Top 10 Safest Cities in Nebraska

The Cornhusker State can evoke images of cowboys tending their cattle and farmers tending their crops. Nebraska came by its nickname honestly — it is the third-largest corn producer in the nation. It also takes third place in the United States in total livestock receipts; the cattle industry brings in $7 billion annually. We all owe a tip of the hat to Nebraska for keeping Americans fed.

The state has caught the attention of US News & World Report, as it has ranked Nebraska ninth on its 2019 Best States list. Nebraska offers plenty of career opportunities for potential residents; five of the Fortune 500 companies are headquartered here, including Mutual of Omaha and TD Ameritrade.

One bit of trivia that may surprise you is that the state is home to the largest sand dunes in the Western Hemisphere — the Nebraska Sandhills, encompass about 19,000 square miles. A wide range of people — canoe paddlers to city slickers — have chosen Nebraska as their home destination. It may be sparsely populated, but there are 10 safe cities that have residents under their spell.

The Top 10 Safest Cities in Nebraska

1. Seward

• Population: 7,151
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 41.6
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 735.2
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

60% Below National Crime Rate

The safest town in Nebraska invites you to the Seward County Fair. It is clearly the pride and joy of this community, along with its annual Fourth of July celebration. Seward sits in the shadow of Lincoln and Omaha, so if you need to dash to the big city, you won’t have to drive far.

2. Holdrege

• Population: 5,476
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 92.0
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,049.3
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

50% Below National Crime Rate

From boutiques to museums to the performing arts, Holdrege has you covered. This enchanting small community prides itself on local markets and restaurants. If you’re searching for a tight-knit, small town, then welcome home. Holdrege is budget friendly and offers a strong public school system, perfect for families.

3. La Vista

• Population: 17,077
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 93.1
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,216.7
• Most Common Crime: Property

35% Below National Crime Rate

La Vista is a suburb of Omaha and one of Nebraska’s fastest growing cities, perhaps due to its safety ratings. It is the youngest town in the state, dating to 1960, and isn’t too far from the Missouri and Platte rivers. Perks for nesting here include the enticing average summer temperature; it rarely reaches 80 degrees. And the cost of living is lower than the national average. 

4. Lexington

• Population: 10,067
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 100.0
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,220.5
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

41% Below National Crime Rate

Lexington public schools spend more per student than the national average, so come scout out a new home where academics are a priority. Real estate agents say it’s an opportune time to buy, as homes have appreciated almost 4 percent in the past 12 months. This charming town offers local shopping and a vast array of amenities.

5. Blair

• Population: 7,684
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 98.7
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,184.7
• Most Common Crime: Property

35% Below National Crime Rate

Blair is rooted in far eastern Nebraska along the Missouri River. Business executives boast of the stable economy and recent job growth. Plus, it’s only a 30-minute commute to Omaha, which is rife with entrepreneurial opportunities. This is the perfect town for animal lovers, as the DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife refuges are only a short drive away.

6. Columbus

• Population: 22,992
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 111.8
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,242.6
• Most Common Crime: Property

36% Below National Crime Rate

With the median house price just over $150,000 and appreciating at 5 percent, it might be a wise idea to relocate to Columbus — sooner rather than later. Locals give the housing industry ultra-high marks. This community is a magnet for those in their 20s and 30s.

7. Schuyler

• Population: 6,301
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 193.2
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 515.3
• Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny

69% Below National Crime Rate

You won’t regret making Schuyler your new home. It is not only safe, but affordable, as the median home price is $95,100. The homeownership rate is a nearly 60 percent, indicating that people who live here intend to stay here.

8. Gering

• Population: 8,312
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 168.9
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,097.6
• Most Common Crime: Property

40% Below National Crime Rate

This breathtakingly beautiful town lies between Yellowstone National Park and Colorado’s Front Range. It’s also home to the historical Scotts Bluff National Monument. Gering is affordable with a median home price at just over $130,000. Plus, the schools have an A rating. 

9. Alliance

• Population: 8,313
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 110.8
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,108.1
• Most Common Crime: Property

33% Below National Crime Rate

Alliance welcomes newcomers with a median home price of $98,800. If you don’t think you’ll ever visit Stonehenge, then visit the next best thing: Carhenge. And if you guessed that this replica is made of cars, then you are correct. Alliance residents are proud of their Sallows Military Museum, where you can learn about the town’s military history. This is a hospitable town that’s safe for families.

10. Chadron

• Population: 5,654
• Violent Crimes Per Capita: 160.1
• Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,245.3
• Most Common Crime: Property

29% Below National Crime Rate

This affordable community’s schools have an A+ rating — a wonderful selling point for those with children. Chadron’s commercial historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the town serves as U.S. Forest Service headquarters for the nearby Nebraska National Forest. Locals take pleasure in being hospitable and family friendly. Seniors have many assisted living choices in this quaint town.

All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.