We recently listed 10 of Nebraska’s safest, most peaceful places to live – so now we’ll take a look at the state’s most crime-filled towns and cities. This list is based on records of crimes reported to law enforcement in their respective locales. Just so you know we aren’t picking on anyone, we’ve also included some of the best features of each town on the list. 🙂
- North Platte
flickr/Pamla J. Eisenberg This popular tourist destination’s crime rate is higher than the Nebraska average, especially in the area of property crimes.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: North Platte also has the historic Union Pacific Bailey Yard and the always-fun Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.
- Fremont
Wikimedia/Ammodramus This city of around 26,000 people reports violent crime, property crime and theft numbers higher than the Nebraska average.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Taking an airboat tour on the Platte River is a must-do activity in Fremont.
- Scottsbluff
Wikimedia/Bobak Ha’Eri Scottsbluff, with just over 15,000 people, reports higher-than-average violent crimes, property crimes and thefts.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: The incredibly beautiful and historic Monument Path is one of Scottsbluff’s best features.
- Kearney
Kearney Visitors Bureau In Kearney, the population of just over 32,000 experiences high numbers of property crimes.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney is a must-see for any Nebraska resident or visitor.
- Norfolk
Wikimedia/Ammodramus In Norfolk, a city of about 24,000 people, the most-often reported crimes fall under violent crimes, property crimes, and theft.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Norfolk’s AquaVenture is frequently mentioned as one of the most fun things to do in the whole city.
- Hastings
Wikimedia/Ammodramus Hastings, a college town of around 25,000, reported higher numbers of violent crimes and rape than you might expect of a city this size.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Hastings Museum features some really fun exhibits, including the history of Kool-Aid and Native American history.
- Bellevue
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Coming in at just over 53,000 people, Bellevue’s largest crime numbers are in violent crimes, property crimes, and theft. There is also a higher-than-state-average number of vehicle theft in Bellevue.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: A walk through Fontenelle Forest is perfect for soothing the soul and reconnecting with nature.
- Grand Island
Wikimedia/Calvin Beal This one was a little surprising. This city of just over 50,000 people reports fairly high numbers in property crime, burglary, and theft.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is an awesome experience that lets you step back in time to see what life was like in Nebraska long ago.
- Lincoln
Wikimedia/Hanyou23 The capital city’s most prominent crimes involve property and theft, though there are a somewhat high number of violent crimes here as well.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Pioneer Park and Nature Center is a gem of a park where you can hike to your heart’s content and do some wildlife spotting.
- Omaha
Wikimedia/Ron Reiring Unsurprisingly, the most populous city in the state has the most overall reported crimes. The usual property crimes and theft are a big problem here, as are violent crimes and homicide.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Omaha’s world-class zoo is reason enough to visit, and be sure not to miss the Durham Museum.
This information can’t tell the whole story about each city and town – the data can only give raw numbers and doesn’t take into account factors like population density or the average age of citizens. Even with these reported crimes, Nebraska is still significantly safer than the rest of the country. What do you think, Nebraskans? What have your experiences been with crime in these places?
flickr/Pamla J. Eisenberg
This popular tourist destination’s crime rate is higher than the Nebraska average, especially in the area of property crimes.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: North Platte also has the historic Union Pacific Bailey Yard and the always-fun Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.
Wikimedia/Ammodramus
This city of around 26,000 people reports violent crime, property crime and theft numbers higher than the Nebraska average.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Taking an airboat tour on the Platte River is a must-do activity in Fremont.
Wikimedia/Bobak Ha’Eri
Scottsbluff, with just over 15,000 people, reports higher-than-average violent crimes, property crimes and thefts.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: The incredibly beautiful and historic Monument Path is one of Scottsbluff’s best features.
Kearney Visitors Bureau
In Kearney, the population of just over 32,000 experiences high numbers of property crimes.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney is a must-see for any Nebraska resident or visitor.
In Norfolk, a city of about 24,000 people, the most-often reported crimes fall under violent crimes, property crimes, and theft.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Norfolk’s AquaVenture is frequently mentioned as one of the most fun things to do in the whole city.
Hastings, a college town of around 25,000, reported higher numbers of violent crimes and rape than you might expect of a city this size.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Hastings Museum features some really fun exhibits, including the history of Kool-Aid and Native American history.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Coming in at just over 53,000 people, Bellevue’s largest crime numbers are in violent crimes, property crimes, and theft. There is also a higher-than-state-average number of vehicle theft in Bellevue.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: A walk through Fontenelle Forest is perfect for soothing the soul and reconnecting with nature.
Wikimedia/Calvin Beal
This one was a little surprising. This city of just over 50,000 people reports fairly high numbers in property crime, burglary, and theft.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is an awesome experience that lets you step back in time to see what life was like in Nebraska long ago.
Wikimedia/Hanyou23
The capital city’s most prominent crimes involve property and theft, though there are a somewhat high number of violent crimes here as well.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Pioneer Park and Nature Center is a gem of a park where you can hike to your heart’s content and do some wildlife spotting.
Wikimedia/Ron Reiring
Unsurprisingly, the most populous city in the state has the most overall reported crimes. The usual property crimes and theft are a big problem here, as are violent crimes and homicide.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: Omaha’s world-class zoo is reason enough to visit, and be sure not to miss the Durham Museum.
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