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Alaska Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 66 people in Alaska.

  • Alaska's violent crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It stands at 15.05 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Alaska's property crime rate is lower than the national average. It is recorded at 16.14 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on February 12th, 2024 at 07:56 pm

    by | Sep 7, 2023

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Alaska, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of Alaska, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Alaska. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Alaska Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number6,0596,4971,694
    Rate per 100015.0516.144.21

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Alaska. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Alaska’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Alaska has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Alaska, the rate of violent crimes is 15.05 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Alaska vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Alaska compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Alaska in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Alaska’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number521,0344,3137229
    Rate per 10000.132.5710.711.570.07
    Population402,557

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Alaska

    • Alaska’s murder crime rate is 0.13, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 86%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 2.57, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.44 by 484%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 10.71, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.83 by 278%.
    • Robbery is a significant concern in Alaska, with a crime rate of 1.57, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.63 by 149%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.07, which is lower than the national average of 0.11 by 36%.

    Alaska’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Alaska has a lower property crime rate compared to the national average. In Alaska, the rate of property crimes is 16.14 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Alaska vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Alaska compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Alaska’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number786592,199342,76161147
    Rate per 10001.950.155.460.086.861.520.12
    Population402,557

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

    Insights into Property Crimes in Alaska

    • Alaska experiences a burglary crime rate of 1.95, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 28%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.15, which is higher than the national average of 0.08 by 88%.
    • Vandalism is a concern in Alaska, with a crime rate of 5.46, which is higher than the national average of 3.94 by 39%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.08, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 100%.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 6.86 in Alaska, which is significantly lower than the national average of 13.95 by 51%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 1.52, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 43%.
    • Alaska faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.12, which is 86% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Alaska’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,2294271820
    Rate per 10003.051.060.040.05
    Population402,557

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

    Alaska’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are not a concern in Alaska, with a rate of 3.05, which is lower than the national average of 3.89 by 22%.
    • Weapon law violations are an area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.06, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 31%.

     

    Conclusion

    The crime situation in Alaska presents a mixed picture with both concerning and positive aspects. The higher rates of murder and assault raise safety concerns and indicate the need for measures to address violent crime. The lower incidence of kidnapping contributes to a sense of security, while the high rate of robbery is a notable concern that requires attention.

    On the positive side, lower rates of burglary, vandalism, and theft indicate a relatively safer environment regarding property crimes. The lower incidence of motor vehicle theft and significantly lower rates of identity theft suggest lower risks in these areas. While drug offenses are not particularly significant, attention is needed for weapon law violations.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.