| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Surf City/100k people | New Jersey/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 900 | 1,645 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1 | n/a | 75.0 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 1 | n/a (estimate) | 75 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 10 | n/a | 750.2 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 75.0 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 825 | 1,427 | 1,760 |

The Surf City crime rates are 57.5% lower 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 1 violent crimes in Surf City (75 per 100,000 people), which is 79.1% lower than the national average and there were a total of 11 property crimes (825 per 100,000 residents) which is 53.1% lower than average.
Surf City distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 75 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Surf City among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Surf City 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.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Surf 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 Surf City crime rate is 58% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.03 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.03 property crimes.
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 Surf 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 Surf City has decreased by 40% year over year. Violent crime has didn't change by 0% and property crime has decreased by 42.1%.
Surf City has a population density of 1754.3 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Surf City crime rates.
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 Surf City, the cost of living is 72.7% higher than the national average.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Surf City stands at $1,319,701, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Surf City | New Jersey | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 10 | 14,540 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 8.2 | 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 |
| Ship Bottom, NJ | 1,096 | 31 | 200 | 231 |
| North Beach Haven, NJ | 2,275 | 34 | 224 | 258 |
| Manahawkin, NJ | 2,019 | 72 | 474 | 547 |
| Waretown, NJ | 2,602 | 83 | 545 | 628 |
| Barnegat Light, NJ | 471 | 88 | 577 | 665 |
| Harvey Cedars, NJ | 461 | 88 | 577 | 665 |
| Beach Haven West, NJ | 4,476 | 90 | 587 | 677 |
| Surf City, NJ | 1,305 | 75 | 825 | 900 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Keewatin, MN | 1,305 | 135 | 842 | 977 |
| Millbourne, PA | 1,305 | 751 | 2,337 | 3,088 |
| Maxwell, CA | 1,304 | 241 | 1,030 | 1,271 |
| Camp Hill, AL | 1,306 | 177 | 768 | 945 |
| Alto, GA | 1,304 | 0 | 299 | 299 |
| Surf City, NJ | 1,305 | 75 | 825 | 900 |