Ocean City, New Jersey#Boardwalk

Before Ocean City was established, local Native Americans set up camps on the island for fishing in the summer months.[http://www.ocnj.us/History/ A Brief History of Ocean City New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223042900/http://www.ocnj.us/History/ |date=December 23, 2017 }}, Ocean City, New Jersey. Accessed December 23, 2017. In 1633, Dutch navigator David Pietersz. de Vries referred to "flat sand beaches with low hills between Cape May and Egg Harbor", possibly the earliest reference to the island that became Ocean City. In 1695, Thomas Budd surveyed the land on behalf of the West Jersey Society.

Originally purchased by the Somers family, the island was named Peck's Beach, believed to have been given the name for a whaler named John Peck.Staff. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-of-atlantic-city-profile-of-ocean/167086449/ "Ocean City's Birthday / The Perfect Gift"], The Press of Atlantic City, September 10, 2009. Accessed March 2, 2025, via Newspapers.com. Around 1700, Peck began using the barrier island as a base of operation and storage place for freshly caught whales. The island was also used as a cattle-grazing area, and mainlanders would boat over for a picnic or to hunt.[http://www.oceancityvacation.com/about-the-island/history.html History of Ocean City] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220003051/http://www.oceancityvacation.com/about-the-island/history.html |date=February 20, 2014 }}, OceanCityVacation.com. Accessed April 7, 2015.

The first record of a house on Peck's Beach was in 1752. During the 18th century, cattle grazers brought cows to the island, where plentiful trees, weeds, brush, and seagrass provided suitable conditions. Parker Miller was the first permanent resident of Peck's Beach in 1859.

On September 10, 1879, four Methodist ministers—Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake, and William Burrell—chose the island as a suitable spot to establish a Christian retreat and camp meeting on the order of Ocean Grove. They met under a tall cedar tree, which stands today in the lobby of the Ocean City Tabernacle. Having chosen the name Ocean City, the founders incorporated the Ocean City Association and laid out streets and lots for cottages, hotels, and businesses. The Ocean City Tabernacle was built between Wesley and Asbury Avenues and between 5th and 6th Streets. Camp meetings were held by the following summer and continue uninterrupted to this day.[http://octabernacle.org/about/history/ History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405073639/http://octabernacle.org/about/history/ |date=April 5, 2017 }}, Ocean City Tabernacle. Accessed June 22, 2017.

In 1881, the first school on the island opened. The first bridge to the island was built in 1883, and the West Jersey Railroad opened in 1884.{{cite book|title=The History of Cape May County, New Jersey: From the Aboriginal Times to the Present Day|year=1897|publisher=Star of the Cape Publishing Co.|page=446|location=Cape May, New Jersey|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e5UvAAAAYAAJ&q=%22ocean+city%22+%22new+jersey%22+mayor+gainer+moore&pg=PA446|access-date=October 19, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127160659/https://books.google.com/books?id=e5UvAAAAYAAJ&q=%22ocean+city%22+%22new+jersey%22+mayor+gainer+moore&pg=PA446|url-status=live}} Based on a referendum on April 30, 1884, the borough of Ocean City was formed from portions of Upper Township, following an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 3, 1884.

The ship Sindia joined other shipwrecks on the beach on December 15, 1901, on its way to New York City from Kobe, Japan, but has since sunk below the sand. A salvage attempt to retrieve treasures believed to have been on the ship was most recently launched in the 1970s, all of which have been unsuccessful.[http://www.thesindia.com/main.html The Sindia: The Mystery Continues] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629221258/http://www.thesindia.com/main.html |date=June 29, 2007 }}, The Sindia. Accessed June 4, 2007. In 1920, the Chamber of Commerce adopted the slogan "America's Greatest Family Resort".Longo, Brandon. [http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/07/21/summerfest-ocean-city/ "SummerFest: Ocean City Is All About Families"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222104842/http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/07/21/summerfest-ocean-city/ |date=December 22, 2017 }}, KYW-TV, July 21, 2017. Accessed December 19, 2017. "'The motto of the town since 1920 has been, "America's Greatest Family Resort,"' says Fred Miller, author and Ocean City historian."Miller, Fred; and Miller, Susan. [https://books.google.co.com/books?id=hsF8bQDMimwC&pg=PA7 Legendary Locals of Ocean City]{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, p. 7. Arcadia Publishing, 2012. {{ISBN|9781467100045}}. Accessed December 19, 2017. "In 1920, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce adopted the slogan 'America's Greatest Family Resort.' and that is the city's motto today."

In 1927, a large fire broke out and caused $1.5 million in damage (equivalent to ${{Inflation|index=US|value=1.5|start_year=1927}} million in {{Inflation/year|index=US}}). This led the city to move the boardwalk closer to the ocean, which resulted in a greater potential for damage from saltwater.Johnston, David. [http://articles.philly.com/1991-08-12/news/25804661_1_new-boardwalk-city-garage-blaze "In Ocean City, The Expensive Legacy Of A Fire"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419152910/http://articles.philly.com/1991-08-12/news/25804661_1_new-boardwalk-city-garage-blaze |date=April 19, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 12, 1991. Accessed September 13, 2015. "The popular Music Pier needs those renovations because of the city fathers' action after the 1927 inferno. They used the fire as an excuse to move the boardwalk much closer to the ocean. That, in turn, led the Music Pier to be built over the water - making it much more susceptible to the damaging effects of saltwater."

As a result of its religious origins, the sale or public drinking of alcoholic beverages in Ocean City was prohibited.[http://www.oceancityvacation.com/about-the-island/history.html History of Ocean City] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220003051/http://www.oceancityvacation.com/about-the-island/history.html |date=February 20, 2014 }}, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. Accessed September 13, 2015. "Part of the original four's wish, that Ocean City remain a pure retreat that exemplified the Christian mindset, still remains today as strong as the cedar tree they first met under. Historically, Ocean City is a dry town—there is no public drinking anywhere on the island." In 1881, the Ocean City Association passed a set of blue laws, which were designed to enforce religious standards. The town banned the manufacturing or sale of alcohol in 1909.

Promoting water instead of drinking alcohol, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union donated a public fountain, dedicated on Memorial Day in 1915.Lowe, Claire. [http://www.shorenewstoday.com/ocean_city/temperance-fountain-rededicated-in-front-of-city-hall/article_e79dabd6-047b-11e5-835f-5be8f7af4290.html "Temperance fountain rededicated in front of City Hall"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052809/http://www.shorenewstoday.com/ocean_city/temperance-fountain-rededicated-in-front-of-city-hall/article_e79dabd6-047b-11e5-835f-5be8f7af4290.html |date=December 22, 2017 }}, The Gazette of Ocean City, May 27, 2015. Accessed December 23, 2017. "Steelman was on the corner of Ninth Street and Central Avenue Monday, May 25 for the rededication of the Women's Christian Temperance Union water fountain outside of City Hall. This year marks a century since Mayor Joseph G. Champion dedicated the fountain on Memorial Day 1915." Despite the prohibition of alcohol within the municipality, illegal saloons operated within Ocean City, and in 1929, prosecutors raided 27 speakeasies.Miller, Michael. [https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/upper_capemay/ocean-city-s-byob-debate-brings-city-s-history-with/article_7c8f4242-b5aa-11e0-9087-001cc4c002e0.html "Ocean City's BYOB debate brings city's history with alcohol to forefront"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052532/https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/upper_capemay/ocean-city-s-byob-debate-brings-city-s-history-with/article_7c8f4242-b5aa-11e0-9087-001cc4c002e0.html |date=October 28, 2019 }}, The Press of Atlantic City, July 24, 2011. Accessed October 27, 2019.

