| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Ocean City/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 679 | n/a (estimate) | 9,787 | 2,470 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 173.0 | 33.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 4 | n/a | 57.7 | 123.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 52 | n/a | 749.5 | 257.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 68 | n/a (estimate) | 980 | 420 | 359 |
| Burglary | 63 | n/a | 908.0 | 190.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 521 | n/a | 7,509.4 | 1,446.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 27 | n/a | 389.2 | 412.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 611 | n/a (estimate) | 8,807 | 2,050 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ocean City is 361.8% 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 Ocean City, there were 68 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 980 per 100,000 individuals, 172.9% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 611 property crimes, amounting to 8807 per 100,000 residents, 400.3% higher than the U.S. average.
Ocean City has a crime rate of 9787 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 361.81%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Ocean City. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
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 980 per 100,000 people, Ocean City is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 103 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 faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 8807 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Ocean City stands at 1 in 12, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 70 local residents in Ocean City to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 54% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ocean City and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 46% 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ocean City a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Ocean City crime rate is 362% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.86 crimes per day - 0.19 violent crimes and 1.67 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Ocean City has decreased by 16.3%. 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 decreased by 25.3%, while property crime has decreased by 15.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Ocean City is a safe place to live.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Ocean City crime rates. In Ocean City, the poverty rate stands at 9.7%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Ocean City, the median home price stands at $519,950, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Ocean City, the average monthly rent stands at $1,646, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
| 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 Pines, MD | 13,245 | 33 | 327 | 360 |
| Millville, DE | 1,515 | 75 | 362 | 437 |
| South Bethany, DE | 569 | 0 | 577 | 577 |
| Ocean View, DE | 2,718 | 66 | 560 | 626 |
| Frankford, DE | 731 | 110 | 773 | 884 |
| Berlin, MD | 4,920 | 73 | 900 | 974 |
| West Ocean City, MD | 4,828 | 214 | 1,043 | 1,256 |
| Ocean City, MD | 7,122 | 980 | 8,807 | 9,787 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Treasure Island, FL | 7,118 | 185 | 1,830 | 2,014 |
| Perry, FL | 7,127 | 290 | 1,540 | 1,830 |
| Greenbrier, TN | 7,131 | 158 | 460 | 619 |
| Mount Carmel, IL | 7,112 | 135 | 464 | 599 |
| Benton, IL | 7,133 | 315 | 1,869 | 2,183 |
| Ocean City, MD | 7,122 | 980 | 8,807 | 9,787 |
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