Ocean Springs, MS Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Ocean Springs, MS

Is Ocean Springs, MS safe?

Ocean Springs earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it among the safer small cities along the Gulf Coast. With a population of roughly 17,756 and a population density of just 593 residents per square mile, the city's relatively low density helps keep crime concentrated rather than widespread. Property crime — particularly vehicle theft and burglary — accounts for the majority of incidents, while violent crime rates remain well below Mississippi state averages. Neighborhoods near the historic downtown district and Ocean Springs Harbor consistently draw positive safety feedback from residents. Practicing standard precautions like locking vehicles and reporting suspicious activity keeps most areas comfortable for families, retirees, and visitors.

What is the crime rate in Ocean Springs?

Ocean Springs holds a B overall crime grade for 2026, reflecting a safety profile that outperforms many comparably sized Southern cities. Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft — make up the overwhelming share of reported incidents, a pattern common in coastal communities with seasonal tourism activity. Violent crimes such as assault represent a notably smaller fraction of the total incident count. The city's 7.7% poverty rate and median household income of $60,859 are both indicators that correlate with moderate, rather than elevated, crime pressure. The Gulf Hills area and neighborhoods surrounding the Ocean Springs School District corridor tend to report fewer incidents than higher-traffic commercial corridors closer to major roadways.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Ocean Springs?

Based on community data and the city's B crime grade, several areas stand out for their safety profile. Gulf Hills — a residential enclave east of downtown — is frequently cited by residents as one of the quieter, more family-friendly parts of Ocean Springs, with low incident density relative to its population. The historic downtown district and blocks near Ocean Springs Harbor benefit from high foot traffic and active community engagement, which naturally deters opportunistic property crime. Neighborhoods tied to the Ocean Springs School District zone also tend to attract stable, long-term residents, which correlates with lower turnover and stronger neighborhood watch participation. For the most current block-level picture, cross-referencing the interactive crime map with time-based filters gives the clearest view of where incidents cluster by type and time of day.

Is Ocean Springs a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Ocean Springs ranks as a strong choice for coastal Mississippi living. The city's B overall crime grade signals a safer-than-average environment for a Gulf Coast community. Economically, a median household income of $60,859 and a median home value of $173,148 make homeownership accessible without sacrificing quality of life — the median rent of $1,005 also keeps the rental market competitive. The 7.4% unemployment rate runs slightly above the national average, though it reflects broader regional labor market dynamics rather than local economic instability. A poverty rate of just 7.7% underscores the city's relative economic stability. Combine those figures with a walkable arts district, Gulf Coast outdoor recreation, and tight-knit neighborhoods like Gulf Hills, and Ocean Springs consistently earns high marks from residents seeking a relaxed but culturally rich place to call home.

How does Ocean Springs compare to other Mississippi cities for safety?

Ocean Springs's B crime grade positions it favorably within Mississippi, a state where many mid-size cities struggle with higher violent crime rates. Its population density of 593 people per square mile is low enough that incidents remain relatively dispersed, and the city's median household income of $60,859 sits above the Mississippi state median — a factor strongly associated with lower overall crime pressure. Compared to larger Gulf Coast metros, Ocean Springs benefits from a smaller commercial corridor footprint, meaning fewer high-traffic retail zones that typically generate property crime spikes. Residents in neighborhoods like Gulf Hills and the historic district enjoy safety conditions that rival many suburban communities in larger Southern states.