In 1951, the town banned the consumption of alcohol on the beach. All public alcohol consumption was banned in 1958. During the campaign for a 1986 referendum to repeal the blue laws, ads in the local paper suggested that the repeal could be next.Avedissiian, Eric. [http://www.ocsentinel.com/news/blue-laws-and-byob/article_ba6c2975-ccc3-5976-9e6a-5932bf691ab4.html "Blue laws and BYOB; Fight over city's blue laws in mid-1980s included subtext over alcohol"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608200946/http://www.ocsentinel.com/news/blue-laws-and-byob/article_ba6c2975-ccc3-5976-9e6a-5932bf691ab4.html |date=June 8, 2019 }}, Ocean County Sentinel, February 16, 2011. Accessed October 27, 2019. In May 2012, 68.8% of voters rejected a ballot initiative for BYOB—bring your own bottle.Sherman, Ted. [https://www.nj.com/news/2012/05/ocean_city_voters_say_no_to_al.html "Ocean City voters decide: No shirts, no booze, no problem"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052518/https://www.nj.com/news/2012/05/ocean_city_voters_say_no_to_al.html |date=October 28, 2019 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, May 9, 2012, updated March 30, 2019. Accessed October 27, 2019. As of 2016, Ocean City was one of 32 dry towns in New Jersey.O'Brien, Kathleen. [https://www.nj.com/news/2016/12/dont_hold_your_office_party_here_njs_32_dry_towns.html "What it means to be one of N.J.'s 32 'dry' towns"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052515/https://www.nj.com/news/2016/12/dont_hold_your_office_party_here_njs_32_dry_towns.html |date=October 28, 2019 }}, Inside Jersey, December 21, 2016, updated January 16, 2019. Accessed October 27, 2019. "Some towns, like Ocean City, vote to stay dry and not serve alcohol in restaurants or bars, other towns are dry because there are simply no restaurants or bars within their borders." Despite the prohibition in the city, 18.3% of adults in the Ocean City metropolitan statistical area (which includes all of Cape May County) drink alcohol heavily or binge drink, the highest percentage of any metro area in the state. USA Today listed Ocean City as the state's most drunken city on its 2017 list of "The drunkest city in every state".Stebbins, Samuel; and Comen, Evan. [https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/11/21/alcohol-abuse-drunkest-city-every-state/884359001/ "Alcohol abuse: The drunkest city in every state"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222060943/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/11/21/alcohol-abuse-drunkest-city-every-state/884359001/ |date=December 22, 2017 }}, USA Today, November 21, 2017. Accessed December 23, 2017. "In the Ocean City metro area, some 18.3% of adults drink heavily, a larger share than the 17.6% of adults across New Jersey as a whole and a slightly larger than the 18.0% national rate." Additionally, a loophole in the law allows private dining clubs adjacent to restaurants to serve alcohol to members.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/the-secret-spots-to-get-a-stiff-drink-in-dry/article_a298ba11-1030-5b09-853c-78b8ba8194df.html|title=The secret spots to get a stiff drink in dry Ocean City|last=Writer|first=CLAIRE LOWE Staff|website=Press of Atlantic City|date=February 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-12-18|archive-date=December 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218010040/https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/the-secret-spots-to-get-a-stiff-drink-in-dry/article_a298ba11-1030-5b09-853c-78b8ba8194df.html|url-status=live}}

File:Ocean City beach - before and after.png project]]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 11.56 square miles (29.93 km²), including 6.72 square miles (17.39 km²) of land and 4.84 square miles (12.53 km²) of water (41.87%). The island is about {{convert|8|mi|adj=on}} long. Unincorporated communities, localities, and place names located partially or completely within the city include Peck Beach.[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt Locality Search] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709092825/http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/localnames.txt |date=July 9, 2016 }}, State of New Jersey. Accessed May 21, 2015.

Ocean City is situated on a barrier island bordered by the Strathmere section of Upper Township to the south, the Marmora section of Upper Township to the west, and Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township across the Great Egg Harbor Bay to the north. The eastern side of Ocean City borders the Atlantic Ocean.[https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/837898/touches.html Areas touching Ocean City] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052540/https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/837898/touches.html |date=October 28, 2019 }}, MapIt. Accessed March 1, 2020.[http://chnj.njpn.org/cape-may/ Cape May County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226193503/http://chnj.njpn.org/cape-may/ |date=February 26, 2020 }}, Coalition for a Healthy NJ. Accessed March 1, 2020.[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf New Jersey Municipal Boundaries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031204213712/https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf |date=December 4, 2003 }}, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.

Since 1951, the beach has been replenished more than 30 times, potentially the most of any beach in the country, in response to erosion caused by storms. A $5 million replenishment project undertaken in 1982 that added {{convert|1200000|cuyd}} of material had largely disappeared within two and a half months after a series of nor'easters.Pilkey Orrin H.; and Clayton, Tonya D. [https://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/psds.beach_replen._national_solution.pdf "Beach Replenishment: The National Solution?"], Western Carolina University, May 1987. accessed March 2, 2025. "Ocean City, NJ: The 1982 beach nourishment project for this community is perhaps the least successful major replenishment project on the East Coast of the U.S. Between 1952 and 1982 more than thirty replenishments were carried out, most using a city-owned dredge (1970-1980) to pump sand from the backbarrier lagoons. In 1982, 1.2 million cy of city- and state-funded sand was pumped from the nearby flood tidal delta at a cost of $5.2 million. The sand was described as poorly sorted containing small amounts of mud and abundant shell fragments. The entire beach disappeared in 2.5 months due to 'unusual storm activity,' (i.e. 18 northeasters in the first 2.5 months)."

During the 1960s and 1970s, the city owned its own dredge, but ceased replenishment projects when it could not secure permits for dredging the lagoons.{{cite book|pages=[https://archive.org/details/corpsshore0000pilk/page/82 82], 86|url=https://archive.org/details/corpsshore0000pilk|url-access=registration|quote=ocean city new jersey barrier island length miles.|title=The Corps and the Shore|author1=Orrin H. Pilkey|author2=Katharine L. Dixon|publisher=Island Press|year=1996|isbn=1-55963-438-3}} Since 1992, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has handled responsibility for beach nourishment projects, periodically adding {{convert|1100000|cuyd}}, roughly every three years, using the shoal area about {{convert|5000|ft}} offshore the Great Egg Harbor Inlet. The project and funding was authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 1986,{{cite web|publisher=United States Army Corps of Engineers|title=New Jersey Shore Protection, Great Egg Harbor and Peck Beach, (Ocean City), NJ|access-date=December 22, 2017|url=https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Factsheets/Fact-Sheet-Article-View/Article/490782/new-jersey-shore-protection-great-egg-harbor-and-peck-beach-ocean-city-nj/|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223043930/http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Factsheets/Fact-Sheet-Article-View/Article/490782/new-jersey-shore-protection-great-egg-harbor-and-peck-beach-ocean-city-nj/|url-status=live}} and the most recent replenishment was completed in December 2017.Avedissian, Eric. [http://www.ocsentinel.com/news/army-corps-of-engineers-wraps-up-ocean-city-s-beach/article_5bfee474-e5a5-11e7-82b2-d368557adfc7.html "Army Corps of Engineers wraps up Ocean City's beach replenishment"]{{Dead link|date=July 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Ocean County Sentinel, December 20, 2017. Accessed October 27, 2019. After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Army Corps completed the city's largest beach replenishment since 1993, adding {{convert|1800000|cuyd}} of sand to replenish the eroded beaches.

