Ocean Springs, MS Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Ocean Springs, MS

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Ocean Springs is 1.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Ocean Springs, there were 18 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 98 per 100,000 individuals, 73.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 416 property crimes, amounting to 2266 per 100,000 residents, 15.9% higher than the U.S. average.

The Ocean Springs crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Ocean Springs, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.

Ocean Springs has one of the lowest violent crime rates of all cities in the United States. With a rate of 98 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Ocean Springs ranks among the safest cities in the United States making it an attractive choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Ocean Springs?

AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Ocean Springs to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 67% of people answered that there was very little crime in Ocean Springs and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 33% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Ocean Springs a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Ocean Springs 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 Ocean Springs crime rate is 2% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.19 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 1.14 property crimes.

Has Crime in Ocean Springs 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 Springs 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 Springs has increased by 1.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 5.9% and property crime has increased by 1.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Ocean Springs

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Ocean Springs, the cost of living is 9.01% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The median home price in Ocean Springs is $173,100, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Ocean Springs, the average rental rates are $1,005 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Ocean Springs crime map