Bethel Census Area Crime & Safety

Bethel Census Area, Alaska

Safety Score

68/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

755.2

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

534.0

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

221.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

68/100

Higher = safer

State avg 66/100

State Safety Rank

#12

of 20 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Bethel Census Area, Alaska

Bethel Maintains Strong Safety Score

Bethel Census Area reports a total crime rate of 755.2 per 100,000, which is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a high safety score of 98.8.

Ranked Above the State Average

Bethel's safety score of 98.8 slightly exceeds the Alaska state average of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 755.2 also falls below the state average of 861.7.

Moderate Risk Compared to Neighbors

While Bethel is safer than Bristol Bay Borough, which has a 1,639.4 crime rate, it is more active than the Chugach Census Area. It serves as a relatively safe regional hub for western Alaska.

Violent Crime Exceeds Property Crime

Interestingly, Bethel’s violent crime rate of 534.0 is higher than its property crime rate of 221.2. This contrasts with national trends where property crime is usually far more prevalent.

Focus on Personal and Home Safety

Because violent crime rates are higher than property rates, focusing on secure door locks and exterior lighting is important. Building a strong network with your neighbors can also improve overall community safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Bethel Census Area, AK?

Bethel Census Area has a total crime rate of 755.2 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (534.0 per 100K) and property crimes (221.2 per 100K).

Is Bethel Census Area, AK safe?

Bethel Census Area has a safety score of 68/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #12 out of 20 counties in Alaska for safety (1 = safest).

How does Bethel Census Area crime compare to the Alaska average?

Bethel's safety score of 98.8 slightly exceeds the Alaska state average of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 755.2 also falls below the state average of 861.7.

What types of crime are most common in Bethel Census Area?

Interestingly, Bethel’s violent crime rate of 534.0 is higher than its property crime rate of 221.2. This contrasts with national trends where property crime is usually far more prevalent.

How is crime data measured and reported for Bethel Census Area?

Crime data for Bethel Census Area comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Bethel Census Area safer than the Alaska average?

Bethel Census Area has a safety score of 68/100, which is above the Alaska average of 66/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.