The city utilizes 39% of its land area—{{convert|1716|acre|ha|abbr=on}}—for parks and recreation purposes. This includes about {{convert|1300|acre|ha|abbr=on}} of protected dunes and wetlands. There are several parks within the confines of Ocean City, including ten playgrounds scattered across the island. There are also a volleyball court, a shuffleboard court, a hockey rink, four baseball fields, four soccer fields, eight basketball courts, and 24 tennis courts.Scheule, Randall E. [https://imageserv11.team-logic.com/mediaLibrary/242/Ocean_City_OSRP-Nov5-2014.pdf Ocean City Open Space & Recreation Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005195022/https://imageserv11.team-logic.com/mediaLibrary/242/Ocean_City_OSRP-Nov5-2014.pdf |date=October 5, 2018 }}, Ocean City, November 2014. Accessed October 27, 2019.

Across from the Ocean City Airport is the Howard Stainton Wildlife Refuge, a {{convert|16|acre|ha|abbr=on}} area of wetlands established in 1997. There are no trails, but there is a viewing platform accessible from Bay Avenue.[http://www.delcotimes.com/article/DC/20140531/NEWS/140539950 "The Highwayman: Bayside rambling 'down the shore'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102121/http://www.delcotimes.com/article/DC/20140531/NEWS/140539950 |date=December 23, 2017 }}, Delco Times, May 31, 2014. Accessed December 23, 2017. "If you prefer to spend as much time as possible outdoors at the shore, don't bypass the Howard Stainton Wildlife Refuge on Bay Avenue between 23rd and 30th streets, directly across the road from the Ocean City Airport. This 16-acre freshwater refuge supports waterfowl and marshland birds such as the black-crowned heron, sandpipers, killdeer and Canada geese, as well as the endangered least tern and black skimmer. The refuge was completed and opened in 1997 after a nearly decade-long legal battle between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (which wanted the parcel to be protected as wetlands) and a development company, which had plans to build properties on the land." Adjacent to the airport is the Ocean City Municipal Golf Course, a 12–hole course run by the city and open to the public.[http://www.ocnj.us/golf/ Ocean City Municipal Golf Course] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052535/http://www.ocnj.us/golf/ |date=October 28, 2019 }}, Ocean City. Accessed October 27, 2019.

At the southern end of the island is Corson's Inlet State Park, which was established in 1969 to preserve one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the oceanfront. The park is accessible by Ocean Drive (Cape May County Route 619), which bisects the park.[https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/corsons.html Corson's Inlet State Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052641/https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/corsons.html |date=October 28, 2019 }}, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed October 27, 2019.

{{US Census population

|1890= 452

|1900= 1307

|1910= 1950

|1920= 2512

|1930= 5525

|1940= 4672

|1950= 6040

|1960= 7618

|1970= 10575

|1980= 13949

|1990= 15512

|2000= 15378

|2010= 11701

|2020= 11229

| estimate=11242

| estyear=2023

| estref=[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2023/mcds/totals/SUB-MCD-EST2023-POP-34.xlsx Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023], United States Census Bureau, released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.

|footnote=Population sources:
1890–2000Barnett, Bob. [http://westjersey.org/popcap_04.htm Population Data for Cape May County Municipalities, 1810 - 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215221659/http://westjersey.org/popcap_04.htm|date=December 15, 2018 }}, WestJersey.org, January 6, 2011. Accessed October 17, 2012. 1890–1920[https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203145516/https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full|date=February 3, 2017 }}, New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed August 6, 2013.
1890Porter, Robert Percival. [https://archive.org/details/preliminaryresu01portgoog/page/n217 Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III - 51 to 75], p. 97. United States Census Bureau, 1890. Accessed July 18, 2012. 1890–1910[https://archive.org/details/cu31924070698315/page/n365 Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890], United States Census Bureau, p. 336. Accessed July 18, 2012. 1910–1930[https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA714 Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113022949/https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA714|date=January 13, 2016 }}, United States Census Bureau, p. 714. Accessed December 25, 2011.
1940–2000[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000], Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023. 2000
2010[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3400954360 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Ocean City city, Cape May County, New Jersey] {{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 16, 2012.[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_cap/oceancity1.pdf Table DP-1. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Ocean City city] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430010302/http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_cap/oceancity1.pdf|date=April 30, 2012 }}, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed January 16, 2012. 2020[https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/oceancitycitynewjersey QuickFacts Ocean City city, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 10, 2022.[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities], New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.

}}

The 2010 United States census counted 11,701 people, 5,890 households, and 3,086 families in the city. The population density was {{convert|1847.7|/sqmi}}. There were 20,871 housing units at an average density of {{convert|3295.7|/sqmi}}. The racial makeup was 92.05% (10,771) White, 3.50% (410) Black or African American, 0.13% (15) Native American, 0.71% (83) Asian, 0.03% (3) Pacific Islander, 1.91% (224) from other races, and 1.67% (195) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.50% (643) of the population.

Of the 5,890 households, 14.8% had children under the age of 18; 40.6% were married couples living together; 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 47.6% were non-families. Of all households, 42.1% were made up of individuals and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.68.

14.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 16.7% from 25 to 44, 32.9% from 45 to 64, and 29.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 88.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 86.4 males.

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $55,202 (with a margin of error of +/− $6,710) and the median family income was $79,196 (+/− $11,239). Males had a median income of $48,475 (+/− $5,919) versus $41,154 (+/− $12,032) for females. The per capita income for the city was $40,864 (+/− $3,899). About 5.1% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3400954360 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Ocean City city, Cape May County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212083529/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3400954360 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed January 19, 2012.

As of the 2000 United States census, there were 15,378 people, 7,464 households, and 4,008 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,222.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 20,298 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2,934.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 93.57% White, 4.31% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.99% of the population.[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603454360.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Ocean City city, New Jersey] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115104042/http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603454360.pdf |date=January 15, 2013 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 18, 2012.[http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3400954360 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Ocean City city, Cape May County, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212103119/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3400954360 |date=February 12, 2020 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 18, 2012.

