Top 10 Safest Cities in Alaska

Welcome to Alaska, home to some of the United States’ most beautiful natural sights and unique wildlife. Although it is the largest state per square mile, Alaska has a population of only 730,000-plus people, making it one of the least populous and least dense states in the country. However, Alaska suffers from a high crime rate per capita, so those looking to move to Alaska will want to take care to select a city known for its safety.

The Top 10 Safest Communities in Alaska

1. Haines

• Population: 2,508
• Violent Crimes: 3 (0.119 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 16 (0.638 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

70.50% Below National Crime Rate, 81.90% Below State Crime Rate

Alaska’s safest city is located in the northern part of the panhandle near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. With only three reported violent crimes and 16 nonviolent crimes, it’s easy to see how Haines makes the top of the list. On top of great safety statistics, Haines is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and rafting. Be sure to check out the annual bald eagle festival in the fall!

2. Wrangell

• Population: 2,521
• Violent Crimes: 1 (0.0387 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 23 (0.9123 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Car Theft

62.93% Below National Crime Rate, 77.25% Below State Crime Rate

Wrangell is a town located on the northern tip of Wrangell Island. Although second in overall safety, Wrangell is first in safety regarding violent crime, with only one violent crime reported in the past year. With a thriving fishing industry, Wrangell is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful day out on the seas, catching fish.

3. Cordova

• Population: 2,179
• Violent Crimes: 6 (0.2754 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 12 (0.5507 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault

67.84% Below National Crime Rate, 80.26% Below State Crime Rate

Known as “the Crossroads of Alaska,” Cordova is a town located near the mouth of the Copper River. Like many Alaskan cities, fishing is the primary industry in Cordova, and the community goes the extra mile to show its appreciation for salmon every July with the Copper River Salmon Jam.

4. Valdez

• Population: 3,845
• Violent Crimes: 5 (0.130 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 68 (1.7685 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

26.08% Below National Crime Rate, 54.64% Below State Crime Rate

Named after a Spanish Navy minister, Valdez is located on the eastern side of Port William Sound. The former gold rush town is now known as one of the most vital ports in Alaska. Explorers can enjoy the area glaciers and trails, while those preferring indoors activities can learn about the city’s history and culture at the Valdez museum.

5. Seward

• Population: 2,850
• Violent Crimes: 6 (0.2105 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 74 (2.5965 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

9.29% Above National Crime Rate, 32.93% Below State Crime Rate

Situated at the head of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward has the fifth highest safety rating and fifth lowest violent crime rate in the state. Surrounded by mountains and located close to the Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward offers plenty of beautiful sights among its high safety ratings.

6. Sitka

• Population: 8,588
• Violent Crimes: 21 (0.2445 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 227 (2.6432 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny, Aggravated Assault and Burglary

12.43% Above National Crime Rate, 31% Below State Crime Rate

With more than 8,000 people calling the city home, Sitka has the highest population of the cities on this list. Nicknamed the “Paris of the Pacific” in the 19th century, Sitka has a unique blend of Tlingit, Russian and American cultural influences due to its settler history. With a crime rate 31 percent below the state crime rate, the people of Sitka can enjoy museums, mountains and fishing in safety.

7. Unalaska

• Population: 4,546
• Violent Crimes: 17 (0.374 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 49 (1.0779 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault

43.47% Below National Crime Rate, 65.31% Below State Crime Rate

Unalaska is the hub city of the Aleutian Islands, with more than 4,000 residents. Most of its port facilities are located on nearby Amaknak Island or Dutch Harbor, which is connected to Unalaska by a bridge. Unalaska is full of trails, wildlife viewing spots and places to fish — in fact, it is one of the largest fisheries ports in the U.S. by volume caught.

8. Petersburg

• Population: 3,262
• Violent Crimes: 10 (0.306 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 77 (2.36 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

1.03% Above National Crime Rate, 37% Below State Crime Rate

Petersburg is an island town with a booming fishing industry. Another major fishing port, Petersburg offers glacier tours, forest hikes and wildlife watches. Named after a Norwegian immigrant, Petersburg has a strong Scandinavian presence, earing it the nickname of “Alaska’s Little Norway.”

9. Homer

• Population: 5,797
• Violent Crimes: 12 (0.207 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 216 (3.726.1 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Burglary

53.13% Above National Crime Rate, 6.03% Below State Crime Rate

Located on Kachemak Bay, Homer is famous for its halibut fishing and the Homer Spit, which is a strip of land containing shops, restaurants and galleries. If you want a break from fishing, try a glacier tour or a bear viewing tour. Although Homer has a higher than average nonviolent crime rate, it also has one of the lowest violent crime rates, with only 12 violent crimes reported in the past year.

10. Palmer

• Population: 7,403
• Violent Crimes: 26 (0.3512 per capita)
• Nonviolent Crimes: 244 (3.296 per capita)
• Most Common Crime: Larceny and Aggravated Assault

42% Above National Crime Rate, 12.86% Below State Crime Rate

About 42 miles northeast of Anchorage lies Palmer, a snowy town surrounded by mountains. Palmer is home to the annual Alaskan State Fair, held at the end of August. Along with mountain hiking, residents can enjoy a golf course, river rafting and tasty eats in its many restaurants.

All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.