Top 10 Worst Places to Live In Alaska . Top 10 Worst Cities In Alaska to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in Alaska. Top 10 Worst Villages in Alaska. If you’re thinking about a move to Alaska, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Alaska You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In Alaska. 10 Places in Alaska You Should NEVER Move To.



TOP 10 WORST CITIES TO LIVE IN ALASKA

Table of Contents

• 1. NOME
• 2. WASILLA
• 3. KOTZEBUE
• 4. PALMER
• 5. KENAI
• 6. HOMER
• 7. ANCHORAGE
• 8. DILLINGHAM
• 9. FAIRBANKS
• 10. SEWARD

 

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1. NOME

Nome, a remote city situated on the western coast of Alaska, boasts a population of 3,850. As a pivotal hub for the surrounding Arctic region, Nome faces significant challenges, particularly in crime and economic stability. The city ranks 1st in both total and violent crimes in Alaska, with violent crime rates an alarming 983.79% higher than the national average. This includes top rankings in assaults and rapes, and a troubling 2nd place in murders. The city's economic challenges are equally severe, with an unemployment rate of 9.6%, which is 104.26% higher than the national average. The poverty rate of 7.5% adds to the economic strain, despite a median household income of $84,574 and a median home value of $258,100. Nome’s high crime rates overshadow its economic indicators, contributing to an overall score of 6/10, reflecting the city's critical challenges.

Population : 3850
Unemployment Rate : 9.6%
Poverty : 7.5%
Median Home Value : $258100
Median Home Income : $84574
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 164
Property Crime : 72

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2. WASILLA

Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska, Wasilla is a city with a population of 10,469. Known for its growing residential areas and proximity to Anchorage, Wasilla faces notable crime and economic issues. The city ranks 5th in total crimes and 3rd in property crimes in Alaska. Violent crime rates are 79.05% higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 134 chance of being victims of such crimes. The economic situation in Wasilla is challenging as well, with an unemployment rate of 11.8%, 151.06% higher than the national average, and a poverty rate of 13.3%. Despite a median household income of $62,667 and a median home value of $258,100, the city struggles with a high cost of living and elevated crime rates. Wasilla's overall score of 5/10 reflects the impact of these combined issues.

Population : 10469
Unemployment Rate : 11.8%
Poverty : 13.3%
Median Home Value : $258100
Median Home Income : $62667
Overall Score : 5/10
Violent Crime : 78
Property Crime : 341

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3. KOTZEBUE

Kotzebue, a city situated above the Arctic Circle in northwest Alaska, has a population of 3,287. This remote city serves as a key trading post for the surrounding villages. Kotzebue ranks 1st in murders and 5th in poverty in Alaska, highlighting severe social and economic issues. The poverty rate is 18.6%, which is 32.86% higher than the national average, and the unemployment rate is 8.1%, 72.34% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 74.51% higher than the national average, with a 1 in 149 chance of being a victim. Although the median household income stands at $81,188 and the median home value is $236,500, these economic indicators are overshadowed by the high crime and poverty levels. Kotzebue’s overall score of 4/10 reflects the severity of its economic and crime-related challenges.

Population : 3287
Unemployment Rate : 8.1%
Poverty : 18.6%
Median Home Value : $236500
Median Home Income : $81188
Overall Score : 4/10
Violent Crime : 22
Property Crime : 6

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4. PALMER

Palmer, located in the scenic Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska, has a population of 7,359. Known for its agricultural roots and proximity to Anchorage, Palmer faces notable economic and crime-related issues. The city ranks 11th in unemployment in Alaska with a rate of 11.9%, which is 153.19% higher than the national average. Economic difficulties are further evidenced by a poverty rate of 12.9% and a median household income of $60,156. The city’s crime rates include 18 violent crime incidents and 84 property crime incidents. Despite a median home value of $215,500, Palmer's economic and crime challenges contribute to an overall score of 6/10, reflecting its moderate difficulties.



Population : 7359
Unemployment Rate : 11.9%
Poverty : 12.9%
Median Home Value : $215500
Median Home Income : $60156
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 18
Property Crime : 84

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5. KENAI

Kenai, situated on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, is a city with a population of 7,799. Known for its picturesque landscapes and economic reliance on tourism and fishing, Kenai struggles with significant economic and crime-related issues. It ranks 9th in poverty in Alaska with a poverty rate of 15.5%, which is 10.71% higher than the national average. The city also ranks 3rd in murders, highlighting severe violent crime issues. The unemployment rate is 8.2%, 74.47% higher than the national average. Despite a median household income of $66,612 and a median home value of $229,000, these economic figures are overshadowed by the high crime rates, including a violent crime rate 14.41% higher than the national average. Kenai’s overall score of 5/10 reflects the impact of its combined economic and crime issues.

