Alaska is the largest state in terms of area – equal to the size of Texas, Montana, and California combined.
Alaska, which is known as the Last Frontier State, was the 2nd to last state to be adopted; Hawaii was last.
The state capital is Juneau, which is also its second-largest city.
Many people who live or visit our northernmost state fall in love with its incredible natural beauty and wide open expanses of untouched land.
The most populous region in the state is the south-central area, which includes Anchorage, the state’s largest city, and about 50% of the state’s residents reside in the greater Anchorage metro area.
Contents
- The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Alaska
- 5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Alaska
- 1. Before you take off on your Alaska adventure, share your upcoming trip information with a few trusted friends or family members.
- 2. Alaska is a mountainous wild, rugged state – be sure to dress appropriately.
- 3. Stay alert and vigilant about where you are going and your surroundings.
- 4. Before heading on an outdoor adventure, check the weather report to ensure no bad weather is expected at your destination.
- 5. Most of the high crime areas in Alaska are in larger cities and more major urban areas.
- Alaska Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Alaska
Alaska has a total of 355 towns, cities, boroughs, and such.
Of these, 148 were incorporated cities.
The violent crime rate for Alaska overall is more than twice the national standard at 8.23 per 1,000 residents.
The potential for property crime is more in line with national statistics.
Bethel
- Population – 6,642 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 14.00 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 10.68 per 1,000 residents.
Bethel is a city located on the = Kuskokwim River and the largest town in the western portion of Alaska.
The violent crime rate is among the state’s highest, especially considering the size of the city – ranking nearly twice the state average.
Bethel’s overall total crime rate is more than 5% above the national average.
Anchorage
- Population – 288,121 (2021)
- Violent Crime Rate –11.40 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 34.55 per 1,000 residents.
Anchorage is by far the largest city in the state.
The city has won the National Civic League’s All-American City Award four times, and Kiplingers Magazine has noted it is among the most tax-friendly cities in the country.
The violent crime rate in Anchorage is 50% higher than the state’s average and nearly three times the national median.
Even property crime rates in Anchorage exceed state and national average crime rates.
Juneau
- Population – 31,973 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 8.69 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 29.31 per 1,000 residents.
Juneau, which is located in the Alaskan panhandle, is the state capital city.
The area of Juneau, which exceeds 3,200 square miles, is larger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island.
The least safe neighborhoods of Juneau are the downtown zones and Lemon Creek.
Violent crime rates in Juneau run at about the state average; however, property crime is about 25% greater in Juneau compared to the rest of Alaska.
Kodiak
- Population – 5,458 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 9.53 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 13.01 per 1,000 residents.
Kodiak is recognized to be the main city on Kodiak Island and is a strategic commercial port city.
Kodiak West and Mill Bay are the rougher sections of the city.
Violent crime in Kodiak exceeds the state average and is more than twice the national crime rate.
Conversely, property crime falls below state and national averages, although Kodiak’s crime per square mile is six times the Alaskan average.
Fairbanks
- Population – 32,702 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 7.77 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 40.98 per 1,000 residents.
Fairbanks is the largest city located in the interior of the state.
The city is home to the flagship/founding campus of the University of Alaska.
Stay alert when traveling in the downtown areas – North Lake View or Van Horn Industrial Park.
While Fairbank’s violent crime is below the state average, it still falls well above the national rate.
Some of the state’s worst property crime rates happen in Fairbanks – which is twice the national rate for property crime.
Wasilla
- Population – 9,456 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 6.66 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 28.55 per 1,000 residents.
Wasilla is Alaska’s fourth largest city and is situated on the Cook Inlet in the southcentral part of Alaska.
With the addition of a highway, Wasilla has become a commuter town of Anchorage.
Property crime rates are a more significant issue for residents, although their violent crime rate is still well above the national average.
Crime per square mile in Wasilla is more than three times the Alaska state average.
Meadow Lakes and Colonial Park are some of the less safe areas in the city.
North Pole
- Population – 2,285 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 6.13 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 26.70 per 1,000 residents.
North Pole is a small city in Alaska and is best known for its Christmas decorations adorning the town all year round.
While property crime rates exceed state averages; however violent crime rates in the North Pole fall below median state levels.
Clear Creek Park, Badger East, and Newby Road represent some of the rougher parts of the city.
Kenai
- Population – 7,590 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 4.48 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 17.79 per 1,000 residents.
Kenai is a small coastal city on the Kenai Peninsula, about 150 miles by car to Anchorage.
The city is the fifteenth largest in the state.
The areas known as Kalifornsky and City Center are some of the less safe neighborhoods in Kenai.
Fortunately, the violent crime rate in Kenai is about half the state average but still above the national median level.
Ketchikan
- Population – 8,037 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate – 3.11 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 13.06 per 1,000 residents.
Ketchikan is recognized across the globe as the Salmon Capital of the World.
The city is renowned for its incredible scenic views, fishing opportunities, and the rich Native culture of the area.
While the violent crime statistics fall below state averages, the reality is the rates in Ketchikan are above national crime levels.
And the crime per square mile statistic for residents of Ketchikan is four times the state average.
Sitka
- Population – 8,407 (2021).
- Violent Crime Rate –1.78 per 1,000 residents.
- Property Crime Rate – 15.46 per 1,000 residents.
Sitka is a city located in the southeastern part of the state and Alaska’s second most densely populated city.
With high unemployment, property crime rates run above state and national levels.
The City Center is Sitka’s most dangerous section of the city.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Alaska
Make sure a few close friends have a general idea of the timing and location of your trip to the last great frontier.
This way, in the event of an emergency, they know how to contact you during your vacation.
2. Alaska is a mountainous wild, rugged state – be sure to dress appropriately.
Alaska’s weather is variable and may range from frigid in the winter to more moderate temperatures in July – around 67 degrees.
Day and night temps can vary significantly as well.
3. Stay alert and vigilant about where you are going and your surroundings.
If walking alone or in unfamiliar territory, walk with purpose and confidence.
4. Before heading on an outdoor adventure, check the weather report to ensure no bad weather is expected at your destination.
Fortunately, smartphones give users instant access to weather updates, which allows travelers to safely visit the state while being prepared.
5. Most of the high crime areas in Alaska are in larger cities and more major urban areas.
But if you are headed to a remote location, recognize that in and of itself – venturing off the beaten path can be a beautiful and unique experience but can also be risky.
This is because medical care may be miles away, so be prepared to be self-sufficient in these instances.
Alaska Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Alaska Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit and travel to Alaska?
Alaska is open to travelers all year, but the primetime travel season begins about the beginning of June and winds down by the end of August.
However, because Alaska is so large, it helps to know which region you will be traveling to – the coastal region, arctic Alaska, or interior Alaska.
Where can you see the northern lights in Alaska?
Alaska is known to be one of the best places on the globe to see the aurora borealis or the Northern Lights.
These colorful bands of light dance across the night sky, creating an array of colored auras that can extend for hundreds of miles into space.
Fortunately, there are many professional tours that can guide you to this magical nighttime adventure.
What is the peak time to see the fall foliage in Alaska?
The peak fall colors are most striking when viewed above the tundra’s tree line.
Depending on the season’s rainfall and weather conditions, fall foliage peaks somewhere between the middle of August through mid-September.
Love Alaska ♡♡♡
Alaska is a vast and beautiful state, but it’s important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings while visiting.
Alaska, known for its natural beauty and vast landscapes, has some dangerous cities with high crime rates such as Bethel, Anchorage, Juneau, Kodiak, Fairbanks.