City in Alaska, United States
Is Anchorage safe?
Safe in tourist areas by day, with higher crime and homelessness than in many US cities.
Is Anchorage safe?
Safe in tourist areas by day, with higher crime and homelessness than in many US cities. Wildlife, weather and remote trails are the main risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- Homicide rate in United States: 5.8 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in United States: 12.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Anchorage at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Car break-ins and theft; drug activity and public intoxication in parts of downtown, Spenard and Mountain View; violent crime is mostly among locals. |
| At night | Downtown and Midtown are fine in summer evenings. In winter, take rideshare or taxis rather than walking in the dark and cold. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women in busy areas. Avoid trails alone at dusk and use rideshare late. |
| Other risks | Moose and bears on trails and streets; Mudflats and tides at Turnagain Arm; Cold, ice and earthquakes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake rental listings asking for deposits or wires
- Unlicensed tour operators taking upfront payment
- Card skimmers at gas pumps and standalone ATMs
Take care
- Spenard and Mountain View late at night: drug activity, fights
- Coastal trails near Turnagain Arm: fast tides and mudflats
- Hiking in bear and moose country: carry bear spray, make noise
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking age is 21 everywhere; bars and shops check ID, so carry your passport.
- Open alcohol containers in public and in cars are illegal in most places.
- Cannabis is legal in some states but federally illegal; never carry it across borders or onto federal land.
How Anchorage compares in United States
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Sedona | 5/5 · Very safe |
| New York City | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Las Vegas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Orlando | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Honolulu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Boston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Diego | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Maui | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nashville | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Austin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Miami Beach | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Key West | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Denver | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Portland | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Antonio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Charleston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Savannah | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Fort Lauderdale | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kauai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Big Island | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Anchorage | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Los Angeles | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Miami | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Francisco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Washington, D.C. | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Chicago | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| New Orleans | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Seattle | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Philadelphia | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Atlanta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Anchorage safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women in busy areas. Avoid trails alone at dusk and use rideshare late.
Is Anchorage safe at night?
Downtown and Midtown are fine in summer evenings. In winter, take rideshare or taxis rather than walking in the dark and cold.
What is the crime rate in Anchorage?
Car break-ins and theft; drug activity and public intoxication in parts of downtown, Spenard and Mountain View; violent crime is mostly among locals. Nationally, United States records 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Anchorage?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Anchorage
Going to Anchorage solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Anchorage meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- People Mover (Municipality of Anchorage)
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
- Alaska Railroad
- Visit Anchorage
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.