B+
3%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
68%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
17%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleOcean City/100k peopleNew Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime245n/a (estimate)2,1781,6452,119
Murder0n/a0.02.35.0
Rape0n/a0.017.337.5
Robbery1n/a8.949.360.6
Assault12n/a106.7148.8256.1
Violent crime13n/a (estimate)116218359
Burglary2n/a17.8145.3229.2
Theft228n/a2,027.21,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a17.8162.6258.8
Property crime232n/a (estimate)2,0631,4271,760

Ocean City crime map

Get this widget

The Ocean City crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Ocean City as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Ocean City crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Ocean City crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
Get Crime Data Within A 1-Mile Radius! Local Insights Report
  • View detailed crime data near your address
  • Use local crime insights to avoid risky areas
  • Get hyperlocal crime stats, not city averages
* Crime data not available for every address.
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ocean City, NJ

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Ocean City crime rate is 2.8% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Ocean City, there were 13 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 116 per 100,000 individuals, 67.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Ocean City recorded 232 property crimes, amounting to 2063 per 100,000 residents, 17.2% higher than the U.S. average.

When evaluating the Ocean City crime rate for every 100,000 residents, it positions itself in the middle range among all cities that reported crime. Our examination of total offenses, spanning both violent and property crimes, indicates that the reported Ocean City crime rates closely correspond to the national average reported by other regions.

Ocean City has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 116 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Ocean City ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

Ocean City showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ocean City?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Ocean City. Based on the results of the surveys (25 responses), 76% of people felt that there was very little crime in Ocean City and felt safe walking alone at night. While 24% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Ocean City a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Ocean City, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Ocean City presents a total crime rate that is 3% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Ocean City experiences an average of 0.67 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent incidents and 0.64 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Ocean City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Ocean City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Ocean City has decreased by 28.4%. Violent crimes have increased by 62.5%, while property crimes have decreased by 30.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ocean City

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 1685.1 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In Ocean City, 93.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Ocean City, the cost of living is 49.63% higher than the national average.

Compare Ocean City, NJ Crime

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Crime Quick Facts

      • Ocean City crime rates are 3% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Ocean City are 68% lower than the national average
      • In Ocean City you have a 1 in 46 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Ocean City is safer than 46% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Ocean City has increased by 228%

      Ocean City, NJ Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Ocean City

        See all the best places to live around Ocean City
        How would you rate the amount of crime in Ocean City?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Ocean City?
        Write a review to give others more information about this area.
        See all Ocean City poll results

        Daily Crime In Ocean City (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Ocean City, New Jersey is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Ocean City are 1.32 times more than the New Jersey average and 1.03 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Ocean City are 1.88 times less than than New Jersey and 3.11 times less than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Ocean City are 1.45 times more than than New Jersey and 1.17 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Ocean City (higher is better)

        Are people any safer living in Ocean City in comparison to other New Jersey communities and all other areas throughout the United States? When we look at all cities across America, is Ocean City safe? The evidence provided by these graphs show Ocean City being safer than 27% of cities in New Jersey and 46% of cities across the United States. This is evident by tracking New Jersey cities as well as all US cities over a one year period to contrast crime statistics as they relate to Ocean City. In conclusion, Ocean City ranks below average compared to the rest of the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Ocean City

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Ocean City is 1 in 866
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Ocean City is 1 in 49
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Ocean City is 1 in 46
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Ocean City, New Jersey? If you reside in Ocean City, then there is a 1 in 866 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 49. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 46 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Ocean City.

        Year Over Year Crime In Ocean City (per 100,000 people)

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Ocean City, New Jersey (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Ocean City has increased by 38%, the amount of property crime in Ocean City has increased by 256%, and the total amount of crime in Ocean City has increased by 228% year over year.

        Ocean City police department

        Item Ocean City New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)7014,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents6.05.73.3
        There are a total of 70 Ocean City police officers. This results in 6.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 6.1% greater than the New Jersey average and 84.4% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Estell Manor, NJ1,73283542625
        Linwood, NJ6,93514718733
        Brigantine, NJ8,944106753859
        Woodbine, NJ2,403124810934
        Northfield, NJ8,41001,0801,080
        Longport, NJ83401,1471,147
        Cape May Court House, NJ4,9101621,0631,225
        Ocean City, NJ11,3141162,0632,178

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Lindon, UT11,318761,9292,005
        Maynard, MA11,308242743985
        Suffern, NY11,3082981,3501,648
        Woodmere, LA11,3225002,2062,705
        Franklin Lakes, NJ11,32427373400
        Ocean City, NJ11,3141162,0632,178
        Source: The Ocean City, NJ crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.