Fairbanks, situated in the interior of Alaska, is the second-largest city in the state, boasting a population of approximately 32,000 residents. This city is nestled near the scenic Tanana River and the majestic Alaska Range.
The climate in Fairbanks is subarctic, characterized by long, frigid winters and short, mild summers. With its diverse and lively culture, the city offers a wealth of natural attractions and abundant wildlife.
However, like any city, Fairbanks has its share of challenges, particularly when it comes to certain areas that experience higher crime rates and violence. Drawing on crime statistics and reports from various sources, here are five of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Fairbanks:
Mountain View:
Mountain View, located in the northeast part of Fairbanks, is surrounded by Glenn Highway, Boniface Parkway, Ship Creek, and Merrill Field. The neighborhood has a population of approximately 6,800 people, with a majority being of African American and Native American descent. Mountain View faces challenges, as it has a high poverty rate, low median income, and limited educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Mountain View’s crime rates are a cause for concern. The violent crime rate stands at 22.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than four times higher than the national average. Similarly, the property crime rate is 67.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, more than twice the national average. This puts Mountain View residents at a one in 44 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a one in 15 chance of being a victim of property crime.
Common crimes in Mountain View include robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. The community is grappling with these issues and striving to improve safety and overall well-being.
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Government Hill:
Government Hill is a neighborhood located in the northwest part of Fairbanks. It is surrounded by Knik Arm, Ship Creek, Elmendorf Air Force Base, and Richardson Highway. The population of Government Hill is approximately 1,300, with a majority being of white and Native American descent. The neighborhood has a moderate poverty rate, as well as median income and educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Government Hill has a higher-than-average violent crime rate, with 18.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average. The property crime rate is also elevated, at 63.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average.
This means that Government Hill residents have a one in 54 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a one in 16 chance of experiencing a property crime.
The most common crimes in Government Hill include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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Downtown:
Downtown serves as the central business district and cultural hub of Fairbanks, surrounded by Knik Arm, Cook Inlet, Fire Island, and 9th Avenue. Its population consists of approximately 1,200 people, with a predominant mix of white and Asian residents.
The area boasts a low poverty rate, high median income, and a significant level of educational attainment among its inhabitants. However, it’s important to note that Downtown faces some concerning crime statistics.
According to AreaVibes, Downtown experiences a violent crime rate of 17 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times higher than the national average. Similarly, the property crime rate stands at 58 incidents per 1,000 residents, nearly twice the national average. These figures indicate that Downtown residents have a one in 59 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a one in 17 chance of experiencing a property crime.
Among the most common crimes in Downtown are robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. This highlights the importance of implementing measures to address and reduce crime in the area, ensuring a safer environment for its residents and visitors.
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Fairview:
Fairview is a neighborhood located in the east-central part of Fairbanks. It is bordered by Merrill Field, Gambell Street, Chester Creek, and Ingra Street. The population of Fairview is approximately 7,100 people, with the majority being African American and Native American residents. Unfortunately, Fairview faces several challenges, including a high poverty rate, low median income, and low educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Fairview has a concerning crime rate. The violent crime rate stands at 15.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate is 54.4 per 1,000 residents, nearly double the national average.
This means that Fairview residents have a one in 64 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a one in 18 chance of becoming a victim of property crime.
Common crimes in Fairview include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. These issues highlight the need for efforts to address safety and socioeconomic challenges in the neighborhood.
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Airport Heights:
Airport Heights is a neighborhood situated in the northeastern part of Fairbanks. It is bordered by Merrill Field, Boniface Parkway, Northern Lights Boulevard, and DeBarr Road. The population of Airport Heights is around 7,000, with a majority being white and Native American residents. The neighborhood has a moderate poverty rate, median income, and educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Airport Heights has a concerning crime situation. The violent crime rate is reported to be 14.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times higher than the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate stands at 52.3 per 1,000 residents, nearly twice the national average.
This means that residents of Airport Heights face a one in 69 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime and a one in 19 chance of experiencing a property crime. The most commonly reported crimes in the area include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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Conclusion
Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Fairbanks, Alaska, identified based on crime statistics and reports from various sources. However, it’s essential to remember that crime can occur in any area, and both residents and visitors should remain vigilant and conscious of their surroundings.
On the positive side, Fairbanks boasts numerous safe and peaceful neighborhoods, along with a plethora of attractions and amenities that make it an excellent place to live and visit.
