Lincoln, Nebraska is the second-largest city and serves as the capital of the state known as the Cornhusker State. Notable landmarks include the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska State Capitol, along with various cultural and historical sites. Lincoln is recognized for its affordable living costs, pleasant lifestyle, and welcoming community.
However, like any city, Lincoln faces its share of crime and violence. Certain areas in Lincoln experience higher levels of criminal activity, and it’s important for residents and visitors to be mindful of potential risks. Below are five neighborhoods in Lincoln, Nebraska that have higher crime rates, based on statistical data and reports.
North Bottoms
This area, north of downtown Lincoln, is bordered by Salt Creek, Interstate 180, and Cornhusker Highway. It’s one of the older and less affluent parts of the city, with many run-down homes and apartments.
A lot of students from the nearby University of Nebraska-Lincoln, along with immigrants and refugees from different countries, live in this neighborhood. Unfortunately, the North Bottoms is known for issues like drug trade, prostitution, gangs, and violent crime.
According to NeighborhoodScout, the North Bottoms has a high violent crime rate of 9.67 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average of 4 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate is also above average at 43.16 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 21 per 1,000 residents.
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Clinton
Clinton is a diverse neighborhood located in the north-central part of the city, centered around 27th and Holdrege streets. It has a mix of different ethnicities and economic backgrounds, with various types of housing like single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings.
For people who work downtown or attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Clinton is a convenient area. It’s well-served by several bus lines and has bike trails.
According to City-Data, in 2020, Clinton’s crime index was 333, which was higher than 78.6% of cities in the U.S. The neighborhood experienced 5 homicides, 138 robberies, 919 burglaries, and 6,660 thefts in the same year.
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Havelock
Havelock used to be its own town in the northeast of Lincoln. It had its own train station and business area. Now, it’s part of Lincoln and has both homes and businesses.
The people in Havelock are close-knit and they have a yearly summer event called Havelock Days. However, they also deal with issues like not having enough money, not having jobs, and crime.
According to CrimeGrade, in Havelock, there are about 6 cases of violent crime for every 1,000 people, and about 36 cases of property crime for every 1,000 people. CrimeGrade gives Havelock a C- for violent crime and a D+ for property crime.
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Hartley
Hartley is a neighborhood in the eastern part of Lincoln. It’s surrounded by Holdrege Street, Antelope Creek, Vine Street, and North Cotner Boulevard. The area is known for its diverse community, with lots of different types of restaurants and markets along North 27th Street. Hartley also has parks, schools, churches, and community centers.
However, Hartley faces challenges with crime, including vandalism, assault, burglary, and theft. In 2020, the neighborhood’s crime index was 3, according to HomeSnacks (with higher numbers indicating more crime). The violent crime rate was 7 incidents per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate was 37 incidents per 1,000 residents.
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Capitol Beach
Capitol Beach is a neighborhood in west Lincoln, located north of West O Street and west of Downtown. It’s known for Capitol Beach Lake and Lakeview Elementary School. Originally, it was meant to be a recreational resort area with cottages by the lake.
Unfortunately, the lake got polluted over time, leading to a decline in the neighborhood. Now, Capitol Beach faces high levels of poverty, unemployment, drug issues, and crime. In 2018, it had a violent crime rate of 8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 40 per 1,000 residents according to Wikipedia.
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Conclusion
Here are some neighborhoods in Lincoln, Nebraska that require extra caution for residents and visitors. But remember, this doesn’t mean they’re entirely unsafe or lacking positive aspects.
Every neighborhood has its unique history, culture, and community worth appreciating and supporting by those who reside or visit there.
By staying vigilant about potential risks and following safety steps like locking doors, avoiding dimly lit areas, and reporting anything suspicious, you can lower the likelihood of being a victim of crime in Lincoln.
