| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ocean City/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 881 | n/a (estimate) | 12,664 | 2,034 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 8.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 19 | n/a | 273.1 | 30.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 19 | n/a | 273.1 | 114.2 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 91 | n/a | 1,308.0 | 245.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 129 | n/a (estimate) | 1,854 | 399 | 370 |
| Burglary | 84 | n/a | 1,207.4 | 190.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 646 | n/a | 9,285.6 | 1,225.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 316.2 | 219.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 752 | n/a (estimate) | 10,809 | 1,635 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Ocean City is 444.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 129 violent crimes reported in Ocean City, equivalent to 1854 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 401.4%. Additionally, Ocean City recorded 752 property crimes, amounting to 10809 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 453.1%.
With a crime rate of 12664 per 100,000 residents, Ocean City has a crime rate that is 444.86% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Ocean City that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Ocean City ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 1854 per 100,000 people, Ocean City is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Ocean City, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
In the latest reported crime year, Ocean City recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Ocean City has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 10809 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Ocean City is 1 in 10, which is far higher than the national average.
AreaVibes surveyed 64 local residents in Ocean City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 58% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ocean City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 42% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Ocean City is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Ocean City has an overall crime rate that is 445% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.41 daily occurrences, comprising 0.35 violent crimes and 2.06 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Ocean City as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Ocean City has increased by 8.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Ocean City, 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 41.8%, while property crime has increased by 4.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Ocean City is a safe place to live.
In Ocean City, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Ocean City crime rates.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Ocean City crime rates. The population density in Ocean City is 1535.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Ocean City, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 16.72 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Ocean City | Maryland | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 120 | 5,343 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 16.7 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Maryland /100K | National /100K |
| Maryland | 7,370 | 135 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ocean View, DE | 2,637 | 35 | 631 | 666 |
| Millville, DE | 1,484 | 125 | 639 | 763 |
| South Bethany, DE | 558 | 204 | 816 | 1,020 |
| West Ocean City, MD | 4,661 | 249 | 1,022 | 1,271 |
| Berlin, MD | 4,740 | 325 | 1,336 | 1,661 |
| Ocean Pines, MD | 12,950 | 382 | 1,570 | 1,952 |
| Selbyville, DE | 2,520 | 451 | 1,675 | 2,126 |
| Ocean City, MD | 6,957 | 1,854 | 10,809 | 12,664 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pelham, NY | 6,957 | 140 | 560 | 700 |
| Noble, OK | 6,956 | 116 | 1,407 | 1,523 |
| Westmere, NY | 6,961 | 330 | 1,324 | 1,654 |
| Huntingdon, PA | 6,950 | 312 | 1,652 | 1,964 |
| Selma, NC | 6,950 | 628 | 1,622 | 2,250 |
| Ocean City, MD | 6,957 | 1,854 | 10,809 | 12,664 |
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