Nebraska may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of safe places to live, but there are several cities in the state that are known for their low crime rates and excellent quality of life. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 8 safest places to live in Nebraska, and what makes each city special.

Top 8 Safe Cities in Nebraska

  • Gretna
  • Papillion
  • La Vista
  • Bellevue
  • Columbus
  • Norfolk
  • Kearney
  • Grand Island

Gretna

Gretna, a charming city located in Sarpy County, is a tight-knit community with a population of just under 5,000 people.

Here are some key statistics about Gretna:

  • The crime rate in Gretna is impressively low, with only 37 crimes reported in 2020. That's a crime rate of 0.76 per 1,000 residents, which is 92% lower than the national average.
  • Gretna offers great outdoor recreation opportunities with several parks and trails, including the Gretna Trailhead Park and the Prairie Queen Recreation Area. Golfers can enjoy the Quarry Oaks Golf Club.
  • There are several colleges near Gretna, including Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University, and the University of Nebraska Omaha.
  • Students can take advantage of the resources offered by these colleges, including libraries, sports complexes, and other facilities.
  • The median home price in Gretna is around $315,000, which is slightly higher than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gretna is around $900.

Papillion

Safe Cities in Nebraska

Papillion is a safe city located in Sarpy County, just 10 miles from Omaha, and here are some key statistics about it:

  • The population of Papillion is over 23,645 people, making it larger than Gretna but still maintaining a small-town feel.
  • Papillion has a crime rate of 8.07 per 1,000 residents, which is 59% lower than the national average.
  • The city offers several parks and trails, including Walnut Creek Lake and Halleck Park, as well as Werner Park, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers.
  • Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University, and the University of Nebraska Omaha are all colleges near Papillion.
  • The median home price in Papillion is around $248,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Papillion is around $1,000.

La Vista

La Vista is a safe city located in Sarpy County, just 15 minutes from Omaha, and here are some key statistics about it:

  • The population of La Vista is over 16,383 people, making it a growing city with plenty of opportunities.
  • La Vista has a crime rate of 8.18 per 1,000 residents, which is 58% lower than the national average.
  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the popular Central Park and the La Vista Sports Complex. Shopping and dining options are available at the nearby Shadow Lake Towne Center.
  • Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University, and the University of Nebraska Omaha are all colleges near La Vista.
  • The median home price in La Vista is around $220,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in La Vista is around $900.

Bellevue

Safe Cities in Nebraska

Bellevue is a city located in Sarpy County, just south of Omaha, and here are some key statistics about it:

  • The population of Bellevue is over 62,624 people, making it one of the larger cities on our list.
  • Bellevue has a crime rate of 19.29 per 1,000 residents, which is 13% lower than the national average.
  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center and the Haworth Park. Shopping and dining options are available at the historic Olde Towne Bellevue.
  • Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University, and the University of Nebraska Omaha are all colleges near Bellevue, and students can take advantage of the resources offered by these colleges.
  • The median home price in Bellevue is around $182,000, which is lower than the national average.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bellevue is around $800.

Columbus

Safe Cities in Nebraska

Columbus is a city located in Platte County, in central Nebraska, and here are some key statistics about it:

  • The population of Columbus is over 24,193 people, making it a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities.
  • Columbus has a crime rate of 18.57 per 1,000 residents, which is 14% lower than the national average.
  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Pawnee Plunge Water Park and the Lost Creek State Recreation Area. Shopping and dining options are available at the Columbus Downtown District.
  • Central Community College and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture are colleges near Columbus.
  • The median home price in Columbus is around $160,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Columbus is around $700.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a city located in Madison County, in northeast Nebraska, and here are some key statistics about it:

  • The population of Norfolk is over 25,130 people, making it a bustling city with a lot to offer.
  • Norfolk has a crime rate of 16.43 per 1,000 residents, which is 23% lower than the national average.
  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the popular Skyview Lake and Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. Shopping and dining options are available at the Sunset Plaza Mall or the Norfolk Downtown District.
  • Northeast Community College is a college near Norfolk, and students can take advantage of the resources offered by this college.
  • The median home price in Norfolk is around $136,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Norfolk is around $600.

Kearney

Kearney is a city located in Buffalo County, in central Nebraska, and here are some key statistics about it:

  • The population of Kearney is over 34,414 people, making it a diverse city with plenty of opportunities.
  • Kearney has a crime rate of 19.47 per 1,000 residents, which is 12% lower than the national average.
  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Yanney Heritage Park and the Cottonmill Park. Shopping and dining options are available at the Hilltop Mall or the Kearney Downtown District.
  • The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a college in the city.
  • The median home price in Kearney is around $200,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kearney is around $800.

Grand Island

Safe Cities in Nebraska

Grand Island is a city located in Hall County, in central Nebraska, and here are some key statistics about it:

  • The population of Grand Island is over 51,138 people, making it the largest city on our list.
  • Grand Island has a crime rate of 25.45 per 1,000 residents, which is 1% lower than the national average.
  • The city offers several parks and trails, including the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer and the Mormon Island State Recreation Area. Shopping and dining options are available at the Conestoga Mall or the Grand Island Downtown District.
  • Central Community College is a college in the city, and students can take advantage of the resources offered by this college.
  • The median home price in Grand Island is around $150,000.
  • The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Grand Island is around $700.