B-
48%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
73%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
73%
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 Isle Beach/100k peopleNorth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime32n/a (estimate)3,1402,3442,119
Murder0n/a0.07.55.0
Rape0n/a0.028.037.5
Robbery0n/a0.050.260.6
Assault1n/a98.1290.1256.1
Violent crime1n/a (estimate)98376359
Burglary8n/a785.1323.9229.2
Theft21n/a2,060.81,390.21,272.1
Vehicle theft2n/a196.3254.1258.8
Property crime31n/a (estimate)3,0421,9681,760

Ocean Isle Beach crime map

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The Ocean Isle Beach crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Ocean Isle Beach 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 Isle Beach crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Ocean Isle Beach 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.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Ocean Isle Beach crime rate is higher than the national average by 48.2%. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes in Ocean Isle Beach, equivalent to 98 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 72.7%. Furthermore, Ocean Isle Beach recorded 31 property crimes, amounting to 3042 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 72.8%.

Ocean Isle Beach shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 98 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Ocean Isle Beach an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.

In the most recently reported crime year, Ocean Isle Beach registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ocean Isle Beach?

AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Ocean Isle Beach to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 47% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ocean Isle Beach and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 53% 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.

Is Ocean Isle Beach a Safe Place to Live?

Is Ocean Isle Beach a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Ocean Isle Beach has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 48%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.09 daily incidents, encompassing 0 violent crimes and 0.08 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ocean Isle Beach as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Ocean Isle Beach Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Ocean Isle Beach has decreased by 31.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Ocean Isle Beach, 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 66.7%, while property crime has decreased by 29.6%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Ocean Isle Beach is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ocean Isle Beach

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Ocean Isle Beach crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Ocean Isle Beach has an unemployment rate of 2.1%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.

Ocean Isle Beach has a population density of 204.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Ocean Isle Beach crime rates.

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 Ocean Isle Beach, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 22.61, 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.

Compare Ocean Isle Beach, NC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Ocean Isle Beach crime rates are 48% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Ocean Isle Beach are 73% lower than the national average
      • In Ocean Isle Beach you have a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Ocean Isle Beach is safer than 38% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Ocean Isle Beach has increased by 75%

      Ocean Isle Beach, NC Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Ocean Isle Beach (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Ocean Isle Beach (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Ocean Isle Beach

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Ocean Isle Beach is 1 in 1020
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Ocean Isle Beach is 1 in 33
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Ocean Isle Beach is 1 in 32

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

        Ocean Isle Beach police department

        Item Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1314,511558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents22.64.83.3
        There are a total of 13 Ocean Isle Beach police officers. This results in 22.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 373.4% greater than the North Carolina average and 595.3% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in North Carolina

        State Total offenders North Carolina /100K National /100K
        North Carolina26,293320266
        There are a total of 26,293 sex offenders in North Carolina. This yields a total of 320 sex offenders in North Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 20% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Carolina Shores, NC4,539155812967
        Calabash, NC2,1151688781,045
        Sunset Beach, NC4,0961079661,073
        Little River, SC9,9872681,2061,474
        Holden Beach, NC1,0111061,4811,587
        Varnamtown, NC8034012,0982,499
        North Myrtle Beach, SC17,0323613,2233,583
        Ocean Isle Beach, NC760983,0423,140

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Rich Square, NC7604912,5703,062
        Ringtown, PA7602861,6711,957
        Catheys Valley, CA7606282,6853,313
        Talco, TX7605923,1053,697
        McKinley Heights, OH7603271,7262,054
        Ocean Isle Beach, NC760983,0423,140
        Source: The Ocean Isle Beach, NC 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.