There were 7,464 households, out of which 16.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.3% were non-families. 40.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.4% under age 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 25.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there were 82.8 men.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,158, and the median income for a family was $61,731. Males had a median income of $42,224 versus $31,282 for females. The per capita income for the city was $33,217. About 4.3% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

File:Ocean City NJ beach looking north at 12th Street.jpeg

The concept of beach tags at the Jersey Shore was introduced in the late 1920s, but Ocean City did not establish them until 1976. Beach tags are a major source of revenue for the city, with the $4.1 million in revenue generated in the 2016 season, the most of any municipality in the state.Hoover, Amanda. [http://www.nj.com/cape-may-county/index.ssf/2017/09/heres_how_much_money_shore_towns_raked_in_last_yea.html "Here's how much money Shore towns raked in off beach badges last summer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124005928/http://www.nj.com/cape-may-county/index.ssf/2017/09/heres_how_much_money_shore_towns_raked_in_last_yea.html |date=January 24, 2018 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 2, 2017. Accessed January 23, 2018. "Ocean City - Revenue: $4.12 million; Price: Daily-$5; Weekly-$10; Seasonal-$25." In the 2017 budget, the projected $4.1 million in fees for beach tags and $3 million for parking were two of the city's biggest revenue sources, accounting for almost 9% of the city's annual budget of almost $80 million,Wittkowski, Donald. [http://ocnjdaily.com/ocean-citys-proposed-2017-municipal-budget-emphasizes-capital-projects/ "Ocean City's Proposed 2017 Municipal Budget Emphasizes Capital Projects"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124011130/http://ocnjdaily.com/ocean-citys-proposed-2017-municipal-budget-emphasizes-capital-projects/ |date=January 24, 2018 }}, OCNJ Daily, March 15, 2017. Accessed January 23, 2018. "Ocean City's proposed $79.7 million operating budget reflects a healthy real estate market and should satisfy Wall Street credit-rating agencies, but will require local property owners to pay more in taxes this year, according to the city's chief financial officer.... Ocean City has the ability to tap different sources of revenue – in addition to local property taxes – to finance the operating budget. Beach tag sales and parking operations are two of the biggest revenue generators. The budget forecasts $4.1 million in beach tag sales and $3 million in parking revenue for 2017." and increased fees, including a doubling of the fee for daily tags, were part of an effort to bring the total up to $5 million for the 2023 season.Conklin, Eric. [https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/ocean-city-approves-increasing-beach-tag-fees-for-2023/article_2e37f7e2-5152-11ed-ad6c-933867fa6593.html "Ocean City approves increasing beach tag fees for 2023; Moves comes after fees have gone decades without an increase"], The Press of Atlantic City, October 21, 2022. Accessed February 12, 2023. "The city expected to bring in $4 million in beach tag revenue in 2022, according to its budget. In 2021, the city collected more than $4.2 million in revenue. With the increase, it is estimated the city will collect more than $5 million in tag sales next year."

From early June through Labor Day, Ocean City requires individuals age 12 and up to purchase a beach tag to access its beaches.[https://www.ocnj.us/beach-faqs Guide to Ocean City Beaches], Ocean City, New Jersey. Accessed February 12, 2023. For the 2023 season (from the first weekend in June through Labor Day), a one-day pass will cost $10, a weekly pass was $20, and a seasonal pass for the full summer season will be $25. Additionally, there are free seasonal beach tags made available to military personnel. Beach tag revenue is used by the city to cover the costs of maintaining and cleaning the beaches. It is also used to hire and pay lifeguards and other members of the beach patrol for the city.[https://www.ocnj.us/beachtags/ Beach Fees], Ocean City, New Jersey. Accessed February 12, 2023.

File:Ocean City NJ Boardwalk.jpg

Adjacent to the beach is a {{convert|2.45|mi|adj=on}} long boardwalk that which runs north from 23rd Street to St. James Place.Bergen, Douglas. [http://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/the-myth-of-ocean-city-s-five-mile-boardwalk "The Myth of Ocean City's Five-Mile Boardwalk; The legendary 2.5-mile Boardwalk is really only 2.45 miles long."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227135027/http://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/the-myth-of-ocean-city-s-five-mile-boardwalk |date=February 27, 2016 }}, Ocean City Patch, January 8, 2012. Accessed September 13, 2015. "It's common knowledge and a well-advertised fact that the legendary Ocean City Boardwalk is 2.5 miles long—and to anybody but a runner and a mathematician interested in multiple decimal places, it is. But the reality is that the 2.5 miles is rounded up from 2.45." The boardwalk was first built in 1880 from the Second Street wharf to Fourth Street and West Avenue. In 1885, plans to extend the boardwalk along the entire beach were made as the city's first amusement house, a pavilion on the beach at 11th street called "The Excursion" opened. A second amusement park, the "I.G. Adams pavilion", at Ninth Street and the boardwalk, opened soon after but was destroyed by fire in 1893. Following a second catastrophic fire in 1927, the boardwalk and its businesses were rebuilt {{convert|300|ft|m}} closer to the ocean on concrete pilings, with parking created for cars in the space where the buildings and boardwalk once stood.Bruno, Karen. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130728034744/http://newspapers.oceancitylibrary.org/data/2000-2009/OceanCitySentinel/2004/10-07-2004.pdf "Great October fire of 1927 destroyed the Boardwalk"], copy of article from Ocean City Sentinel at the Ocean County Library, October 7, 2004. Accessed January 19, 2012. The Ocean City Music Pier partially opened one year later, with work completed in time for the 1929 season.Pritchard, Michael. [http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/news_and_views/ocean-city-s-music-pier-a-giant-among-piers/article_f94eb289-b816-5512-aa9a-61016b94d2e1.html "Ocean City's Music Pier: A Giant Among Piers; Ocean City's Music Pier is the center of the city's Boardwalk and the home of summer concerts."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625142049/http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/news_and_views/ocean-city-s-music-pier-a-giant-among-piers/article_f94eb289-b816-5512-aa9a-61016b94d2e1.html |date=June 25, 2016 }}, Atlantic City Weekly, July 6, 2011. Accessed September 13, 2015. "'The pier was built in 1928, but it really wasn't ready for the summer that year, so it opened in the summer of 1929,' says Fred Miller, Ocean City historian and the author of seven books on the city's history. 'It was built after the great fire of 1927 that destroyed the Boardwalk. But there actually had been a music pavilion there since 1905. It did survive the fire, but they moved it and built the pier.'"

In 2007, controversy emerged over the city's proposed use of ipê, a type of wood, to re-deck parts of the boardwalk. Environmental activists protested against the city's use of the wood, but the plan went ahead.Gilfillian, Trudi. [http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_650a8552-905c-11de-8cb2-001cc4c002e0.html "Southern New Jersey boardwalk officials search for the right wood (or plastic)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125031755/http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/article_650a8552-905c-11de-8cb2-001cc4c002e0.html |date=January 25, 2012 }}, The Press of Atlantic City, August 24, 2009. Accessed January 19, 2012. "But hardwoods such as ipe have their own downside, namely the controversy that can arise over their use. In Ocean City, officials opted this year to use pine to replace a block of Boardwalk after an order of tropical hardwood was delivered months late.... The city's initial decision to use tropical hardwood prompted public protests on the Boardwalk and outside City Hall. The Mayor's Office was flooded with messages from protesters." In Fall 2013, the city began a $10 million project to rebuild the 85 year old boardwalk from 5th to 12th Streets. This replaced the concrete substructure from 1928 with wooden supports and pine decking, and included the removal of {{convert|12000|cuyd}} of sand. Originally intended to be a seven-year project, the work finished two years ahead of schedule in March 2018.via Associated Press. [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-jersey/articles/2017-12-10/historic-boardwalk-being-replaced-in-ocean-city "Historic Boardwalk Being Replaced in Ocean City For nearly a century, Ocean City's boardwalk helped define the image and identity of the family-friendly southern New Jersey shore resort."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124005743/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-jersey/articles/2017-12-10/historic-boardwalk-being-replaced-in-ocean-city |date=January 24, 2018 }}, U.S. News & World Report, December 10, 2017. Accessed October 27, 2019.Hawk, Tim. [https://www.nj.com/cape-may-county/2017/12/ocean_city_boardwalk_replacement.html "See what it takes to replace 90-year-old boardwalk in Ocean City"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052600/https://www.nj.com/cape-may-county/2017/12/ocean_city_boardwalk_replacement.html |date=October 28, 2019 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, December 12, 2017, updated January 16, 2019. Accessed October 28, 2019.Vitale, Maddie. [https://ocnjdaily.com/ocean-city-boardwalk-project-completed-ready-for-tourist-season/ "Ocean City Boardwalk Project Completed: Ready for Tourist Season"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052457/https://ocnjdaily.com/ocean-city-boardwalk-project-completed-ready-for-tourist-season/ |date=October 28, 2019 }}, OCNJ Daily, March 10, 2018. Accessed October 28, 2019.

