The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Nebraska

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Nebraska For 2025

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 most dangerous city in Nebraska. Although the city moved from its previous rank of 6.0, if you’re visiting Scottsbluff you need to remember it still ranks 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.

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 2 on the list of most dangerous cities in Nebraska. Lewis and Clark would hate knowing they have a 1 in 271 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.

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 1,029 violent crimes in the last reporting year, which includes 8 murders, 188 rapes, and 120 robberies, giving it an overall number 4 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.

Hasting rounds out this list with a rank of 4. 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.

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 272 chance of being a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 56 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.

On to the next place on our list, Crete — the sixth most dangerous in Nebraska for 2025. 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 is located on the western side of the Missouri River across from Sioux City, Iowa and ranks number 7 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 up 1 positions from last year. That’s in part because you have a 1 in 552 of being a victim to a violent crime and 1 in 37 chance to experience a property crime each year. South Sioux City is certainly not one of the safest places to live in America.

Some of that wild west’s lawlessness still remains in North Platte, which is rank as the ninth 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 fourth 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.

If you’re into travel, Kearney might be the place for you. Founded as a railroad town, the former western outpost celebrates that past with the Trails & Rails Museum. Meanwhile, the current community sits just off I-80 in the south-central part of the state. If you’re on a cross-country trip, you might consider a stop for gas and a meal — there’s not many other options nearby.

However, when you stop, keep your guard up. This represents the number 10 most dangerous spot in Kansas. The city reports high rates of both property and violent crimes, including 466 larcenies and 63 assaults in a year.

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