Anchorage, situated in the south-central region of Alaska, holds the distinction of being the largest city in the state, home to approximately 288,000 residents. The city enjoys a rich blend of cultures and a thriving atmosphere, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Cook Inlet, offering various natural wonders and abundant wildlife.
However, like any urban area, Anchorage has certain neighborhoods that experience higher rates of crime and violence. Drawing from crime statistics and reports from multiple sources, here are five of the most hazardous neighborhoods in Anchorage:
Mountain View:
Mountain View, situated in the northeast part of Anchorage, is bordered by Glenn Highway, Boniface Parkway, Ship Creek, and Merrill Field. It has a population of approximately 6,800 people, with the majority being African American and Native American. Unfortunately, Mountain View faces significant challenges such as a high poverty rate, low median income, and low educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Mountain View’s violent crime rate stands at 22.9 per 1,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average. Similarly, the property crime rate is 67.3 per 1,000 residents, over twice the national average. This makes the likelihood of residents falling victim to violent crime one in 44 and one in 15 for property crime. Common crimes in the area include robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
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Government Hill:
Government Hill is a neighborhood located in the northwest part of Anchorage. It is surrounded by Knik Arm, Ship Creek, Elmendorf Air Force Base, and Richardson Highway.
The population of Government Hill is around 1,300 people, with a majority being of white and Native American ethnicity. The neighborhood experiences moderate poverty levels, with median income and educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Government Hill has a concerning violent crime rate of 18.4 per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate is 63.7 per 1,000 residents, more than twice the national average.
This means that residents of Government Hill have a one in 54 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a one in 16 chance of being a victim of property crime. The most commonly reported crimes in this area include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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Downtown:
Downtown serves as Anchorage’s central business district and cultural hub, encompassed by Knik Arm, Cook Inlet, Fire Island, and 9th Avenue. The population of Downtown is approximately 1,200, with a predominant presence of white and Asian residents. The area exhibits a low poverty rate, high median income, and a notable level of educational attainment.
However, it’s worth noting that Downtown also faces certain challenges in terms of crime. According to AreaVibes, the violent crime rate in this area stands at 17 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times the national average.
Additionally, the property crime rate is 58 incidents per 1,000 residents, nearly twice the national average. This means that residents in Downtown have a one in 59 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a one in 17 chance of falling victim to property crime.
Among the most frequently reported crimes in Downtown are robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. It remains essential for the community and local authorities to work together to address these concerns and ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors.
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Fairview:
Fairview is a neighborhood located in the east-central part of Anchorage. It is surrounded by Merrill Field, Gambell Street, Chester Creek, and Ingra Street. The population of Fairview is approximately 7,100, with a majority being African American and Native-American residents. Unfortunately, Fairview faces several socioeconomic challenges, such as a high poverty rate, low median income, and limited educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Fairview has a notably high crime rate. The violent crime rate is reported at 15.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is over three times the national average. Similarly, the property crime rate stands at 54.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, nearly double the national average. This means that residents in Fairview have a one in 64 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a one in 18 chance of experiencing property crime.
Common crimes in the Fairview area include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. These challenges pose significant concerns for the safety and well-being of the community.
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Airport Heights:
Airport Heights is a neighborhood located in the northeast part of Anchorage. It is surrounded by Merrill Field, Boniface Parkway, Northern Lights Boulevard, and DeBarr Road. The population of Airport Heights is approximately 7,000, with a majority being of white and Native American descent. The neighborhood has a moderate poverty rate, median income, and educational attainment.
According to AreaVibes, Airport Heights has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average, with 14.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is more than three times the national average. The property crime rate is also elevated, with 52.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, nearly twice the national average.
For residents of Airport Heights, there is a one in 69 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a one in 19 chance of experiencing property crime. The most common crimes in this neighborhood include assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
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Conclusion
Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Anchorage, Alaska, according to crime statistics and reports from various sources. However, it’s important to remember that crime can occur anywhere, so residents and visitors should always remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings.
On the positive side, Anchorage also boasts numerous safe and peaceful neighborhoods, along with various attractions and amenities that contribute to its appeal as a wonderful place to live and visit.