File:Ocean City NJ boardwalk looking north at 9th Street.jpeg

In 1965, the Wonderland Amusement Park opened on the boardwalk at 6th Street, which is now known as Gillian's Wonderland Pier. Runaway Train, a steel twister, operated as the park's sole major roller coaster until its removal in 2018.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} The theme park is set to permanently close at the end of the 2024 season.via Associated Press. [https://www.voanews.com/a/historic-jersey-shore-amusement-park-closes-after-generations-of-family-thrills-/7821517.html "Historic Jersey Shore amusement park closes after generations of family thrills"], Voice of America, October 14, 2024. Accessed October 14, 2024. "And in the heart of it was Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, an amusement park that was the latest in nearly a century-long line of family-friendly amusement attractions operated by the family of Ocean City’s mayor."

Playland's Castaway Cove is located on the boardwalk at 10th Street. Two major roller coasters operated there, which were the Python, a looping coaster, and the Flitzer, a wild mouse coaster. A new major shuttle coaster at Castaway Cove, Storm, was planned to be finished in summer 2013.Bellano, Anthony. [http://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/125-foot-roller-coaster-coming-ocean-city "125-Foot Roller Coaster Coming to Ocean City; GaleForce is set to open next year at Playland's Castaway Cove."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910090447/http://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/125-foot-roller-coaster-coming-ocean-city |date=September 10, 2015 }}, Ocean City Patch, August 5, 2015. Accessed September 13, 2015. "A 125-foot roller coaster is coming to Playland's Castaway Cove in Ocean City next year. Nicknamed 'GaleForce,' the roller coaster will feature a 64 mph launch and a drop of beyond 90 degrees.... GaleForce and another roller coaster to be named soon will replace Playland's looping Python and Flitzer at 10th Street, according to the Ocean City Gazette." The two older coasters were removed and for the 2016 summer season, a new ride called GaleForce was being built, which is a high thrill roller coaster with three linear synchronous motor launches reaching speeds of {{convert|64|mph}} and a {{convert|125|ft|adj=on}} beyond vertical drop. GaleForce opened to the public on May 26, 2017. The new Wild Waves ride is a family-oriented coaster, with a height of {{convert|50|ft}}, that wraps around the GaleForce coaster. The new Whirlwind ride is a figure eight kiddie coaster with spinning cars.Staff. [http://ocnjdaily.com/construction-progresses-on-new-roller-coasters-at-castaway-cove/ "Construction Progresses on New Roller Coasters at Castaway Cove"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817101219/http://ocnjdaily.com/construction-progresses-on-new-roller-coasters-at-castaway-cove/ |date=August 17, 2016 }}, OCNJ Daily, May 14, 2016. Accessed July 21, 2016.

There is also a water park located on the boardwalk called OC Waterpark, open during the summer months.[http://www.visitnj.org/nj-amusement-water-parks/oc-waterpark OC Waterpark] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919025141/http://www.visitnj.org/nj-amusement-water-parks/oc-waterpark |date=September 19, 2015 }}, Visit NJ. Accessed September 13, 2015.

There are several mini golf courses on the Boardwalk in Ocean City.

Media publications in Ocean City include its newspaper, The Ocean City Sentinel[http://www.ocsentinel.com/site/about.html About Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615095121/http://www.ocsentinel.com/site/about.html |date=June 15, 2017 }}, Ocean City Sentinel. Accessed September 29, 2015. "Founded in 1879 the Ocean City Sentinel is the oldest business in Ocean City, NJ, 'America's Greatest Family Resort.' The Ocean City Sentinel's history dates back to 1880 and the newspaper has been published continually since 1881." Ocean City also has a seasonal publication, The Ocean City Sure Guide, and a lifestyle magazine known as Ocean City Magazine.[http://ocnjmagazine.com/ Home Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001110922/http://ocnjmagazine.com/ |date=October 1, 2015 }}, Ocean City magazine. Accessed September 29, 2015. The city also has a daily blog that has update on the city as a whole, called OCNJDaily {{cite web |url=https://ocnjdaily.com/ |title=Home |website=ocnjdaily.com}}

Ocean City Nor'easters of USL League Two play at Carey Stadium.[http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2012/22383.html#ABOUT About Ocean City Nor'easters] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203191507/http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2012/22383.html |date=February 3, 2014 }}, USL Premier Development League. Accessed October 17, 2012. "The Ocean City Nor'easters have taken a huge step forward in their attempts to improve the quality of the soccer product being played at Carey Stadium in the summer as they are now being operated by a nonprofit corporation, Ocean City Nor'easters Soccer, Inc."

{{see also|Mayors of Ocean City, New Jersey}}

File:Ocean City City Hall NJ.JPG, May 2010]]

The City of Ocean City was incorporated on March 25, 1897. Since July 1, 1978, the city has operated within the Faulkner Act, formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law, under the mayor–council system of municipal government, which is used in 71 municipalities (of the 564) statewide.[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey], Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the City Council. The mayor, the chief executive of the community, is chosen at-large for a four-year term at the municipal election in May and serves part-time for a yearly salary. The mayor neither presides over, nor has a vote on the council. The mayor has veto power over ordinances, but any veto can be overridden by a vote of two-thirds of the Council. The City Council is the legislative body and is comprised of seven members, of which four members represent individual wards and three are elected at-large. Each council person serves a staggered four-year term, with the three at-large seats and the mayoral seat up for election together, followed by the four ward seats which are voted upon two years later.2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 8.[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=10 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"], p. 10. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.

In September 2015, Councilman Michael Allegretto resigned from his seat expiring in December 2018 to take a position as the city's Director of Community Services. As the council could not reach agreement on a successor in the month following the resignation, the position remained vacant until a successor was chosen in the May 2016 municipal election to serve the balance of the term of office.Lowe, Claire. [http://www.shorenewstoday.com/ocean_city/ocean-city-council-will-not-fill-vacant-seat/article_7530f960-66d0-11e5-9f87-2b702bcb382a.html "Ocean City Council will not fill vacant seat"]{{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Ocean City Gazette, September 29, 2015. Accessed September 30, 2015. "The seat left vacant after the resignation of Councilman Michael Allegretto two weeks ago will not be filled this year, council decided.Council President Keith Hartzell said Tuesday, Sept. 29 that three council members had to support filling the position by Monday's agenda meeting and that did not happen.... Allegretto, who was council vice president, officially resigned on Sept. 14 to take the position of city director of community services. He was one year into his third, four-year term on council.... Whoever is elected in May will be sworn in at the next consecutive council meeting to serve the remainder of Allegretto's term, which expires in 2018." In May 2016, Karen A. Bergman was elected to serve the balance of the vacant term.[http://www.capemaycountyvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/OC-SOV.pdf Cape May County Statement of Vote 2016 Ocean City Municipal Election] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911123113/http://www.capemaycountyvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/OC-SOV.pdf |date=September 11, 2016 }}, Cape May County, New Jersey, updated May 15, 2018. Accessed October 27, 2019.

