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 "Safest Cities" series evaluates and ranks the safest cities in each U.S. state using crime data from the FBI and state databases. Our analysis considers population size, violent and nonviolent crime rates, the most common crime, and comparisons to national and state averages. Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault, while nonviolent crimes encompass burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offenses. Each city’s safety score is weighted, emphasizing violent crimes. Data inconsistencies and reporting variations are acknowledged as limitations. This analysis aims to help individuals and families make informed decisions about where to live.
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.
Other Nebraska Resources
The Healthiest States to Live In
Top 10 State Parks in Nebraska
How to Build a House in Nebraska
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Nebraska
Guide to Closing Costs in Nebraska
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Nebraska
Heather Allen
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.