Safest cities in Nebraska

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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: 6,269 608 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 140 Property Crime / 100k: 467 chance of being a victim: 1 in 165

Schuyler proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Nebraska. With only 608 crimes per 100,000 people, Schuyler has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Nebraska average. This equates to an average of 0.11 crimes per day and a 1 in 165 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.

Wayne Population: 5,603 692 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 64 Property Crime / 100k: 627 chance of being a victim: 1 in 145

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Wayne comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Nebraska with a crime rate of 692 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 16 counts of burglary, 563 counts of theft, 48 counts of vehicle theft, 0 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 64 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Wayne, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Seward Population: 7,210 811 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 39 Property Crime / 100k: 772 chance of being a victim: 1 in 123

With a population of 7,210 and a total crime rate of 811 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.

Blair Population: 7,830 883 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 137 Property Crime / 100k: 747 chance of being a victim: 1 in 113

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Blair 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 883, 92% lower than the Nebraska average. This amounts to 0.19 crimes per day and a 1 in 113 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 Blair a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Norfolk Population: 24,410 925 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 100 Property Crime / 100k: 825 chance of being a victim: 1 in 108

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 925, which is 74% lower than the state average.

Plattsmouth Population: 6,453 971 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 60 Property Crime / 100k: 912 chance of being a victim: 1 in 103

Plattsmouth 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 971 crimes per 100,000 people, 93% lower than the Nebraska average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 30 reports of burglary, 762 reports of theft, 120 reports of vehicle theft, 15 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 45 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Beatrice Population: 12,282 1,056 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 131 Property Crime / 100k: 925 chance of being a victim: 1 in 95

Beatrice ranks as the seventh safest city in Nebraska and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 95 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.35 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. Beatrice’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Nebraska.

Papillion Population: 24,310 1,289 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 51 Property Crime / 100k: 1,238 chance of being a victim: 1 in 78

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 1,289 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.

York Population: 7,810 1,409 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 109 Property Crime / 100k: 1,300 chance of being a victim: 1 in 71

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. York 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 1,409 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 92% lower than the state average.

McCook Population: 7,555 1,470 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 110 Property Crime / 100k: 1,360 chance of being a victim: 1 in 68

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Nebraska, is McCook. With a low rate of crime that included 69 burglaries, 1,236 thefts, 55 vehicle thefts, 41 assaults, 0 robberies, 69 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 93% 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	140	467	608
2	Wayne	5,603	64	627	692
3	Seward	7,210	39	772	811
4	Blair	7,830	137	747	883
5	Norfolk	24,410	100	825	925
6	Plattsmouth	6,453	60	912	971
7	Beatrice	12,282	131	925	1,056
8	Papillion	24,310	51	1,238	1,289
9	York	7,810	109	1,300	1,409
10	McCook	7,555	110	1,360	1,470
11	Alliance	8,139	326	1,165	1,491
12	Columbus	23,291	107	1,389	1,497
13	Nebraska City	7,270	121	1,442	1,563
14	La Vista	17,081	62	1,532	1,594
15	Lexington	10,069	84	1,525	1,609
16	Bellevue	63,970	117	1,595	1,712
17	Sidney	6,451	358	1,572	1,930
18	Ralston	7,305	266	1,689	1,955
19	Kearney	33,783	293	1,833	2,126
20	Grand Island	51,250	409	2,080	2,489
21	North Platte	23,734	143	2,402	2,544
22	Crete	7,013	386	2,348	2,734
23	South Sioux City	12,867	207	2,583	2,789
24	Hastings	24,878	298	2,631	2,929
25	Chadron	5,482	267	2,782	3,049
26	Lincoln	286,388	366	2,686	3,052
27	Scottsbluff	14,660	236	4,472	4,709

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.