Population : 7799
Unemployment Rate : 8.2%
Poverty : 15.5%
Median Home Value : $229000
Median Home Income : $66612
Overall Score : 5/10
Violent Crime : 35
Property Crime : 148

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6. HOMER

Homer, located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts community. With a population of 5,830, Homer faces significant economic and crime-related challenges. The city’s unemployment rate is 8.7%, which is 85.11% higher than the national average, reflecting economic difficulties in an area with a high cost of living. The median household income is $61,332, which is 9.14% lower than the national average, and the poverty rate stands at 11.4%. Despite these economic strains, Homer’s crime rates are relatively moderate compared to other Alaskan cities. The overall crime rate is 6% higher than the national average, with violent crime incidents totaling 17 and property crime incidents at 101. The median home value is $293,700. Homer’s overall score of 6/10 highlights both its economic challenges and relatively stable crime rates.



Population : 5830
Unemployment Rate : 8.7%
Poverty : 11.4%
Median Home Value : $293700
Median Home Income : $61332
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 17
Property Crime : 101

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7. ANCHORAGE

Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska with a population of 292,090, is a major economic and cultural hub. The city experiences substantial crime issues, ranking 3rd in total crimes and violent crimes in Alaska. It has the highest rates for robberies and car thefts, and significant issues with assaults and rapes. The overall crime rate in Anchorage is 98.61% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate 212.45% higher. Residents face a 1 in 84 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, and a 1 in 30 chance of property crime. The city’s unemployment rate of 5.2% is 10.64% higher than the national average, and the median household income of $84,813 is slightly above average, but not sufficient to offset the high crime rates. The median home value is $320,100. Anchorage's overall score of 6/10 reflects a balance of significant crime concerns with a relatively higher median income compared to other cities.

Population : 292090
Unemployment Rate : 5.2%
Poverty : 8.8%
Median Home Value : $320100
Median Home Income : $84813
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 3472
Property Crime : 9872

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8. DILLINGHAM

Dillingham, located in southwestern Alaska, is a small city with a population of 2,215. It is known for its remote location and fishing industry. The city faces notable crime challenges, ranking 4th in violent crimes and 2nd in assaults in Alaska. The violent crime rate is 139.85% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 101 chance of being a victim. The unemployment rate is 6.3%, which is 34.04% higher than the national average, indicating economic pressures despite the relatively small population. The median household income is $74,524, and the median home value is $266,200. Dillingham's overall crime rates are relatively high for its size, with 22 violent crime incidents and 25 property crime incidents. The overall score of 5/10 reflects these significant crime challenges along with moderate economic indicators.

Population : 2215
Unemployment Rate : 6.3%
Poverty : 11.9%
Median Home Value : $266200
Median Home Income : $74524
Overall Score : 5/10
Violent Crime : 22
Property Crime : 25

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9. FAIRBANKS

Fairbanks, located in the interior of Alaska, is a significant urban center with a population of 31,427. The city faces high crime rates, ranking 2nd in total crimes and 1st in property crimes in Alaska. Fairbanks has the highest rates for burglaries, larcenies, and car thefts, with a violent crime rate 117.35% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 121 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 25 chance of property crime. The city’s unemployment rate is 8.3%, which is 76.6% higher than the national average, and the median household income is $64,397, which is slightly below the national average. The median home value is $217,700. Fairbanks' overall crime rate is 112.35% higher than the national average. The city’s overall score of 6/10 reflects severe crime issues tempered by moderate economic indicators.

Population : 31427
Unemployment Rate : 8.3%
Poverty : 9.3%
Median Home Value : $217700
Median Home Income : $64397
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 260
Property Crime : 1276

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10. SEWARD

Seward, located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, is a small city with a population of 2,773. Known for its scenic beauty and tourism, Seward faces moderate crime challenges. The city ranks 5th in burglaries and 4th in car thefts in Alaska. The overall crime rate is 3.3% higher than the national average, with property crime being 7.39% higher. Seward’s violent crime rate is relatively low, with only 9 incidents reported. The unemployment rate is 7.1%, which is 51.06% higher than the national average, indicating economic challenges despite a moderate median household income of $73,611. The median home value is $243,500. Seward's overall score of 6/10 reflects a balance of relatively low violent crime rates with moderate property crime and economic difficulties.

Population : 2773
Unemployment Rate : 7.1%
Poverty : 12%
Median Home Value : $243500
Median Home Income : $73611
Overall Score : 6/10
Violent Crime : 9
Property Crime : 59

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