Dawson County Crime & Safety

Dawson County, Nebraska

Safety Score

48/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1177.3

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

99.8

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1077.5

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

48/100

Higher = safer

State avg 74/100

State Safety Rank

#77

of 93 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Dawson County, Nebraska

Dawson County Outperforms National Norms

Dawson County reports a total crime rate of 1,177.3 per 100,000, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This performance secures a solid safety score of 98.1 for the local area.

Crime Trends Relative to Nebraska Averages

The county's crime rate is higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7 per 100,000. However, it still maintains a safety score of 98.1, which is close to the state average of 99.0.

Dawson County Safety vs Neighboring Areas

Dawson County sees more crime than neighboring Custer County but remains significantly safer than Dakota County. It acts as a middle ground for safety metrics in central Nebraska.

Property Crime as the Primary Concern

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1,077.5 per 100,000, compared to a low violent crime rate of 99.8. This violent crime rate is almost identical to the Nebraska state average of 96.4.

Prioritizing Home and Property Defense

Focusing on property protection is the most effective way for residents to stay safe. Simple measures like smart locks and outdoor lighting go a long way in this community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Dawson County, NE?

Dawson County has a total crime rate of 1177.3 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (99.8 per 100K) and property crimes (1077.5 per 100K).

Is Dawson County, NE safe?

Dawson County has a safety score of 48/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #77 out of 93 counties in Nebraska for safety (1 = safest).

How does Dawson County crime compare to the Nebraska average?

The county's crime rate is higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7 per 100,000. However, it still maintains a safety score of 98.1, which is close to the state average of 99.0.

What types of crime are most common in Dawson County?

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1,077.5 per 100,000, compared to a low violent crime rate of 99.8. This violent crime rate is almost identical to the Nebraska state average of 96.4.

How is crime data measured and reported for Dawson County?

Crime data for Dawson County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Dawson County?

Dawson County has a safety score of 48/100, which is below the Nebraska average of 74/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.