| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cape May/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 77 | n/a (estimate) | 2,795 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 36.3 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 108.9 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 4 | n/a (estimate) | 145 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 181.5 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 67 | n/a | 2,431.9 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 36.3 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 73 | n/a (estimate) | 2,650 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Cape May crime rate is 31.9% 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 Cape May, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 145 per 100,000 individuals, 59.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, Cape May recorded 73 property crimes, amounting to 2650 per 100,000 residents, 50.5% higher than the U.S. average.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Cape May reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Cape May residents. Out of the respondents (28 in total), 93% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Cape May were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 7% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Cape May 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 Cape May crime rate is 32% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.21 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.2 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Cape May has increased by 24.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Cape May, 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 300%, while property crime has increased by 19.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Cape May is a safe place to live.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Cape May crime rates. Cape May registers a population density of 1437.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Cape May, the cost of living is 56.85% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
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 Cape May, the average monthly rent stands at $1,711, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
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.
| 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 |
| West Cape May, NJ | 1,043 | 41 | 271 | 313 |
| Rio Grande, NJ | 2,827 | 86 | 566 | 653 |
| Cape May Point, NJ | 170 | 88 | 577 | 665 |
| Erma, NJ | 2,113 | 93 | 606 | 699 |
| Lewes, DE | 3,362 | 162 | 540 | 702 |
| Henlopen Acres, DE | 191 | 146 | 705 | 851 |
| Whitesboro, NJ | 2,644 | 113 | 741 | 854 |
| Cape May, NJ | 3,573 | 145 | 2,650 | 2,795 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Blackshear, GA | 3,573 | 162 | 1,002 | 1,164 |
| Rochester, PA | 3,574 | 408 | 3,191 | 3,600 |
| Beloit, KS | 3,572 | 179 | 926 | 1,106 |
| West End-Cobb Town, AL | 3,571 | 238 | 1,036 | 1,275 |
| Narragansett Pier, RI | 3,571 | 29 | 197 | 226 |
| Cape May, NJ | 3,573 | 145 | 2,650 | 2,795 |
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