Is Fairbanks or Wasilla Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wasilla is safer than Fairbanks (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,881 per 100,000 versus 4,167 for Fairbanks — 31% lower. Fairbanks has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wasilla has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Fairbanks is 3.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Fairbanks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Wasilla — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fairbanks, AK
Wasilla, AK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Fairbanks | Wasilla | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,167.2 | 2,880.9 | +1,286.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 704.0 | 459.0 | +245.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.3 | 9.8 | -3.5 |
| Rape Rate | 120.0 | 68.4 | +51.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 132.6 | 48.8 | +83.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 438.8 | 322.3 | +116.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,463.2 | 2,421.9 | +1,041.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 296.8 | 595.7 | -299.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,847.6 | 1,630.9 | +1,216.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 318.9 | 195.3 | +123.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairbanks or Wasilla safer?
Wasilla is safer with a total crime rate of 2,881 per 100K vs 4,167 for Fairbanks — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Fairbanks has a violent crime rate of 704.0 per 100K while Wasilla has 459.0. Wasilla has lower violent crime.
About Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks, Alaska, a city founded on gold mining, sits just 190 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Its population of roughly 32,000 residents experiences extreme seasonal light variations, from near-total darkness to the midnight sun. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 31,676, Fairbanks has a total crime rate of 4,167.2 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.