Is Scottsbluff Safe, Pros and cons of living in Scottsbluff

Scottsbluff, Nebraska, is a city in the western part of the state, serving as a regional hub for commerce and services. It is situated in Scotts Bluff County, an area known for its agricultural significance and proximity to historical landmarks like Scotts Bluff National Monument.

The city offers a blend of small-town charm with the amenities of a larger community. Its location makes it a convenient stopping point for travelers and a focal point for residents of the surrounding Panhandle region. Scottsbluff provides a base for exploring the natural beauty and history of western Nebraska.

Is it Safe to Live in Scottsbluff?

Scottsbluff faces challenges with its crime rates, which are higher than both the national and state averages. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be 59% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with varying chances of being a victim of crime depending on the neighborhood (according to CrimeMapping.com). The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Scottsbluff is approximately 1 in 159, and for property crime, it is 1 in 34 (according to NeighborhoodScout). These statistics indicate that Scottsbluff has a higher crime rate compared to many other U.S. cities of similar size.

While crime statistics present a concern, it’s important to consider the context. The Scottsbluff Police Department serves the city, and data from 2019-2023 shows a total of 1,736 violent crimes and 2,432 property crimes. The average violent crime rate is 144.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 35.8% above the national average, while property crime averages 150.8 per 100,000, which is 7.8% below the national average (according to Crime Explorer). The city has also reported hate crime incidents motivated by race, religion, and sexual orientation.

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Scottsbluff is generally considered to be lower than the national average. One report indicates that Scottsbluff is 8% lower than the national average cost of living (according to AreaVibes). Another source suggests that the cost of living in Scottsbluff is 18% less expensive than the national average, assuming a $72,000 annual salary and a two-bedroom apartment (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs are a significant factor in this affordability, with Scottsbluff’s housing market being notably less expensive than the national average.

The median home price in Scottsbluff was reported as $137,700 in 2024 (according to Data USA), which is substantially lower than the national average median property value of $332,700. However, other sources indicate different median home prices, with one citing a median listing price of $279,000 as of March 2026 (according to Scottsbluff Housing Market). Year-over-year price momentum for homes for sale stands at 15.05% (according to Scottsbluff Housing Market). The homeownership rate in Scottsbluff is around 59.4% (according to Data USA), which is slightly lower than the national average of 65.2%. Rental options may be limited, with only a few rental listings available at times (according to Scottsbluff Housing Market).

Job Market and Economy

Scottsbluff serves as a significant economic center for its region, with major employers contributing to the local job market. Twin Cities Development is actively involved in the economic growth of Scottsbluff and the surrounding areas. The city is recognized as the retail hub for Western Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming, attracting businesses and consumers alike.

The average household income in Scottsbluff is reported to be around $76,263 (according to Twin Cities Development). However, other sources provide different figures for median household income, such as $56,359 (according to Data USA and Neilsberg) or $56,441 (according to Livability.com). The unemployment rate in Scotts Bluff County was 4% as of February 2026 (according to Data Commons). The per capita income in Scottsbluff is approximately $31,699 (according to Twin Cities Development), with an average individual income of $35,400 in Scotts Bluff County (according to Data Commons).

Climate and Weather

Scottsbluff experiences a cold semi-arid climate, characterized by distinct seasons with significant temperature variations. Summers are typically hot and mostly clear, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy. The temperature throughout the year generally ranges from 15°F to 90°F and rarely falls below -2°F or exceeds 99°F (according to Scottsbluff Climate). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 60°F, while the coldest month is December, with average lows of 17°F and highs of 41°F (according to Scottsbluff Climate).

The city receives moderate annual precipitation, with an average of around 16 inches per year (according to Livability.com and Scottsbluff Weather Averages). May is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of about 2.2 inches (according to Scottsbluff Climate). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an annual average of about 38 inches (according to Livability.com). The snowy season generally lasts from October to May, with December being the snowiest month (according to Scottsbluff Weather Averages).

Education and Demographics

Scottsbluff is home to Western Nebraska Community College, which is the largest educational institution in the area, awarding 235 degrees in 2023 (according to Data USA). Information regarding K-12 school ratings is not readily available in the provided search results.

The population of Scottsbluff is approximately 14,400 residents (according to Data USA). The demographic makeup is diverse, with White residents constituting the largest group at around 70.34% (according to Neilsberg). Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a significant portion of the population, at about 30.7% (according to Scottsbluff Demographics). The median age in Scottsbluff is 38.8 years (according to Neilsberg). Citizenship is high, with 97.3% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is above the national average (according to Data USA).