| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cape May/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 114 | n/a (estimate) | 4,007 | 1,620 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 16.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 47.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 210.9 | 135.4 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 6 | n/a (estimate) | 211 | 203 | 370 |
| Burglary | 3 | n/a | 105.4 | 148.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 100 | n/a | 3,514.9 | 1,109.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 175.7 | 159.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 108 | n/a (estimate) | 3,796 | 1,417 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Cape May is 72.4% higher 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 Cape May, there were 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 211 per 100,000 individuals, 43% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 108 property crimes, amounting to 3796 per 100,000 residents, 94.2% higher than the U.S. average.
In Cape May, the crime rate stands at 4007 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 72.4%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Cape May that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
During the most recently reported crime year, Cape May experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Cape May reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3796 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 27 chance of falling victim to property crime in Cape May, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
AreaVibes surveyed 26 local residents in Cape May to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 92% of people answered that there was very little crime in Cape May and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 8% 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.
To determine if Cape May is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Cape May has a total crime rate that is 72% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.31 daily crimes (0.02 violent daily crimes and 0.3 daily property crimes) in Cape May.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Cape May. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Cape May has increased by 83.9%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 500%, while property crime has increased by 77.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Cape May.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Cape May currently has an unemployment rate of 0.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Cape May, the cost of living is 43.97% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Cape May, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 7.77, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Cape May | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 28 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 7.8 | 5.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Jersey /100K | National /100K |
| New Jersey | 4,539 | 54 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cape May Point, NJ | 165 | 82 | 572 | 654 |
| Erma, NJ | 2,036 | 87 | 607 | 694 |
| Rio Grande, NJ | 2,759 | 96 | 670 | 766 |
| North Cape May, NJ | 3,749 | 101 | 702 | 803 |
| Henlopen Acres, DE | 187 | 155 | 793 | 949 |
| Whitesboro, NJ | 2,588 | 121 | 844 | 964 |
| West Cape May, NJ | 1,008 | 157 | 1,094 | 1,251 |
| Cape May, NJ | 3,446 | 211 | 3,796 | 4,007 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Red Oak, NC | 3,446 | 139 | 710 | 849 |
| Myrtle Creek, OR | 3,447 | 199 | 2,783 | 2,981 |
| Middleville, MI | 3,447 | 272 | 908 | 1,181 |
| Blissfield, MI | 3,447 | 152 | 670 | 822 |
| Woodstown, NJ | 3,445 | 108 | 596 | 704 |
| Cape May, NJ | 3,446 | 211 | 3,796 | 4,007 |
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