The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Nebraska


The most dangerous places in Nebraska are Omaha and Scottsbluff for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Nebraska.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 31 Nebraska cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Nebraska is Omaha based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Nebraska is 561 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Nebraska is 3,468 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Nebraska is Schuyler.

  • Nebraska is the 29th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Nebraska Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


You don’t have to worry about dying from hunger in Nebraska with all the corn and pork tenderloin sandwiches around.

But, if you’re looking to move to Nebraska or currently live in the state and need a change, it’s important to understand the location of the most dangerous places in Nebraska.

We used Saturday Night Science to analyze the FBI’s latest crime report for violent and property crime for the 31 cities with over 5,000 residents. There has been an uptick in violent crimes compared to the national average over the last four years in Nebraska. Not to mention Omaha keeps appearing on the most dangerous cities in the country list.

If you guessed that most of Nebraska’s problems are centered around many of the state’s biggest cities, you guessed right. Surprisingly, the state’s most dangerous city is not one of the state’s most populated.

What is the most dangerous place in Nebraska? The most dangerous place in Nebraska is Omaha.

For more Nebraska reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Nebraska For 2024

Omaha, NE

Source: Wikipedia User Raymond Bucko, SJ | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 483,462
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 561 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,468 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 29
More on Omaha: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

A stop on the Lewis and Clark national historic trail, Omaha is known for its pioneer history, museums, and cultural centers. But Omaha’s still number 1 on the list of most dangerous cities in Nebraska. Lewis and Clark would hate knowing they have a 1 in 178 chance of being a victim of violent crime if they were alive today.

Another notable fact is that Omahas is home to the NCAA College World Series. You may want to have a catcher’s mask and vest with you because Omaha also ranks 1 in the state for violent and property crimes. Either way, be aware of your surroundings, especially if you visit the east and south ends of town.

Scottsbluff, NE

Source: Wikipedia User Bobak Ha’Eri | CC BY 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 15,224
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 420 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,936 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Scottsbluff: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Scottsbluff is the largest city in Nebraska’s panhandle region. Named after Scotts Bluff, a rounded cliff overlooking the Platts River, the city is the second most dangerous city in Nebraska. Although the city moved from its previous rank of 4, if you’re visiting Scottsbluff you need to remember it still ranks fourth highest in violent crime.

You may want to see the oldest concrete road called Scotts Bluff Sumit Road or get in some hiking on the bluff while you’re there. But be warned — you could need to pack a little extra protection for yourself along with your hiking gear.

Lincoln, NE

Source: Wikipedia User Hanyou23 | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

7.5
/10

Population: 293,937
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 382 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,842 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 11
More on Lincoln: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

While in the capital of Nebraska, take a stroll in the Haymarket District and grab a runza sandwich. But watch out. This capital is number 3 on this list for a reason.

Lincoln has had 1,123 violent crimes in the last reporting year, which includes 11 murders, 239 rapes, and 145 robberies, giving it an overall number 3 rank in total crimes. Changing several spots from last year, Lincoln is not a place you want to be — unless you think carefully about your safety.

Grand Island, NE

Source: Wikipedia User Zancar | CC BY-SA 4.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 51,733
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 405 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,576 (Sixth most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Grand Island: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

It’s a bit ironic that the home of the Law Enforcement Training Center is located in Grand Island, and this city made this list of most dangerous places in Nebraska. You’d think it would be one of the safest places to live.

In Grand Island, you have a 1 in 246 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 38 chance of experiencing some form of property crime. Needless to say, you better keep your wits about you, even though you’re in the town that trains our future law enforcement officers.

Hastings, NE

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 24,930
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 373 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,358 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Hastings: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Hasting rounds out this list with a rank of 5. Ranked as one of the worst places to live in Nebraska, crime is centralized in the south end of town. You’ll want to be careful if you travel to South Hastings.

Known as the town where Kool-Aid was invented in 1972, you’re more likely to experience a property crime than a violent crime because Hastings is ranked seventh highest for property crime.

