Fairbanks, AK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Fairbanks, AK

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Fairbanks is 120.2% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 271 violent crimes reported in Fairbanks, equivalent to 827 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 123.5%. Additionally, Fairbanks recorded 1407 property crimes, amounting to 4292 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 119.6%.

Having a crime rate of 5118 per 100,000 residents, Fairbanks experiences a crime rate that is 120.21% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Fairbanks contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Fairbanks is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 827 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 Fairbanks is 1 in 121.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Fairbanks is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 10 murders in Fairbanks, which equates to 31 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Fairbanks being a very dangerous place to live.

Every year, one in 24 people fall victim to a property crime in Fairbanks - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4292 per 100,000 people, Fairbanks has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Fairbanks faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 168 vehicle thefts, translating to 512 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Fairbanks in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 196.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fairbanks?

AreaVibes surveyed 45 local residents in Fairbanks to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 38% of people answered that there was very little crime in Fairbanks and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 62% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Fairbanks a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Fairbanks a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Fairbanks crime rate is 120% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.6 crimes per day - 0.74 violent crimes and 3.85 property crimes.

Has Crime in Fairbanks Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Fairbanks has increased by 9.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Fairbanks, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 4.2%, while property crime has increased by 10.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Fairbanks is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fairbanks

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Fairbanks currently has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Fairbanks crime rates. The population density in Fairbanks is 990 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Fairbanks, the average rental rates are $1,327 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Fairbanks crime map