As the largest state in terms of land area, Alaska is comparable in size to Texas, Montana, and California combined.
At 8.23 per 1,000 people, Alaska’s violent crime rate is more than twice the national average. To further learn what places are not safe in Alaska, here are the most dangerous cities in Alaska for 2023 (Photo: iStock)
It was the penultimate state to join the Union, coming in right before Hawaii, and is known as the Last Frontier State. Its capital, Juneau, also belongs to its list of most dangerous cities in Alaska on the second spot.
Its breathtaking natural beauty and vast wilderness frequently enthrall both locals and tourists. Nearly half of Alaska’s population lives in the south-central region, which is home to Anchorage, the state’s largest city.
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355 unique municipalities, including towns, cities, boroughs, and others, make up Alaska. 148 of these are cities with incorporation.
At 8.23 per 1,000 people, the state’s violent crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, whereas the state’s property crime rate is more in line with national averages.
These are the reasons why there is a list of the most dangerous cities in Alaska
Anchorage
Population (2021)     Violent Crime Rate         Property Crime Rate
288,121 11.40 per     1,000 residents            34.55 per 1,000 residents
In comparison to the state average and almost three times the national median, Anchorage’s violent crime rate is 50% higher. (Photo: Pixels)
Without a doubt, with a staggering 288,121 residents as of 2021, is the most populous city in Alaska. Among the city’s honors are its four All-American City Awards from the National Civic League and Kiplinger’s Magazine’s recognition of it as one of the country’s most tax-friendly urban centers.
Unfortunately, with 11.40 violent crimes committed per 1,000 residents, it has a violent crime rate that is 50% higher than the state average and almost triple the national average. Even the property crime statistics, which are above both the state and national averages with a rate of 34.55 per 1,000 residents, paint a bleak picture of safety in the city. No wonder that Anchorage was listed as one of the most dangerous cities in Alaska.
Juneau
Population (2021)               Violent Crime Rate                Property Crime Rate
31,973               8.69 per 1,000 residents   Above the state average by approximately 25%
Lemon Creek and the downtown areas of Juneau are the least secure. (Photo: iStock)
Located in the heart of the Alaskan Panhandle, is the state’s capital and is home to 31,973 people (2021). Juneau’s expansive land area exceeds 3,200 square miles, surpassing states like Delaware and Rhode Island.
Juneau’s downtown areas and Lemon Creek, which are known for having higher crime rates, are among the less secure precincts. The violent crime rate in Juneau, 8.69 per 1,000 people, is comparable to the state average. However, with rates about 25% higher than in the rest of Alaska, property crime is a more urgent concern in this area. But this is already enough to put Juneau to be a part of the list of most dangerous cities in Alaska.
Bethel
Population (2021)        Violent Crime Rate            Property Crime Rate
6,642                14.00 per 1,000 residents      Over 5% above the national average
Bethel’s violent crime rate is among the state’s highest, ranking nearly twice the state average, and its overall total crime rate is over 5% above the national average. (Photo: iStock)
Bethel, Alaska’s western gem, is nestled along the Kuskokwim River and had 6,642 residents as of 2021. Its crime statistics, however, paint a less rosy picture. One of the highest in the state, Bethel has a violent crime rate of 14.00 per 1,000 residents—nearly twice the state average. Given the city’s compact size, this is particularly noteworthy. Overall, Bethel’s total crime rate is more than 5% higher than the national average. That’s why there is no escaping for Bethel to be one of the most dangerous cities in Alaska
