Lincoln, NE Crime Rate 2024 – Latest Statistics

It is crucial to have some knowledge and understanding of the Lincoln, NE, crime rate, and public safety, whether you are a current resident, potential newcomer, or just visiting. Being the second largest city in the state, the population in Lincoln has been growing steadily, and with it, interest in crime in the city. Analyzing criminal activity and its changes can provide insight into the overall safety and security of the city.

Overview of Crime Rates in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln can be described as a bustling city with a current population of about 300,000 residents. Like any other city with so many people, Lincoln has its fair share of crime. In 2022, the city reported a total of 9,577 incidents of crime, or 3,224 incidents per 100,000. This placed the crime rate in Lincoln 48% higher than the state and 39% higher than the nation as a whole. However, in 2023, all crime in the city seemed to drop.

To understand what this means for potential safety and legal concerns, it’s important to break down the various types of crimes this data refers to. Generally, crime in Lincoln can be placed into two main groups: property crime and violent crime. Property crimes, which include burglary, theft, and auto theft, make up a vast majority of the city’s criminal activity. Violent crime in Lincoln remains low in comparison.

Violent Crime in Lincoln

Violent crime is usually a bigger concern for those facing charges, as the legal consequences are typically more severe. Recent data shows that Lincoln had a reduction in violent crime between 2021 and 2022, decreasing from 1,245 incidents to approximately 1,123 incidents in the city. While there is some data that shows violent crime may have declined more in 2023, an official crime report has yet to be released.

Violent crime in Lincoln includes offenses such as murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and rape. In particular, aggravated assault has seen a somewhat steady rise in recent years, potentially a result of economic and social stressors in many communities.

Property Crime in Lincoln

Property crime is a lot more frequent in Lincoln than violent crime. Data from 2022 shows that the property crime rate was at 2,842 incidents per 100,000 people, which was about 45% higher than the national average at that time.

The most common crime reported was larceny/theft, which accounted for nearly 80% of all property crimes reported and nearly 70% of total crimes reported in Lincoln. Similar to the violent crime rate, trends in 2023 show that property crime incidents may have decreased as well that year.

Comparing Lincoln, NE to Other Cities

When you compare Lincoln to cities of similar sizes throughout the country, Lincoln’s crime rate is fairly moderate. The city is a relatively safe place due to violent crime remaining low. When we look at the state’s largest city, Omaha, the violent crime rate is much higher than that of the state capital, making Lincoln the preferred choice for those who want to live in a safer urban area.

Why Crime Statistics May Matter for Your Defense

If you are someone facing criminal charges in Lincoln, understanding the crime rate in the city can give you some context for the potential outcome of your case. Your Lincoln criminal defense attorney may be able to identify trends in sentencing patterns, court proceedings, and law-enforcement activity. For example, with incidents of aggravated assault on the rise, such cases may be prioritized by local courts, potentially affecting how your case is handled.

Lincoln Crime Rate FAQs

Q. Is Lincoln, Nebraska, a Safe Place to Live?

A. Despite the city’s relatively high crime rate, there are several areas of Lincoln that are safer to live in than others. People who are looking at Lincoln as a potential place to live but are concerned about the crime rate in the city should pay attention to overall crime in the city as well as daily crime. Researching potential neighborhoods to live in and seeing what current residents are saying about living there can also be helpful.

Q. What Area of Lincoln Has the Highest Crime Rate?

A. There are a few areas of Lincoln that stand out for having higher incidents of crime compared to their smaller populations. One of these areas is University Place, with a population of about 11,000 people.
Despite the modest size of the community, recent crime reports show that University Place may experience a disproportionately high amount of criminal activity compared to other areas. This could be due to the neighborhood’s close proximity to a university. It’s not unusual for “college towns” to experience a higher rate of petty crimes due to the flow of people in and out of the area.

Q. Where Does Lincoln Rank in Crime in the State?

A. Lincoln is currently ranked in the top 10 for cities with the highest crime rate in the state. As discussed, this is likely due to the amount of theft that happens in the city, but this does not mean all areas of Lincoln have a high crime rate. As with any city, there are some areas that are safer than others and some areas where crime does not happen as much as others.

Q. Does Lincoln Have Community Programs Aimed at Reducing Crime?

A. Yes, Lincoln has community programs like neighborhood watch groups that help with deterring crime and promoting community involvement. There is also a county pretrial diversion program for people who have committed certain crimes. This program is aimed at reducing crime in the county by giving offenders the opportunity to better themselves through rehabilitation instead of incarceration, thereby preventing repeat offenses.

Sopinski Law Office: Your Lincoln, NE, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether you are facing property or violent crime charges, your chances of having a fair trial and a successful outcome increase significantly when you have a dedicated and experienced criminal defense lawyer. Contact Sopinski Law Office today so that we may review your case and begin working on a strong defense strategy for you. We will be a strong advocate for you, fighting for your rights at every stage.