Kenai, AK Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kenai, 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 Kenai is 0.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 26 violent crimes reported in Kenai, equivalent to 337 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 8.8%. Additionally, Kenai recorded 152 property crimes, amounting to 1971 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 0.8%.

When evaluating the Kenai crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Kenai crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Kenai maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 337 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Kenai shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Kenai stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Kenai, there were a total of 1 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

Kenai has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1971 property crimes in Kenai, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kenai?

AreaVibes surveyed 17 local residents in Kenai to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 59% of people answered that there was very little crime in Kenai and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 41% 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 Kenai a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Kenai, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Kenai presents a total crime rate that is 1% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Kenai experiences an average of 0.49 daily crimes, comprising 0.07 violent incidents and 0.42 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Kenai Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Kenai. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Kenai has increased by 5.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 23.5%, while property crime has increased by 12.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Kenai.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kenai

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 Kenai crime rates. The population density in Kenai is 267.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Kenai, the cost of living is 17.84% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Kenai is $229,000, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Kenai crime map