| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kearney/100k people | Nebraska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 667 | n/a (estimate) | 1,951 | 2,172 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.9 | 3.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 40 | n/a | 117.0 | 55.3 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 7 | n/a | 20.5 | 29.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 69 | n/a | 201.8 | 195.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 117 | n/a (estimate) | 342 | 283 | 370 |
| Burglary | 70 | n/a | 204.8 | 182.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 444 | n/a | 1,298.8 | 1,431.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 36 | n/a | 105.3 | 275.0 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 550 | n/a (estimate) | 1,609 | 1,889 | 1,954 |
The Kearney crime rates are 16.1% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 117 violent crimes in Kearney (342 per 100,000 people), which is 7.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 550 property crimes (1609 per 100,000 residents) which is 17.7% lower than average.
The violent crime rate in Kearney closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 342 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 370. This consistency highlights Kearney as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Kearney residents. Out of the respondents (108 in total), 81% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Kearney were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 19% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Kearney a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Kearney crime rate is 16% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.83 crimes per day - 0.32 violent crimes and 1.51 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Kearney. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Kearney has increased by 35.6%. Violent crimes have increased by 34.5%, while property crimes have increased by 35.8%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Kearney crime rate. The poverty level in Kearney is 14.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.
The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Kearney, 92.9% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.
In Kearney, the median home price stands at $188,800, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Kearney | Nebraska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 65 | 2,523 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Nebraska /100K | National /100K |
| Nebraska | 6,070 | 345 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Minden, NE | 2,906 | 124 | 829 | 953 |
| Gibbon, NE | 1,971 | 135 | 902 | 1,037 |
| Glenwood, NE | 541 | 253 | 1,691 | 1,945 |
| Riverdale, NE | 307 | 282 | 1,880 | 2,161 |
| Amherst, NE | 172 | 329 | 2,195 | 2,524 |
| Kearney, NE | 33,783 | 342 | 1,609 | 1,951 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dana Point, CA | 33,782 | 169 | 1,239 | 1,408 |
| Spanaway, WA | 33,776 | 517 | 4,617 | 5,135 |
| San Dimas, CA | 33,812 | 276 | 2,328 | 2,604 |
| Ken Caryl, CO | 33,815 | 456 | 2,915 | 3,371 |
| Newark, DE | 33,822 | 274 | 2,115 | 2,389 |
| Kearney, NE | 33,783 | 342 | 1,609 | 1,951 |
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