Sidney, NE

Source: Wikipedia User Publichall | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 6,469
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 510 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,638 (13th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Sidney: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

If you’re into cemetery tours, then Sidney, Nebraska is the place for you. At Sidney Boot Hill Cemetery, you’ll find the graves of wild west outlaws from the 1800s. From 1876 to 1881, Sidney’s number of murders and attempted murders rose to 56.

However, when you’re visiting today, you’re still likely to be a crime victim. Sidney ranks 13th highest in property crime and second highest in violent crime. So keep your personal property close to you while you read those gravestones.

Alliance, NE

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 7,807
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 473 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,677 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Alliance: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Alliance, located in Box Butte County, Nebraska, ranks as the number 7 most dangerous place to live in the state. With a population of 7,807, this city has seen a concerning level of crime in recent years. In 2024, Alliance reported 37 cases of violent crime.

Property crime is also a significant issue in Alliance, with 131 reported cases. Burglaries alone accounted for over 200 of these incidents. These crime statistics reflect a worrisome trend that highlights the pressing need for improved safety measures and law enforcement efforts in the city. However, with concerted work and community involvement, there is potential for Alliance to address these challenges and create a safer environment for its residents.

North Platte, NE

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 22,684
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 189 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,852 (Third most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on North Platte: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Some of that wild west’s lawlessness still remains in North Platte, which is rank as the eighth most dangerous city in Nebraska. Home to Buffalo Bill and the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, North Platte ranks 14th highest in violent crimes and third highest in property crimes.

While you’re there, get out above it all and take in the sights at the Golden Spike Tower. It’s 7th floor open-air observation tower overlooks the world’s largest train classification yard at Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard. You’ll see more trains in one place than you’ve ever seen before.

Crete, NE

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 7,200
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 333 (Tenth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,736 (11th most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Crete: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

On to the next place on our list, Crete — the ninth most dangerous in Nebraska for 2024. Crete ranks tenth highest in violent crime, not the best if we’re being honest.

It’s not all crime in Crete though. If you’re interested in a little hometown family fun, check out Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival. The Great Pumpkin Festival lasts for 3 days, so make sure you are aware of your surroundings while you’re carving pumpkins and enjoying carnival games.

Crete is located in Saline County 20 miles southwest of Lincoln.

South Sioux City, NE

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 13,652
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 183 (16th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,717 (Fifth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on South Sioux City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

South Sioux City is located on the western side of the Missouri River across from Sioux City, Iowa and ranks number 10 on this list. Sioux City boasts that it has the only half-scale exact replica of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which is located in Siouxland Freedom Park. If you can’t make it to Washington DC to see the real memorial, then South Sioux City has the next best thing.

But be aware, South Sioux City changed down 4 positions from last year. That’s in part because you have a 1 in 546 of being a victim to a violent crime and 1 in 36 chance to experience a property crime each year. South Sioux City is certainly not one of the safest places to live in America.

Crime By City In Nebraska

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Omaha 483,462 4,029 561 3,468 29
2 Scottsbluff 15,224 3,356 420 2,936 1
3 Lincoln 293,937 3,224 382 2,842 11
4 Grand Island 51,733 2,982 405 2,576 1
5 Hastings 24,930 2,731 373 2,358 0
6 Sidney 6,469 2,148 510 1,638 0
7 Alliance 7,807 2,151 473 1,677 0
8 North Platte 22,684 3,041 189 2,852 0
9 Crete 7,200 2,069 333 1,736 0
10 South Sioux City 13,652 2,900 183 2,717 0
11 Nebraska City 7,248 1,959 344 1,614 1
12 Fremont 26,210 2,224 186 2,037 1
13 Kearney 34,186 1,951 342 1,608 1
14 Lexington 10,382 1,993 134 1,858 0
15 Beatrice 12,164 1,274 271 1,002 0
16 Bellevue 63,178 1,579 182 1,397 1
17 Ralston 6,448 1,845 108 1,736 0
18 York 8,214 1,180 206 973 1
19 Chadron 5,194 1,135 192 943 1
20 Plattsmouth 6,710 1,356 134 1,222 0
21 Gering 8,017 1,259 149 1,110 0
22 La Vista 16,515 1,604 115 1,489 0
23 McCook 7,478 1,243 147 1,096 0
24 Papillion 23,874 1,235 92 1,143 0
25 Columbus 24,158 1,254 70 1,183 1
26 Wayne 6,056 842 115 726 0
27 Holdrege 5,469 438 127 310 0
28 Blair 7,855 954 76 878 0
29 Seward 7,695 649 77 571 0
30 Norfolk 25,048 866 63 802 0
31 Schuyler 6,476 123 15 108 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Nebraska for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Nebraska. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Nebraska, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Nebraska.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Nebraska cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 31 cities in Nebraska.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 31 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Nebraska — Omaha. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Nebraska and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Nebraska FAQs

