Central Neighborhood, Ocean City
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Ocean City
Safety at a Glance
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in Ocean City
Is Central Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Central in Ocean City, NJ has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average of 100. Central is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Ocean City.
Compared to the Ocean City average (crime index 136), Central is 24% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 152, 52% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 77).
Central Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Ocean City city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
142 | +42% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
152 | +52% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
105 | +5% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
115 | +15% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
148 | +48% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
110 | +10% | Moderate | |
How Central Compares
Crime index by category: Central vs Ocean City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central, Ocean City?
Central in Ocean City, NJ has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 160, which is 60% above the national average. Compared to the Ocean City average, crime in Central is 24% higher. Central is safer than 9% of neighborhoods in Ocean City.
Is Central a safe neighborhood in Ocean City?
Central is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Ocean City, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 152), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 77). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Ocean City.
How does Central compare to the rest of Ocean City?
Central's overall crime index is 160, compared to the Ocean City average of 136. This means crime in Central is 24% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 119, and for property crime it is 124. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central?
The most prevalent crime type in Central is Assault, with a crime index of 152 (52% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Bay Area, North End, Riviera and Gold Coast. These areas are close to Central and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central?
Central has a population of approximately 2,046. The median household income is $71,655. The median home value is $809,955. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central crime compare to the national average?
Central's overall crime rate is 60% above the national average (index 160 vs 100). Within Ocean City, it is safer than 9% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.