Alaska has a surprisingly high violent-crime rate; the most recent figures put the state at 10th in the nation in terms of violent crimes, with 588 such crimes per 100,000 residents. Part of this is due to simple demographics, since Alaska has the second-highest percentage of young people in the nation, but it is also a reflection of the impact of alcohol abuse. Alaska has a sexual-assault rate more than twice the national average, and the child sexual-assault rate is a shocking six times the national average.

The good news is that crime has dropped in recent years, especially in Anchorage, where many of the worst incidents have taken place. In general you’re quite safe traveling in Alaska, though you should take the standard precautions, such as not leaving belongings in an unlocked vehicle and not walking around certain Anchorage neighborhoods after dark.

Also, it’s wise to avoid situations where people have been drinking heavily, even in bush Alaska. To be honest, after 25 years in the North, my only experience with crime took place when gear was stolen from me in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and (equally shocking) in my hometown of Homer. I’m not saying crime doesn’t exist, but many Alaskan towns are so safe that folks leave their doors unlocked and their keys in the cars.