more about being safe on the gorgeous glacier adventures you can experience around the city.

Dillingham, AK

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 2,364
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 930 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,057 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Dillingham: Data | Crime

Dillingham is also known as Curyung. It is located in southwestern Alaska near the Nushagak Bay. It remains near the largest salmon fishery in the world.

Despite its remote location that you can only reach by air or boat, Dillingham faces its fair share of challenges with local crime rates. In 2022, it ranks 15th in murder. If that wasn’t enough, the city ranked fifth highest for violent crimes.

Many of the city’s residents live near each other along the main Aleknagik Lake Road that goes to the business district, where jobs are more plentiful. It is not connected to other cities by a statewide road system.

Nome, AK

Source: Wikipedia User ra64 from nome, usa | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 3,546
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,030 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 507 (17th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Nome: Data | Crime

Are you into dog sledding? Like, really into dog sledding? Like, bore your friends at every party discussing the intricacies of harnesses and brushbow maintenance?

Well, then Nome might be the place for you. The town represents the finish line for the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which begins in Anchorage, more than 900 miles away.

However, if you come for the Iditarod, better stay alert. Nome can get rowdy. The town reported 72 violent crimes last year in a town of just 3,546 people. At that rate, you’re more likely to get bitten by a Nome resident than by one of the sled dogs. In fact, the city ranks number 1 in Alaska in terms of the per-capita pace of violent crimes.

Kenai, AK

Source: Wikipedia User gilbert | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 7,713
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 337 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,970 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Kenai: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located along the mouth of a Kenai River, Kenai, Alaska is a small town that holds the title of the eighth most dangerous place to live in the state for 2024. With a population of just 7,713 residents, its total crime per capita is 2,307/100k. It leads the state in total crimes, property crimes, and murder.

Compared to the other cities and towns in Alaska, Kenai ranks 5th in murders and fifth highest for property crimes based on the 2022 data year. Considering its very small population when compared to other cities in Alaska, the 152 property crimes and 138 larceny cases reported in 2022 is a lot for residents to worry about.

Palmer, AK

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 6,305
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 459 (Tenth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,601 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Palmer: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Palmer, a city in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, is considered one of the most dangerous places to live in. With a population of 6,305, Palmer has a concerning crime rate. The city ranks ninth highest in terms of property and violent crime. In the last reporting year, Palmer recorded 29 incidents of violent crime.

Situated in the Matanuska Valley, Palmer offers access to the Talkeetna Mountains and Hatcher Pass, popular hiking and skiing destinations. Because it is somewhat of a tourist destination, the temporary influx in people leads to higher than average crime rates.

North Pole, AK

Source: Wikipedia User Dylan Avery | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

8
/10

Population: 2,335
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 256 (16th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,141 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on North Pole: Data | Crime

The North Pole has a bit of a reputation for being the reputed home of Santa Claus. However, North Pole, Alaska actually does not have much to do with the mythical place or the city in the center of the Arctic Circle. Rather, it is a town of 2,335 people living in central Alaska.

North Pole, Alaska is more dangerous for your stuff than it is for your physical body. For 2024, it ranks 6th for burglary and fourth highest for property crimes.

It is located just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, another one of the cities recognized in this year’s list of the most dangerous cities in Alaska.

Crime By City In Alaska

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Fairbanks 32,785 5,118 826 4,291 10
2 Anchorage 285,821 3,914 1,150 2,763 29
3 Wasilla 9,809 3,598 540 3,058 0
4 Kotzebue 3,041 2,499 1,512 986 0
5 Juneau 31,775 2,350 619 1,730 2
6 Dillingham 2,364 1,988 930 1,057 0
7 Nome 3,546 2,538 2,030 507 0
8 Kenai 7,713 2,307 337 1,970 1
9 Palmer 6,305 2,061 459 1,601 0
10 North Pole 2,335 2,398 256 2,141 0
11 Seward 2,667 1,987 374 1,612 0
12 Soldotna 4,527 2,054 287 1,767 0
13 Homer 5,894 1,662 424 1,238 1
14 North Slope Borough 10,959 1,295 739 556 2
15 Bethel 6,267 1,515 1,244 271 1
16 Kodiak 5,357 1,138 317 821 0
17 Ketchikan 7,953 1,093 163 930 0
18 Petersburg 3,314 1,237 60 1,176 0
19 Unalaska 3,908 614 127 486 0
20 Cordova 2,160 462 185 277 0
21 Sitka 8,392 524 95 428 0
22 Valdez 3,839 468 104 364 0
23 Haines 2,058 437 48 388 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Alaska for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Alaska. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Alaska, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Alaska.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Alaska cities over 2,000 in population. That left us with 23 cities in Alaska.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 23 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Alaska — Fairbanks. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Alaska and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Alaska FAQs

Yes, Alaska is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #6 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Alaska ranks most dangerous in the United States — 126.57% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Last Frontier ranks 13th most dangerous in the United States — 15.66% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

Yes, Anchorage is a dangerous city. Anchorage ranks as the #99 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Anchorage might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Rabbit Creek is the safest in Anchorage, while Mountain View is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Anchorage ranks 26th highest in America — 107.89% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 139th highest in the United States — 1.29% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Alaska

Most Dangerous Cities In Alaska Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Alaska

So what is the most dangerous city in Alaska? After analyzing 23 cities in Alaska, Fairbanks takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Alaska based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Fairbanks ranks as the most dangerous city in Alaska for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Alaska are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Fairbanks and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What’s the most dangerous city in Alaska for 2024? The most dangerous city in Alaska for 2024 is Fairbanks.

Although the state has 50 law enforcement agencies employing over 1,000 police officers, they can’t be everywhere. So, bigger cities like Anchorage and Juneau are starting to feel the effects.

Learn more about the safest places in Alaska.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Alaska:

  1. North Slope Borough (Pop. 10,959)
  2. Bethel (Pop. 6,267)
  3. Kodiak (Pop. 5,357)
  4. Ketchikan (Pop. 7,953)
  5. Petersburg (Pop. 3,314)
  6. Unalaska (Pop. 3,908)
  7. Cordova (Pop. 2,160)
  8. Sitka (Pop. 8,392)
  9. Valdez (Pop. 3,839)
  10. Haines (Pop. 2,058)

For more Alaska reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

8 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Alaska

  1. Wonder if the true statistics were used. All the crime that happens in Northwest Alaska is taken care of by the State of Alaska who’s court system is in Kotzebue for an area the size of Indiana.

  2. I’m confused. Some of these were also listed in the Top 10 safest cities to live in. How can Anchorage be both the 5th safest and the 5th most dangerous? Same with Kenai. Kenai is the 10th most dangerous and the 10th most safest. Kodiak was also number 2 on both lists. Something isn’t right about these lists . . .

  3. Whoever makes this list is retarded. Alaska is not even close to the the most crime ridden state in the US. I want to cry at how stupid you are. Have you heard of Florida, Texas, NY, or California.

    1. You are correct. But let people keep thinking that. And BADGER is NOT a town. And Fairbanks has considerably more people than 31k. The author of this article is truly helping keep the population away. He never mentions the 5 military installations that influences many factors here

  4. I’d really like to know what it is about Kotzebue that is so dangerous? I’m actually looking into transferring there with a job. At this point looking at rentals and where to rent in Kotzebue, anyone have any suggestions?

    1. Your new employer isn’t helping you find a suitable place? I’ve been there— many hrs ago however. Be careful to lock things. Cable them and lock with a padlock too. Theft is high. It is a native village after all.

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