Alaska boasts breathtaking natural beauty, a wealth of cultural diversity, and flourishing wildlife. Nevertheless, not all areas within the state offer the same level of safety and livability. Certain neighborhoods grapple with elevated crime rates, poverty, and social issues, rendering them less desirable as residential locations. In this article, we will explore five of the most worst neighborhoods in Alaska, drawing upon data and statistics from multiple sources.
Mountain View, Anchorage
Mountain View, situated in northeast Anchorage, has gained a notorious reputation as one of the most dangerous and troubled areas in the state. As per the FBI’s records for 2019, it held the highest violent crime rate in Alaska, with 2,055 incidents reported per 100,000 residents. Alongside this concerning statistic, the neighborhood grapples with significant challenges such as poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and substance abuse.
The economic conditions in Mountain View are particularly concerning, with the median household income standing at only $38,571, significantly lower than the state average of $77,640. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts a rich cultural diversity, hosting a substantial number of immigrants and refugees from various countries.
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Kotzebue
Kotzebue, situated in northwest Alaska, functions as a crucial regional center for the nearby villages. Nevertheless, the city grapples with significant challenges in terms of crime, economy, and the environment. In 2019, Kotzebue registered the second highest violent crime rate in Alaska, with 1,787 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Additionally, the city faces economic hardships, evident in its high unemployment rate of 13.9%, which is more than double the state average of 6.1%. Moreover, Kotzebue is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including coastal erosion, flooding, and permafrost thawing.
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Wasilla
Wasilla, a city in southcentral Alaska, is primarily known as the hometown of former governor and vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. However, beneath its well-known reputation, Wasilla has a darker side, making it one of the least desirable places to live in Alaska.
In 2019, Wasilla reported the fourth-highest violent crime rate in Alaska, with 1,254 incidents per 100,000 residents. Moreover, the city has a significantly high property crime rate, recording 6,179 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is more than three times the state average of 1,907.
Apart from safety concerns, Wasilla also faces challenges in education. The city has a low educational attainment level, with only 14.4% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
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Nome
Nome, located in western Alaska, boasts a rich history as a city renowned for its gold rush heritage and as the esteemed endpoint of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Nevertheless, it grapples with significant challenges, making it one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in Alaska.
Notably, Nome experiences a concerning level of violent crime, ranking fifth highest in the state with 1,239 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2019. Additionally, the city contends with a relatively high poverty rate of 18.8%, surpassing the state average of 10.1%. Moreover, Nome’s quality of life index is notably low, impacted by factors such as healthcare, education, safety, and the overall environment.
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Fairview, Anchorage
Fairview, a neighborhood in Anchorage, is infamous for its reputation as an unsafe and undesirable area. According to statistics from 2019, it holds the sixth highest violent crime rate in Alaska, with 1,211 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Additionally, the rate of property crimes is alarmingly high, with 5,874 incidents per 100,000 residents—more than three times the state average of 1,907. Apart from its crime issues, Fairview faces economic challenges as well, with a low median household income of $41,250, falling below the state average of $77,640. The neighborhood is also characterized by a high population density and congestion
Conclusion
Alaska provides abundant opportunities and attractions for both its inhabitants and tourists. Nevertheless, the safety and livability of its various regions differ significantly. Some neighborhoods suffer from elevated crime rates, poverty, and social issues, rendering them less appealing as residential areas.
In this article, we examine five of the most challenging neighborhoods in Alaska, relying on data and statistics from multiple sources. The neighborhoods under scrutiny are Mountain View, Kotzebue, Wasilla, Nome, and Fairview. Our aim is to equip you with valuable insights to make well-informed decisions regarding your choice of residence or destination in Alaska.
