Ocean City, NJ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,261
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$101,782/yr
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
21,191
1.4% year-over-year change

Ocean City population

How many people live in Ocean City

Ocean City is home to 11,261 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Ocean City locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
11,261
0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
5,184
Female
54%
6,077
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,184 46% -1.0%
Female 6,077 54% 0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ocean City is 56, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.1% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.3% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
56.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.1%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
16.3%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
33.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,251 11.1% 9.6%
15 to 24 1,180 10.5% -1.8%
25 to 44 1,834 16.3% 12.1%
45 to 64 3,195 28.4% -6.9%
Over 65 3,801 33.8% -1.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ocean City, 91.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.8% of locals are Caucasian, 3.4% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,319 91.6% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 360 3.2% -1.6%
Non-citizens 582 5.2% 13.2%
Racial breakdown
White
84.8%
Black or African American
3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.6%
Other
8.8%
Value Percent
White 9,554 84.8%
Black or African American 382 3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.1%
Asian 24 0.2%
Two or more races 295 2.6%
Other 996 8.8%

Households in Ocean City

A peek inside Ocean City households

Ocean City has 5,689 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.4% are families, while the remaining 35.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,689
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,023
Family households
3,666
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,023 35.6% -5.3%
Family households 3,666 64.4% 5.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ocean City

The housing landscape of Ocean City

Ocean City's housing consists of 21,191 units, with 29.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 37.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
21,191
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,264 29.6%
1 unit, attached 7,958 37.6%
2 units 3,671 17.3%
3 or 4 units 811 3.8%
5 to 9 units 550 2.6%
10 to 19 units 520 2.4%
20 to 49 units 676 3.2%
50 or more units 729 3.4%
Mobile home 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
492
87.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ocean City

In Ocean City, the median construction year is 1984. About 16.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,449 16.3% 3.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 623 2.9% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 872 4.1% -12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,583 7.5% -5.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,468 11.6% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,098 19.3% 1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,363 11.2% 4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,453 16.3% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,790 8.4% -3.2%
Built in 2020 or later 492 2.3% 87.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ocean City occupancy rates

Out of the 5,689 occupied housing units in Ocean City, 72.7% are owner-occupied, while 27.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 73.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,689
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,554
Owner occupied
4,135
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,554 27.3% 0.3%
Owner occupied 4,135 72.7% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
73.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ocean City housing costs

Housing costs in Ocean City come to a median of $1,852 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,683.

Median housing costs per month
$1,852/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ocean City
$1,683/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ocean City

Ocean City education at a glance

About 23.8% of the population in Ocean City went to high school, while 13.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 29.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 104 1.1% -32.9%
High school diploma 2,268 23.8% -5.8%
College diploma 1,280 13.4% -3.7%
Associate degree 674 7.1% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 2,829 29.7% -1.7%
Graduate degree 2,364 24.8% 10.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ocean City

How much people earn in Ocean City

The average annual household income in Ocean City was $147,215 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Ocean City
$147,215/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ocean City
$101,782/year
0.0% year-over-year change

Ocean City income by age

In Ocean City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $108,205. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $170,500 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,491, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $85,439 in earnings. Overall, 90.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,491 7.0%
25 - 44 $108,205 26.0%
45 - 64 $170,500 -5.3%
Over 65 $85,439 3.2%
Above poverty level
10,071
Below poverty level
1,105
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,071 90.1% -1.9%
Below poverty level 1,105 9.9% 24.6%

Employment in Ocean City

Workforce and job types in Ocean City

The job market in Ocean City is powered by 5,156 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.1% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 18.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,156
-2.2% year-over-year change
White collar
4,417
Blue collar
739
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,417 85.7% -1.6%
Blue collar 739 14.3% -5.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.1%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
18.6%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 729 14.1% 1.0%
Private companies 2,966 57.5% -6.4%
Governmental workers 960 18.6% -0.1%
Not for profit companies 501 9.7% 19.9%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ocean City stands at 3.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ocean City

How people get around in Ocean City

Commuting methods vary: 65.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,328 65.4% -6.6%
Bus or trolleybus 15 0.3% 1,400.0%
Subway or elevated 2 0% N/A
Railroad 4 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 138 2.7% -1.4%
Walk 325 6.4% -24.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ocean City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
08226 11,261 5,689 $101,782 $147,215

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FAQs about Ocean City demographics 

What is the total population of Ocean City?

Ocean City has a total population of 11,261 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ocean City?

The gender ratio in Ocean City is as follows:
  • 46% males (5,184 residents)
  • 54% females (6,077 residents)

What is the median age in Ocean City?

The median age in Ocean City is 56.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ocean City?

The age distribution in Ocean City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.1% (1,251 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (1,180 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.3% (1,834 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (3,195 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.8% (3,801 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocean City is as follows:
  • White: 84.8% (9,554 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.4% (382 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (24 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.6% (295 residents)
  • Other: 8.8% (996 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ocean City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.6% of the population in Ocean City.

How many housing units are there in Ocean City?

There are 21,191 housing units in Ocean City, reflecting a +1.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ocean City and what is the average household size?

Ocean City has a total of 5,689 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ocean City?

Ocean City has a median household income of $101,782, representing a 0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ocean City?

The employment rate is 96.8% in Ocean City, with a workforce of 5,156 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.7% (4,417 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.3% (739 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.1% (729 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (2,966 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.6% (960 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (501 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025