Is Anchorage or Wasilla Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wasilla is safer than Anchorage (Safety Score 21/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 2,881 per 100,000 versus 3,781 for Anchorage — 24% lower. Anchorage has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wasilla has a 71% lower rate.
Note: Anchorage is 28.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Anchorage — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wasilla — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Anchorage, AK
Wasilla, AK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Anchorage | Wasilla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,781.4 | 2,880.9 | +900.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,015.5 | 459.0 | +556.5 |
| Murder Rate | 9.4 | 9.8 | -0.4 |
| Rape Rate | 161.0 | 68.4 | +92.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 166.9 | 48.8 | +118.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 677.5 | 322.3 | +355.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,765.9 | 2,421.9 | +344.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.1 | 595.7 | -278.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,025.7 | 1,630.9 | +394.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 423.1 | 195.3 | +227.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anchorage or Wasilla safer?
Wasilla is safer with a total crime rate of 2,881 per 100K vs 3,781 for Anchorage — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Anchorage has a violent crime rate of 1,015.5 per 100K while Wasilla has 459.0. Wasilla has lower violent crime.
About Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. This geographically isolated hub, home to over 40% of Alaska's population, famously rebuilt after the devastating 1964 earthquake. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 286,958, Anchorage has a total crime rate of 3,781.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Wasilla, AK
Wasilla, Alaska, a town in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, is known as the original start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This community, home to roughly 10,000 residents, serves as a hub for the surrounding rural areas. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 10,240, Wasilla has a total crime rate of 2,880.9 per 100,000 residents.