Safest cities in Nebraska

Known as the 'Cornhusker State,' Nebraska is characterized by its expansive prairies, rich agricultural heritage, and welcoming communities. Located in the Midwestern United States, Nebraska is a major agricultural producer, known for its corn, soybeans, and cattle. The state's economy also includes manufacturing, information technology, and finance. Omaha and Lincoln, the state's largest cities, are vibrant urban centers with thriving cultural scenes, including museums, theaters, and music venues. Nebraska's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous historical sites, including the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Oregon Trail.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in Nebraska, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of Nebraska's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions Nebraska has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

Schuyler Population: 6,269 124 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 15 Property Crime / 100k: 108 chance of being a victim: 1 in 810

Schuyler proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Nebraska. With only 124 crimes per 100,000 people, Schuyler has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Nebraska average. This equates to an average of 0.02 crimes per day and a 1 in 810 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Holdrege Population: 5,406 439 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 128 Property Crime / 100k: 311 chance of being a victim: 1 in 228

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Holdrege comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Nebraska with a crime rate of 439 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 18 counts of burglary, 274 counts of theft, 18 counts of vehicle theft, 37 counts of assault, 18 counts of robbery, 73 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Holdrege, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Seward Population: 7,210 650 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 78 Property Crime / 100k: 572 chance of being a victim: 1 in 154

With a population of 7,210 and a total crime rate of 650 per 100,000 residents, Seward is the 3rd safest city in Nebraska. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 92% lower than the Nebraska average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Wayne Population: 5,603 842 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 116 Property Crime / 100k: 727 chance of being a victim: 1 in 119

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Wayne is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 842, 94% lower than the Nebraska average. This amounts to 0.14 crimes per day and a 1 in 119 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Wayne a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Norfolk Population: 24,410 866 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 64 Property Crime / 100k: 802 chance of being a victim: 1 in 115

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Norfolk consistently ranks high in safety. In Norfolk, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 866, which is 75% lower than the state average.

Blair Population: 7,830 955 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 76 Property Crime / 100k: 878 chance of being a victim: 1 in 105

Blair has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Nebraska. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 955 crimes per 100,000 people, 92% lower than the Nebraska average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 102 reports of burglary, 738 reports of theft, 38 reports of vehicle theft, 38 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 38 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

York Population: 7,810 1,181 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 207 Property Crime / 100k: 974 chance of being a victim: 1 in 85

York ranks as the seventh safest city in Nebraska and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 85 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.27 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. York’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Nebraska.

Papillion Population: 24,310 1,236 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 92 Property Crime / 100k: 1,144 chance of being a victim: 1 in 81

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Papillion is the 8th safest city in Nebraska. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 76% lower than the Nebraska average, reporting a total of 1,236 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Columbus Population: 23,291 1,254 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 70 Property Crime / 100k: 1,184 chance of being a victim: 1 in 80

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Columbus is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Nebraska, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,254 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 76% lower than the state average.

Beatrice Population: 12,282 1,274 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 271 Property Crime / 100k: 1,003 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Nebraska, is Beatrice. With a low rate of crime that included 156 burglaries, 756 thefts, 90 vehicle thefts, 173 assaults, 8 robberies, 90 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 88% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Nebraska

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Schuyler	6,269	15	108	124
2	Holdrege	5,406	128	311	439
3	Seward	7,210	78	572	650
4	Wayne	5,603	116	727	842
5	Norfolk	24,410	64	802	866
6	Blair	7,830	76	878	955
7	York	7,810	207	974	1,181
8	Papillion	24,310	92	1,144	1,236
9	Columbus	23,291	70	1,184	1,254
10	Beatrice	12,282	271	1,003	1,274
11	Plattsmouth	6,453	134	1,222	1,356
12	Bellevue	63,970	182	1,398	1,580
13	La Vista	17,081	115	1,490	1,605
14	Ralston	7,305	109	1,737	1,846
15	Kearney	33,783	342	1,609	1,951
16	Lexington	10,069	135	1,859	1,994
17	Crete	7,013	333	1,736	2,069
18	Sidney	6,451	510	1,639	2,149
19	Alliance	8,139	474	1,678	2,152
20	Hastings	24,878	373	2,359	2,732
21	South Sioux City	12,867	183	2,718	2,901
22	Grand Island	51,250	406	2,577	2,983
23	North Platte	23,734	190	2,852	3,042
24	Lincoln	286,388	382	2,842	3,224
25	Scottsbluff	14,660	420	2,936	3,357
26	Omaha	479,529	561	3,468	4,029

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Nebraska is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Nebraska cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.