There are some dangerous things in Alaska, even though it is known for its stunning natural beauty. The weather can be very bad and you might meet wild animals. Living in the Last Frontier can be hard and even dangerous at times.
But not every city in the country is as dangerous as others. The FBI has recently released new information that shows some Alaskan towns are safer than others. Find out which city in Alaska has been named the most dangerous place to live and learn more about why it has been given that title in this story.
This is Anchorage, Alaska’s Most Dangerous City
Alaska’s biggest and most populous city, Anchorage, is the most dangerous place to live in the state. There are about 288,000 people living in Anchorage, which is a big chunk—40% of the state’s total population. Alaska’s economic and culture center is this city, which brings in tourists, businesses, and newcomers both.
Anchorage does, however, have a very high crime rate, especially when it comes to serious crimes. The FBI says that for every 1,000 people who lived in Anchorage in 2018, there were 11.40 serious crimes. The average for the state is 8.23 per 1,000 people, and the average for the country is 3.69 per 1,000 people. Crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated attack are all violent crimes.
The rate of property theft in Anchorage is also very high—34.55 incidents per 1,000 residents—which is very scary. The average for the state is 24.87 per 1,000 people, and the average for the country is 22.0 per 1,000 people. Property crimes include things like breaking and entering, larceny-theft, and car theft.
Anchorage has a high crime rate because of many things, such as poverty, homelessness, drug abuse, mental health problems, marital violence, and gang activity. There are also big problems with the city’s ability to provide enough police and social services to deal with these deeper problems.
Cordova is Alaska’s Safest Port
On the other end of the scale, Cordova, a quiet coastal town with only about 2,200 people, is the safest city in Alaska. In 2018, Cordova had an amazing violent crime rate of 0.00 per 1,000 people. This means that there were no reports of murder, rape, theft, or serious assault. The town also had a property crime rate of 4.54 per 1,000 people, which was much higher than the state and national norms.
Cordova is a small town in the middle of nowhere, and fishing and tourists are its main sources of income. Some people in the town really care about each other and are very involved in politics, which probably helps keep things safe and reduces crime.
How to Stay Safe in Anchorage
Taking steps to lower your risk of becoming a victim of crime is very important for people who live in or visit Anchorage. Here are some ideas:
Don’t walk alone at night or in places you don’t know; take the bus or use a ride-sharing service instead.
Make sure all of your doors and windows are locked, and keep your things safe when you leave your home or car.
Watch out for what’s going on around you and call the cops right away if you see or hear anything that seems fishy.
Do not do anything that is against the law, like using drugs, gambling, or prostitutes.
Get help if you’re having problems with things like domestic violence, drugs, or mental health.
That being said
The different and unique places in Alaska make the state stand out. Each city has its own pros and cons. There may be more chances and comforts in some cities, but there may also be more risks and problems. Anchorage has a lot of violent and property crimes because it is the most dangerous place in Alaska.
On the other hand, both types of crime are less common in Cordova, Alaska, which is the safest place in the state. No matter where in Alaska you live or visit, it is very important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself and your property.