The Second Ward seat expiring in December 2020 became vacant in December 2020, when Antwan McClellan resigned to take office in the New Jersey General Assembly.

In August 2021, Terrence Crowley Jr. was appointed to fill the First Ward expiring in December 2024 that had been held by Michael DeVlieger until he had resigned from office.Wittkowski, Donald. [https://ocnjdaily.com/terrence-crowley-appointed-city-council-member/ "Terrence Crowley Appointed City Council Member"], OCNJ Daily, August 27, 2021. Accessed May 2, 2022. "Terrence Crowley Jr., a pharmaceutical sales executive who is making his first foray into elected politics, was unanimously appointed by City Council on Thursday night to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of former First Ward Councilman Michael DeVlieger. With the appointment, Crowley will temporarily represent the First Ward in the city's north end until the Nov. 2 general election. He confirmed that he intends to run in the election. The winner of the election will fill DeVlieger's unexpired term until June 30, 2024." Crowley served on an interim basis until the November 2021 general election, when he was elected to serve the balance of the term of office.[https://www.capemaycountyvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-General-Successful-Candidates.pdf Cape May County 2021 General Election Successful Candidates], Cape May County, New Jersey, November 16, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.

{{As of|2023}}, the mayor of Ocean City is Jay A. Gillian, whose term of office ends June 30, 2026.[https://www.ocnj.us/Mayor/ Mayor], City of Ocean City. Accessed August 23, 2023. Members of the city council are Council President Peter V. Madden (2026; At Large), Council Vice President Karen A. Bergman (2026; At Large), Terrence Crowley Jr. (2024; First Ward, elected to serve an unexpired term), Jody Levchuk (2024; Third Ward), John A. "Tony" Polcini (2026; At Large), Tomaso Rotondi (2024; Second Ward) and David Winslow (2024; Fourth Ward, appointed to serve an unexpired term).[http://www.ocnj.us/City-Council/ City Council], City of Ocean City. Accessed August 23, 2023. "This form of government provides for election of a mayor and seven council members. Three council members may be elected at large and four are elected by wards; and serve four-year concurrent or staggered terms."[https://www.ocnj.us/media/City%20Hall/Finance/0508_adoptbudget_2023.pdf#page=5 2023 Municipal Data Sheet], City of Ocean City. Accessed August 23, 2023.[https://www.capemaycountyvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2023-All-Elected-Officials-INTERNET-July.pdf 2023 County & Municipal Elected Officials Cape May County, NJ -- July 2023], Cape May County, New Jersey, August 3, 2023. Accessed August 23, 2023.[https://www.capemaycountyvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Ocean-City-Municipal-5.17.22.pdfSummary Results Report 2022 Ocean City Municipal Election May 10, 2022 Official Results], Cape May County, New Jersey, updated May 17, 2022. Accessed August 1, 2022.[https://www.capemaycountyvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Certiification-of-Results-2020-Municpal-Election-OC-Clerk.pdf Results Of The Municipal Election – Vote By Mail May 12, 2020], Cape May County, New Jersey, May 18, 2020. Accessed May 2, 2022.

In August 2023, the city council appointed David Winslow to fill the Fourth Ward seat expiring in December 2024 that had been held by Bob Barr until he resigned from office to take a city on the Cape May Board of County Commissioners; Winslow will serve on an interim basis until the November 2023, when voters will select a candidate to serve the balance of the term of office.Wittkowski, Donald. [https://ocnjdaily.com/ocean-city-welcomes-new-councilman-says-goodbye-another/ "Ocean City Welcomes New Councilman, Says Goodbye to Another"], OCNJ Daily, August 10, 2023. Accessed August 23, 2023. "City Council said goodbye Thursday night to former Fourth Ward Councilman Bob Barr and appointed a new member to fill the vacancy on Ocean City's governing body until the November election. Voting 6-0, Council selected former Board of Education member and longtime Ocean City resident Dave Winslow to temporarily succeed Barr."

Ocean City is located in the 2nd Congressional District[https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf Plan Components Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219202014/https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2012-congressional-districts/njcd-2011-plan-components-county-mcd.pdf |date=February 19, 2020 }}, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020. and is part of New Jersey's 1st state legislative district.[https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802063544/https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/2011-legislative-districts/towns-districts.pdf |date=August 2, 2020 }}, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.[https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf 2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105221009/https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bae63366fd2b2e5b9f87e5e/5d30f0a94a82c66427e564d2_2019_CitizensGuide.pdf |date=November 5, 2019 }}, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#1 Districts by Number for 2011-2020] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714024328/https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/districtnumbers.asp#1 |date=July 14, 2019 }}, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.

{{NJ Congress 02}} {{NJ Senate}}

{{NJ Legislative 01}}

{{NJ Cape May County Freeholders}}

As of March 2011, there were a total of 8,810 registered voters in Ocean City, of which 1,747 (19.8%) were registered as Democrats, 3,776 (42.9%) were registered as Republicans and 3,282 (37.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 5 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-capemay-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary - Cape May] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528071914/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-capemay-co-summary-report.pdf |date=May 28, 2013 }}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed October 16, 2012.

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 75.7% of the vote (3,436 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 22.9% (1,038 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (62 votes), among the 4,638 ballots cast by the city's 8,926 registered voters (102 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 52.0%.{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-cape-may.pdf |title=Governor - Cape May County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133332/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-cape-may.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-capemay.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Cape May County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133301/http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-capemay.pdf |url-status=live }} In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 58.2% of the vote (2,894 ballots cast), ahead of both Democrat Jon Corzine with 34.3% (1,707 votes) and Independent Chris Daggett with 6.1% (306 votes), with 4,976 ballots cast among the city's 9,008 registered voters, yielding a 55.2% turnout.[http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-cape-may.pdf 2009 Governor: Cape May County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017225450/http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-cape-may.pdf |date=October 17, 2012 }}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed October 16, 2012.

File:Ocean City High School.JPG]]

The Ocean City School District serves public school students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0110&id=a3b424ea98384a5d944c09fad0660c58 Ocean City Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification], Ocean City School District. Accessed September 28, 2024. "Purpose The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-Kindergarten through twelve in the Ocean City School District. Composition The Ocean City School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Ocean City." As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 1,877 students and 218.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.6:1.[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3411970&DistrictID=3411970 District information for Ocean City School District], National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 1, 2024.

Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3411970 School Data for the Ocean City School District], National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 1, 2024.) are

Ocean City Primary School[https://www.ocsdnj.org/o/ocps Ocean City Primary School], Ocean City School District. Accessed August 5, 2022. with 280 students in grades PreK-3,

Ocean City Intermediate School[https://www.ocsdnj.org/o/ocis Ocean City Intermediate School], Ocean City School District. Accessed August 5, 2022. with 370 students in grades 4-8 and

Ocean City High School[https://www.ocsdnj.org/o/ochs Ocean City High School], Ocean City School District. Accessed August 5, 2022. with 1,215 students in grades 9-12.[https://oceancityschools.org/about/off About], Ocean City School District. Accessed August 5, 2022.[https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/selectreport/2022-2023/09/3780 School Performance Reports for the Ocean City School District], New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 3, 2024.[https://homeroom6.doe.state.nj.us/directory/school/districtid/3780 New Jersey School Directory for Ocean City School District], New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.

