Lancaster County Crime & Safety

Lancaster County, Nebraska

Safety Score

7/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3133.9

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

374.5

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2759.4

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

7/100

Higher = safer

State avg 74/100

State Safety Rank

#92

of 93 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Lancaster County, Nebraska

Lancaster County Crime Tracks Above National Average

Lancaster County reports a total crime rate of 3,133.9 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.1.

Higher Activity Than the Nebraska Average

The county sits below the state average safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate is nearly five times higher than Nebraska’s state average of 626.7.

Urban Challenges Compared to Rural Neighbors

As a major population center, Lancaster sees higher crime than rural neighbors like Johnson County. However, its violent crime rate of 374.5 is nearly identical to the national average of 369.8.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary issue, occurring at a rate of 2,759.4 per 100,000 residents. This indicates that most local incidents involve theft or burglary rather than physical harm.

Protecting Urban Properties

Residents in busier counties should take proactive steps to secure their homes. Visible security cameras and alarms are highly effective at discouraging the property crimes common in urban centers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lancaster County, NE?

Lancaster County has a total crime rate of 3133.9 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (374.5 per 100K) and property crimes (2759.4 per 100K).

Is Lancaster County, NE safe?

Lancaster County has a safety score of 7/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #92 out of 93 counties in Nebraska for safety (1 = safest).

How does Lancaster County crime compare to the Nebraska average?

The county sits below the state average safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate is nearly five times higher than Nebraska’s state average of 626.7.

What types of crime are most common in Lancaster County?

Property crime is the primary issue, occurring at a rate of 2,759.4 per 100,000 residents. This indicates that most local incidents involve theft or burglary rather than physical harm.

How is crime data measured and reported for Lancaster County?

Crime data for Lancaster 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 Lancaster County?

Lancaster County has a safety score of 7/100, 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.