Ocean County Crime & Safety

Ocean County, New Jersey

Safety Score

61/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

904.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

96.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

807.9

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

61/100

Higher = safer

State avg 40/100

State Safety Rank

of 21 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Ocean County, New Jersey

Top-Tier National Safety

Ocean County maintains a strong safety score of 98.6, with a total crime rate of 904.0 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Standalone Shore Security

The county outperforms the New Jersey average crime rate of 1,525.9 and the state safety score of 97.6. It remains a standout performer in the Jersey Shore region.

Comparing to Shore Neighbors

Ocean County is safer than neighboring Monmouth County, which reports 1,259.5 crimes per 100,000. Local law enforcement keeps the rate well below many of its suburban peers.

Focusing on Property Issues

Property crime occurs at 807.9 per 100,000, while violent crime is limited to 96.1. Most reported incidents involve non-violent offenses like theft or vandalism.

Protecting Your Coastal Home

Homeowners can further reduce property crime by installing visible security cameras. Being active in your local community helps police maintain these impressive safety numbers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Ocean County, NJ?

Ocean County has a total crime rate of 904.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (96.1 per 100K) and property crimes (807.9 per 100K).

Is Ocean County, NJ safe?

Ocean County has a safety score of 61/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #6 out of 21 counties in New Jersey for safety (1 = safest).

How does Ocean County crime compare to the New Jersey average?

The county outperforms the New Jersey average crime rate of 1,525.9 and the state safety score of 97.6. It remains a standout performer in the Jersey Shore region.

What types of crime are most common in Ocean County?

Property crime occurs at 807.9 per 100,000, while violent crime is limited to 96.1. Most reported incidents involve non-violent offenses like theft or vandalism.

How is crime data measured and reported for Ocean County?

Crime data for Ocean County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Ocean County safer than the New Jersey average?

Ocean County has a safety score of 61/100, which is above the New Jersey average of 40/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.