8 Most Dangerous Cities in Nebraska – 2025 Update

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Nebraska is a wonderful state to live in, and it has plenty to offer a traveler or a new resident. If you are thinking about traveling or moving to Nebraska, you likely want to learn as much about the state as you can about it — including what areas to avoid. Keep reading as we list several of the most dangerous cities in Nebraska. We tell you about the crime rates and what types of crimes occur so you can be better informed.

The 8 Most Dangerous Cities in Nebraska

1. Nebraska City, NE

Nebraska City is the apple capital of Nebraska, and every year, thousands of people flock there to try out the sweet treat. However, there is also quite a bit of crime. While there are no recent murders and violent crime is lower than the national average, burglary, theft, and property crime are two to three times what you might see elsewhere. These problems cause the city to currently stand at 79.87% above the national average for crime.

2. North Platte, NE

Many people have heard of the city of North Platte because it’s near where the famous Buffalo Bill started his Wild West show. Today, it’s a bustling city with more than 20,000 people. It has plenty of housing and great education, but there are many aggravated assaults and other types of crime, making it one of the more dangerous cities on this list, at 51.42% above the national average for crime.

3. Lincoln, NE

Lincoln is the state capital and home to more than 290,000 people. With such a large population, it’s not unexpected that there is more crime than in most other areas of the state and that currently stands at 26.53% above the national average. Property crime and theft lead the list, and there is even murder, though it’s lower than the national average. Grand theft auto is also lower than the national average, and there are plenty of homes, jobs, and good education to be had.

4. Hastings, NE

Hastings is a city with no murder and very little aggravated crime. However, it still sits at 25.8% above the national average in crime because of other factors, like theft and property crime. A lack of housing may also be contributing to the problem, but there are plenty of jobs, and it’s an affordable city to own a home.

5. Scottsbluff, NE

Scottsbluff is in the western part of the state and is part of the Great Plains that was once home to the buffalo. There are no recent murders in Scottsbluff, and violent crime is also low. However, properly crime and theft are quite high, bringing the city to 23.71% above the national average.

6. South Sioux City, NE

South Sioux City sits right along the Mississippi River, and it’s a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. There are many jobs, and it’s affordable, but the education system needs improvements, and crime is a little higher than in other areas in the state. There is no murder, but theft and property crime are quite high, causing the city to sit at 22.99% above the national average.

7. Grand Island, NE

Grand Island is a rapidly growing city with a long history. It’s affordable and has plenty of jobs, but it can be difficult to find housing, and crime is a little higher than it is elsewhere. Violent crime is higher than average, and there’s even reported murder. Burglary and other theft are also higher, and the city stands at 21.47% above the national average for crime.

8. Sidney, NE

Sidney is a city that connects three railways and four highways, making it one of the most connected cities in the country. There are plenty of jobs, and it’s fairly affordable, but housing can be difficult to find, and it currently stands at 10.33% above the national average in crime.

How to Stay Safe in Nebraska

Violent Crime

The best way to stay safe in Nebraska or any area will depend largely on the type of crime that you’re trying to avoid. For instance, a good way to protect yourself from murder, aggravated assault, and violent crimes is to keep someone with you when you travel from one place to another, especially at night. Keeping your smartphone charged and in your hand will also make it easier for you to call for help or use your video camera to capture footage of the crime.

Car Theft

If you are worried about automobile theft, a working car alarm could help deter thieves because they are usually looking for an easy target and might move on if they see an alarm. Parking the vehicle in well-lit areas can also help.

Property Damage

Property crime is one of the biggest issues in Nebraska, and one of the most effective ways to prevent it is by installing a house alarm equipped with plenty of cameras. Criminals like easy targets, and a home with visible cameras may scare them off. The video footage will also help you collect any evidence that you need to prosecute once the police catch the criminals.

Conclusion

While it may seem like there are many cities on this list, Nebraska is quite a safe state overall, and much of it is open country. There is a higher risk of problems with the local wildlife than with criminals. Don’t let this list prevent you from traveling or moving there; just be cautious when visiting an area on this list. If you are moving there, you might want to budget for additional security, especially in Nebraska City or North Platte, but we think that you’ll enjoy the area quite a bit.

Featured Image Credit: ArtisticOperations, Pixabay