Students from Corbin City, Longport, Sea Isle City and Upper Township attend Ocean City High School for ninth through twelfth grades as part of sending/receiving relationships with their respective school districts.[https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/1516/09/3780/050.html Ocean City High School 2016 Report Card Narrative] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807072522/https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/1516/09/3780/050.html |date=August 7, 2017 }}, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed August 6, 2017. "Ocean City High School is a comprehensive high school serving the communities of Ocean City, Upper Township, Sea Isle City, Corbin City and Longport, with an enrollment of over 1,250 students."[https://oceancityschools.org/uploads/1644942044OCSD.Superintendent%20profile%202.11.22.pdf Superintendent Profile], Ocean City School District, February 11, 2022. Accessed August 5, 2022. "A primary, intermediate, and high school deliver a top-tier education to approximately 2,200 students as it serves the communities of Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Upper Township, Corbin City, Longport and participates in the NJ School Choice Program." Starting in the 2012-13 school year, all students from Sea Isle City in public school for pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade attend Ocean City's public schools.Rudloff, Mary. [http://www.ocsentinel.com/article.php?article_id=4549 "State orders Sea Isle City school to close; Sea Isle, Ocean City school boards vote not to stand in the way; students to come to Ocean City"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130719181519/http://www.ocsentinel.com/article.php?article_id=4549 |date=July 19, 2013 }}, Ocean City Sentinel, May 2, 2012. Accessed July 22, 2014. "By voting to not oppose the Order to Show Cause, both school districts agree to expand the send-receive relationship, sending Sea Isle's students in kindergarten through third grade to Ocean City beginning in September. Sea Isle's students in grades four through 12 already attend school in Ocean City."

Students are also eligible to attend Cape May County Technical High School in the Cape May Court House area, which serves students from the entire county in its comprehensive and vocational programs, which are offered without charge to students who are county residents.[https://www.capemaytech.com/faq.html Frequently Asked Questions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027172324/https://www.capemaytech.com/faq.html |date=October 27, 2019 }}, Cape May County Technical High School. Accessed October 27, 2019. "All residents of Cape May County are eligible to attend Cape May County Technical High School.... The Cape May County Technical High School is a public school so there is no cost to residents of Cape May County."[https://www.capemaytech.com/hs-admissions.html Technical High School Admissions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027172422/https://capemaytech.com/hs-admissions.html |date=October 27, 2019 }}, Cape May County Technical High School. Accessed October 27, 2019. "All students who are residents of Cape May County may apply to the Technical High School." Special needs students may be referred to Cape May County Special Services School District in the Cape May Court House area.

St. Augustine Regional School, a coeducational Catholic school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, was closed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden in June 2008.Campbell, Al. [http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/18370-st-augustine-school-ocean-city-close-next-june "St. Augustine School, Ocean City, to Close Next June"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717015515/http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/18370-st-augustine-school-ocean-city-close-next-june |date=July 17, 2011 }}, Cape May County Herald, November 29, 2007. Accessed October 17, 2012. " Emphasizing the need to strengthen and revitalize Catholic school education in South Jersey, Most Rev. Joseph A. Galante, Bishop of Camden, on Nov. 29 announced a reconfiguration of schools in nine clusters representing 35 elementary schools in the diocese. St. Augustine, Ocean City, which has 112 students currently enrolled, will close in June, 2008." Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School in Dennis Township had students attending from Ocean City.{{cite web|url=https://www.bishopmchugh.com/about_us/areas_we_serve|title=Areas We Serve|publisher=Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School of Dennis Township|accessdate=2020-09-14|archive-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516050708/https://www.bishopmchugh.com/about_us/areas_we_serve|url-status=live}}

In 2009, the Ocean City metropolitan statistical area (Cape May County) ranked as the sixth-highest in the United States for percentage of commuters who walked to work (8.4 percent).{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acs-15.pdf|series=American Community Survey Reports|title=Commuting in the United States: 2009|access-date=December 26, 2017|date=September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726134351/https://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acs-15.pdf|archive-date=July 26, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

File:2018-08-09 17 08 56 View south along New Jersey State Route 52 (Howard Stainton Memorial Causeway) in Ocean City, Cape May County, New Jersey.jpg southbound on the causeway between Somers Point and Ocean City]]

In 1883, the first drawbridge to the island opened at 34th Street, linking Ocean City with the rest of Cape May County. Financed by the Ocean City Association, the toll road was narrow, frequently under water, and built of shells, gravel, sand, and cedar poles; it was widened in 1909, replaced in 1914, and again replaced in 1964. The newer bridge at 34th street was refurbished in 2018.{{cite news|title=Wait No More, 34th Street Bridge Project Nearly Done|author=Donald Wittkowski|publisher=OCNJ Daily|url=http://ocnjdaily.com/wait-no-more-34th-street-bridge-project-nearly-done/|date=April 6, 2018|access-date=November 21, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018121011/http://ocnjdaily.com/wait-no-more-34th-street-bridge-project-nearly-done/|url-status=live}} In 1914, a bridge connecting the island with Somers Point opened across the Great Egg Harbor Bay, which was replaced in 1932 and again in 2012.{{cite news|first=Jacqueline L.|last=Urgo|title=Route 52 Causeway ready for the season in Ocean City, N.J.|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=May 17, 2012|access-date=May 18, 2012|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120517_Route_52_Causeway_ready_for_the_season_in_Ocean_City__N_J_.html|archive-date=May 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525100204/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120517_Route_52_Causeway_ready_for_the_season_in_Ocean_City__N_J_.html|url-status=live}} A road bridge connecting Ocean City and Strathmere opened in 1918, which was replaced in 1946 after being purchased by the county and made a part of Ocean Drive.{{cite web|title=Bridge History|url=https://capemaycountynj.gov/653/Bridge-History|publisher=Government of Cape May County|access-date=November 21, 2018|archive-date=November 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121204627/https://capemaycountynj.gov/653/Bridge-History|url-status=live}} The Ocean City Automobile Club built a bridge in the northern end of the island in 1928, connecting the island with Egg Harbor Township; the bridge was replaced in 2002.{{cite book|title=Ocean City: America's Greatest Family Resort|author=Fred Miller|year=2003|pages=38, 43, 48–49|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=0-7385-2447-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LRUufTZqweQC&q=%22wesley+c.+smith%22+ocean+city&pg=PA83|access-date=October 19, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127160655/https://books.google.com/books?id=LRUufTZqweQC&q=%22wesley+c.+smith%22+ocean+city&pg=PA83|url-status=live}}

{{As of|2010|5}}, the city had a total of {{convert|126.07|mi}} of roadways, of which {{convert|114.85|mi}} were maintained by the municipality, {{convert|9.31|mi}} by Cape May County and {{convert|1.91|mi}} by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Cape%20May.pdf Cape May County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction]{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 18, 2014. Ocean City has bridge connections to the Marmora section of Upper Township by the 34th Street (Roosevelt Boulevard) Bridge, Egg Harbor Township by the Ocean City-Longport Bridge, Somers Point by the 9th Street Bridge (Route 52[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/pdf/00000052__-.pdf Route 52 Straight Line Diagram], New Jersey Department of Transportation, updated April 2014. Accessed February 10, 2023.), and the Strathmere section of Upper Township by the Corson's Inlet Bridge.[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/gis/maps/Capemay.pdf Cape May County Highway Map], New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed February 12, 2023.