No, Nebraska is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #22 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Nebraska ranks 29th most dangerous in the United States — 9.66% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Cornhusker State ranks 28th most dangerous in the United States — 2.31% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

Yes, Omaha is a dangerous city. Omaha ranks as the #88 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Omaha might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Omaha ranks 13highest in America — 1.38% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 79th highest in the United States — 27.1% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Nebraska

Most Dangerous Cities In Nebraska Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Nebraska

So what is the most dangerous city in Nebraska? After analyzing 31 cities in Nebraska, Omaha takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Nebraska based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Omaha ranks as the most dangerous city in Nebraska for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Nebraska are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Omaha and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

If you guessed that most of Nebraska’s problems are centered around many of the state’s biggest cities, you guessed right. Surprisingly, the state’s most dangerous city is not one of the state’s most populated.

What is the most dangerous place in Nebraska? The most dangerous place in Nebraska is Omaha.

Learn more about the safest places in Nebraska.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Nebraska:

  1. La Vista (Pop. 16,515)
  2. McCook (Pop. 7,478)
  3. Papillion (Pop. 23,874)
  4. Columbus (Pop. 24,158)
  5. Wayne (Pop. 6,056)
  6. Holdrege (Pop. 5,469)
  7. Blair (Pop. 7,855)
  8. Seward (Pop. 7,695)
  9. Norfolk (Pop. 25,048)
  10. Schuyler (Pop. 6,476)

For more Nebraska reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

10 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Nebraska

  1. Your #9, Chadron, actually couldn’t be much further from Iowa… It’s on of the Northeastern most towns on the map… Maybe 30 minutes south of South Dakota and an hour east of Wyoming.

  2. Ditto on Chadron. Also, Sidney, NE has 7k ish residents and it’s not on your list. Forget any other towns?

    1. Turns drink Camel urine and will murder Christians fast if they think they won’t get caught. North Platte Nebraska gave Millions of her people mad cow disease. Hybrid corn makes cows sick man. Bye

  3. Chadron is nowhere near Iowa…it’s wayyy on the other side of Nebraska near the South Dakota/Wyoming borders…

  4. Chadron, as you probably know by now, in up in the northwest corner of our fair state. Probably a momentary brain skid, but we should make sure the “outa-staters” know where each location is.

    1. I’m from WI, spent 3 years in Lincoln, and I have never been to Chadron, and even I know where the hell it is. Nice one, people.

  5. You really don’t know a lot about Nebraska. I visit Scottsbluff all of the time and a smart person knows enough to stay out of the south end. And Gering is safe, but it connects to Scottsbluff on the south. Several of these “cities” have been invaded by immigrants to work in meat plants and dog food plants and the immigrants have been followed by illegals who create havoc.. Omaha has many of the problems of Chicago and other big cities. Unfortunately Lincoln has been invaded by a variety of gangs in recent years. it used to be one of the safest places around. And yes, those who live there know the areas to avoid.

  6. Fairbury one of the most violent “cities” in the state….ha I think you need to take a refreshner course on your Nebraska facts

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