Ocean City, NJ Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ocean City, NJ

The Ocean City crime rates are 162.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 14 violent crimes in Ocean City (124 per 100,000 people), which is 66.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 672 property crimes (5969 per 100,000 residents) which is 205.4% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 6093 per 100,000 residents, Ocean City experiences a crime rate that is 162.17% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Ocean City contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

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.

Ocean City reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 5969 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim to property crime in Ocean City, 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ocean City?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Ocean City residents. Out of the respondents (23 in total), 74% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Ocean City were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 26% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Ocean City a Safe Place to Live?

Is Ocean City 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 City has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 162%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.88 daily incidents, encompassing 0.04 violent crimes and 1.84 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Ocean City as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Ocean City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Ocean City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Ocean City has increased by 100.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 75% and property crime has increased by 101.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ocean City

In Ocean City, the poverty rate currently stands at 8.8%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Ocean City crime rates.

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Ocean City, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Ocean City, the cost of living is 43.83% 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.

Ocean City crime map