Anchorage, AK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Anchorage, AK

The Anchorage crime rates are 68.4% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 3289 violent crimes in Anchorage (1151 per 100,000 people), which is 211.2% higher than the national average and there were a total of 7900 property crimes (2764 per 100,000 residents) which is 41.4% higher than average.

Anchorage is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 1151 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Anchorage is 1 in 87.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Anchorage stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Anchorage, there were a total of 29 murders, translating to 10 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Anchorage?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Anchorage. Based on the results of the surveys (272 responses), 25% of people felt that there was very little crime in Anchorage and felt safe walking alone at night. While 75% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Anchorage a Safe Place to Live?

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 68%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 30.65 daily incidents, encompassing 9.01 violent crimes and 21.64 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.

Has Crime in Anchorage Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Anchorage crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Anchorage has decreased by 16.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 5.3% and property crime has decreased by 20%.

Anchorage Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Anchorage area comprises a diverse array of over 35 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Rabbit Creek, Hillside East and Bear Valley which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Mountain View, Midtown and Government Hill exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Anchorage neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Anchorage

Anchorage has a poverty rate that stands at 8.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Anchorage crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

In Anchorage, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Anchorage crime rates.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Anchorage, the average rental rates are $1,310 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Anchorage crime map