F
8%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
309%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
50%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleKotzebue/100k peopleAlaska/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime76n/a (estimate)2,4992,5482,324
Murder0n/a0.09.56.3
Rape7n/a230.2134.040.0
Robbery0n/a0.075.166.1
Assault39n/a1,282.5540.2268.2
Violent crime46n/a (estimate)1,513759370
Burglary9n/a296.0269.0269.8
Theft15n/a493.31,274.61,401.9
Vehicle theft6n/a197.3245.5282.7
Property crime30n/a (estimate)9871,7891,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kotzebue, AK

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Kotzebue crime rate is 7.5% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Kotzebue, there were 46 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1513 per 100,000 individuals, 309.1% higher than the national average. Additionally, Kotzebue recorded 30 property crimes, amounting to 987 per 100,000 residents, 49.5% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Kotzebue per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Kotzebue, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Kotzebue ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1513 per 100,000 people, Kotzebue is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Kotzebue, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Kotzebue showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kotzebue?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Kotzebue residents. Out of the respondents (40 in total), 18% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Kotzebue were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 83% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Kotzebue a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Kotzebue is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Kotzebue has a total crime rate that is 8% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.21 daily crimes (0.13 violent daily crimes and 0.08 daily property crimes) in Kotzebue.

Has Crime in Kotzebue Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Kotzebue has increased by 24.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Kotzebue, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 35.3%, while property crime has increased by 11.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Kotzebue is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kotzebue

Kotzebue has a poverty rate that stands at 15.9, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Kotzebue crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Kotzebue, the cost of living is 28.43% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Kotzebue, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 5.4 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Kotzebue crime map



The Kotzebue crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Kotzebue as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Kotzebue crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Kotzebue crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Kotzebue, AK Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Kotzebue crime rates are 8% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Kotzebue are 309% higher than the national average
      • In Kotzebue you have a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Kotzebue is safer than 6% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Kotzebue has increased by 34%

      Kotzebue, AK Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Kotzebue (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Kotzebue (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Kotzebue

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Kotzebue is 1 in 67
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Kotzebue is 1 in 102
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Kotzebue is 1 in 41

        Year Over Year Crime In Kotzebue (per 100,000 people)

        Kotzebue police department

        Item Kotzebue Alaska National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)181,171558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents5.45.43.3
        There are a total of 18 Kotzebue police officers. This results in 5.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 0.2% greater than the Alaska average and 66% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Alaska

        State Total offenders Alaska /100K National /100K
        Alaska3,433490266
        There are a total of 3,433 sex offenders in Alaska. This yields a total of 490 sex offenders in Alaska per 100,000 residents which is 84% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Kotzebue, AK3,2831,5139872,499

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Elkins, AR3,2832877581,045
        Chandler, OK3,2832402,0252,266
        Medina, WA3,283351,1581,193
        Lake Cherokee, TX3,28368361429
        Village Shires, PA3,28253282336
        Kotzebue, AK3,2831,5139872,499
        Source: The Kotzebue, AK crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.