| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Seward/100k people | Alaska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 53 | n/a (estimate) | 1,987 | 2,548 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 9.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 37.5 | 134.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 37.5 | 75.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 300.0 | 540.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 375 | 759 | 370 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 75.0 | 269.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 37 | n/a | 1,387.3 | 1,274.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 150.0 | 245.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 1,612 | 1,789 | 1,954 |
The Seward crime rates are 14.5% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 10 violent crimes in Seward (375 per 100,000 people), which is 1.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 43 property crimes (1612 per 100,000 residents) which is 17.5% lower than average.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Seward has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 375 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Seward reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Seward. Based on the results of the surveys (23 responses), 43% of people felt that there was very little crime in Seward and felt safe walking alone at night. While 57% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Seward a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Seward has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 15%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.15 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Seward as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Seward. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Seward has decreased by 11.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 37.5%, while property crime has decreased by 2.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Seward.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Seward crime rates. In Seward, the poverty rate stands at 8.6%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Seward currently has an unemployment rate of 2.1%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Seward, there are 8.7 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | Seward | Alaska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 24 | 1,171 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 8.7 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alaska /100K | National /100K |
| Alaska | 3,433 | 490 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bear Creek, AK | 1,287 | 306 | 720 | 1,026 |
| Seward, AK | 2,812 | 375 | 1,612 | 1,987 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Oconto Falls, WI | 2,813 | 101 | 912 | 1,013 |
| The Plains, OH | 2,813 | 145 | 880 | 1,026 |
| Flemingsburg, KY | 2,811 | 102 | 1,393 | 1,495 |
| Milton, WV | 2,813 | 109 | 484 | 593 |
| Moline Acres, MO | 2,810 | 519 | 1,889 | 2,408 |
| Seward, AK | 2,812 | 375 | 1,612 | 1,987 |
Here are the best places to live in Alaska
Check out the 10 safest cities in Alaska
See the best places to live in & around Seward
Top 10 best public schools in Seward