| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kearney/100k people | Nebraska/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 665 | n/a (estimate) | 1,926 | 1,847 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.9 | 2.1 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 34 | n/a | 98.5 | 43.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 17.4 | 20.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 63 | n/a | 182.5 | 154.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 104 | n/a (estimate) | 301 | 221 | 359 |
| Burglary | 58 | n/a | 168.0 | 155.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 466 | n/a | 1,349.8 | 1,218.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 37 | n/a | 107.2 | 252.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 561 | n/a (estimate) | 1,625 | 1,627 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Kearney is 9.1% lower 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 Kearney, there were 104 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 301 per 100,000 individuals, 16.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 561 property crimes, amounting to 1625 per 100,000 residents, 7.7% lower than the U.S. average.
The Kearney crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Kearney, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
In the most recent release, Kearney reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Kearney, there were 1625 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Kearney residents. Out of the respondents (119 in total), 82% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Kearney were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 18% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Kearney, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Kearney presents a total crime rate that is 9% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Kearney experiences an average of 1.82 daily crimes, comprising 0.28 violent incidents and 1.54 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Kearney has increased by 35.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Kearney, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 19.5%, while property crime has increased by 38.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Kearney is a safe place to live.
In Kearney, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.7%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Kearney crime rates.
In Kearney, the cost of living is 0.5% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Kearney, the average monthly rent stands at $1,197, while the national average is $1,444 per month.

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| 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 | 2,970 | 64 | 510 | 573 |
| Gibbon, NE | 2,026 | 85 | 631 | 716 |
| Glenwood, NE | 560 | 89 | 657 | 746 |
| Amherst, NE | 178 | 260 | 1,926 | 2,186 |
| Riverdale, NE | 317 | 267 | 1,974 | 2,241 |
| Kearney, NE | 34,543 | 301 | 1,625 | 1,926 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| DeLand, FL | 34,541 | 239 | 1,269 | 1,507 |
| Dalton, GA | 34,537 | 243 | 1,902 | 2,146 |
| Franklin Town, MA | 34,557 | 95 | 288 | 383 |
| Alabaster, AL | 34,559 | 99 | 1,511 | 1,610 |
| Randolph, MA | 34,560 | 240 | 894 | 1,135 |
| Kearney, NE | 34,543 | 301 | 1,625 | 1,926 |