| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Hastings/100k people | Nebraska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 577 | n/a (estimate) | 2,325 | 1,847 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 28 | n/a | 112.8 | 43.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.0 | 20.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 50 | n/a | 201.5 | 154.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 79 | n/a (estimate) | 318 | 221 | 359 |
| Burglary | 34 | n/a | 137.0 | 155.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 424 | n/a | 1,708.6 | 1,218.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 40 | n/a | 161.2 | 252.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 498 | n/a (estimate) | 2,007 | 1,627 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Hastings is 9.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Hastings, there were 79 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 318 per 100,000 individuals, 11.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 498 property crimes, amounting to 2007 per 100,000 residents, 14% higher than the U.S. average.
In terms of the total Hastings crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Hastings, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Hastings has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 318 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
During the most recently reported crime year, Hastings experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Hastings exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 2007 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1760 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Hastings maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.
What do the local residents think about crime in Hastings? Well, based on a recent survey of 138 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 51% of Hastings residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 49% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Hastings a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Hastings has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 10%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.58 daily incidents, encompassing 0.22 violent crimes and 1.36 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Hastings as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Hastings has decreased by 12.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Hastings is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 3.7%, while property crime has decreased by 13.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Hastings.
In Hastings, the cost of living is 7.99% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Hastings has a median home price of $230,271, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Hastings, the average rental rates are $1,124 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Hastings | Nebraska | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 48 | 2,523 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 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 |
| Doniphan, NE | 1,033 | 60 | 444 | 504 |
| Kenesaw, NE | 1,130 | 85 | 630 | 716 |
| Giltner, NE | 386 | 224 | 1,660 | 1,884 |
| Juniata, NE | 709 | 249 | 1,841 | 2,090 |
| Trumbull, NE | 270 | 262 | 1,938 | 2,200 |
| Roseland, NE | 228 | 267 | 1,977 | 2,244 |
| Holstein, NE | 286 | 270 | 1,998 | 2,269 |
| Hastings, NE | 25,424 | 318 | 2,007 | 2,325 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Emporia, KS | 25,435 | 369 | 2,302 | 2,671 |
| Riverbank, CA | 25,441 | 164 | 1,525 | 1,689 |
| Rosemount, MN | 25,406 | 57 | 500 | 556 |
| Hazleton, PA | 25,442 | 233 | 492 | 725 |
| Fort Washington, MD | 25,402 | 320 | 1,563 | 1,883 |
| Hastings, NE | 25,424 | 318 | 2,007 | 2,325 |