File:Ocean City Station.JPG]]

NJ Transit provides bus service from the Ocean City Transportation Center to Atlantic City on the 507 and 509 routes. The agency also provides seasonal service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan to Cape May via Ocean City and other coastal towns.{{cite web|publisher=NJ Transit|url=https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0507.pdf|title=507 Bus Timetable|access-date=November 26, 2018|archive-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024629/https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0507.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|publisher=NJ Transit|url=https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0509.pdf|title=509 Bus Timetable|access-date=November 26, 2018|archive-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024605/https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0509.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|publisher=NJ Transit|url=https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0319.pdf|title=509 Bus Timetable|access-date=November 26, 2018|archive-date=August 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824102020/https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0319.pdf|url-status=live}} The city offers a summer Jitney service, with a route providing daily service on evenings from points between 59th Street and Battersea Road to the boardwalk.[https://www.ocnj.us/JITNEY Jitney Service] Ocean City, New Jersey. Accessed June 12, 2022.

Adjacent to the marshes of the Great Egg Harbor Bay is Ocean City Airport, officially known as Clarke Field. The airport was built in 1935 on what was previously a landfill, funded by the Works Progress Administration. The airport, still open to the public, operated at an annual loss of $150,000 for the city as of 2016.Lowe, Claire. [https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/ocean-city-s-airport-still-running-over-years-later/article_5b937398-7c0f-11e6-848c-77a514956422.html "Ocean City's airport still running, over 80 years later"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052532/https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/ocean-city-s-airport-still-running-over-years-later/article_5b937398-7c0f-11e6-848c-77a514956422.html |date=October 28, 2019 }}, The Press of Atlantic City, September 18, 2016. Accessed October 28, 2019. "The airport took in $177,887 last year, but the city spent $322,036 operating it, said Frank Donato, city director of finance. Donato said the airport normally operates at a loss of $150,000 per year."

Parking in the downtown and beach areas of Ocean City is regulated by on-street parking meters, metered parking lots, staffed parking lots, and permit parking lots. Parking meters and fees for parking lots are in effect between early May and early October. In addition to public parking, there are also several private parking lots in Ocean City.[https://www.ocnj.us/parking-53841 Parking], Ocean City. Accessed February 12, 2023.

In 1880, one year after Ocean City was established as a Christian resort, regular steamboat service from Somers Point began.{{cite web|title=History of Ocean City, NJ|publisher=VisitNJShore.com|access-date=March 1, 2018|url=https://www.visitnjshore.com/ocean-city/history/|archive-date=March 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302163943/https://www.visitnjshore.com/ocean-city/history/|url-status=live}} In 1883, the Lake Brothers opened a streetcar line. In 1884, the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad extended its rail line from Sea Isle to the Ocean City Tenth Street Station. The line was replaced by buses in 1932. From 1906 to 1981, the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines operated rail service from Tuckahoe to Ocean City; service stopped when the Crook Horn bridge became damaged in 1981, and was eventually removed in 1992. After that time, rail tracks in Ocean City were removed from 9th to 34th streets.{{cite web|title=A General Chronology of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company its Predecessors and Successors and its Historical Context, 1906|date=May 2016|author=Christopher T. Baer|url=http://www.prrths.com/newprr_files/Hagley/PRR1906.pdf|access-date=November 26, 2018|publisher=The Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society|archive-date=March 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190312132741/http://www.prrths.com/newprr_files/Hagley/PRR1906.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite book|title=When the Railroad Leaves Town: American Communities in the Age of Rail Line Abandonment|url=https://archive.org/details/whenrailroadleav00schw|url-access=registration|pages=[https://archive.org/details/whenrailroadleav00schw/page/193 193–197]|year=2001|isbn=0-943549-97-3|publisher=Truman State University Press}} From 1907 to 1946, the Atlantic City and Shore Railroad operated a line from Atlantic City to Ocean City, until the bridge across the Great Egg Harbor Bay burned.{{cite book|title=The Electric Interurban Railways in America|author=George Woodman Hilton|author2=John Fitzgerald Due|page=307|publisher=Stanford University Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J2zH-zcuU-MC&pg=PA307|year=1960|isbn=9780804740142|access-date=November 26, 2018|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127160703/https://books.google.com/books?id=J2zH-zcuU-MC&pg=PA307|url-status=live}}

Julia Lawlor of The New York Times wrote in 2004 that Christian heritage influenced Ocean City's conservative laws; prior to 1986, shops were not allowed to conduct business on Sundays. The Sunday business closures were heavily enforced, with a grocer being arrested for selling a cantaloupe.{{cite web|url=https://magazine.atavist.com/who-killed-the-fudge-king-jersey-shore-harry-anglemyer/ |title=Who Killed the Fudge King? |last=Donaghy |first=Tom |date=September 2023 |website=The Atavist Magazine |publisher=Atavist |access-date=October 8, 2023}} In 2004 there were 15 churches.

In 2011, the city played the backdrop to an episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia titled "The Gang Goes to the Jersey Shore". The city was never name dropped and only serves to portray a generic shore town as the episode features many stereotypes about the Jersey Shore and its culture, most of which negative. At the time of airing the episode caused backlash with many members of the community, citing the episode's raunchy nature in contrast to the family-friendly image Ocean City claims to have.{{cite web|url=https://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/was-its-always-sunny-too-adult-for-the-family-resort|title=Was 'It's Always Sunny' Too Adult for the 'Family Resort?'|date=September 24, 2011|access-date=February 25, 2021|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114202641/https://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/was-its-always-sunny-too-adult-for-the-family-resort|url-status=live}}

==Climate==

File:Ocean City NJ beach looking north at 34th Street.jpeg

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Ocean City has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) with hot, moderately humid summers, cool winters and year-round precipitation. Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average mean temperature above {{Convert|32.0|F|C}}, at least four months with an average mean temperature at or above {{Convert|50.0|F|C}}, at least one month with an average mean temperature at or above {{Convert|71.6|F|C}} and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. During the summer months in Ocean City, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values at or above {{Convert|95.0|F|C}}. During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values below {{Convert|0.0|F|C}}. The plant hardiness zone at Ocean City Beach is 7b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{Convert|6.0|F|C}}.{{cite web|url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture|access-date=August 5, 2019|title=USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map|archive-date=June 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618111217/https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx|url-status=live}} The average seasonal (November–April) snowfall total is {{convert|12|to|18|in|cm}}, and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity.

Former Hurricane Sandy struck {{convert|12|mi|km|abbr=on}} north of the city on October 29, 2012, causing severe storm surge flooding and {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} wind gusts. The Bayside Center recorded a high tide of {{convert|9.31|ft|m|abbr=on}} during Sandy, surpassing the previous tidal record set in 1944. The storm caused major to severe damage to 29% of the houses in Ocean City, incurring a financial loss of $15.5 million to the tax base.{{cite report|url=https://imageserv11.team-logic.com/mediaLibrary/242/Economic_Development_Plan__v_2__-_NJDCA.pdf|access-date=September 19, 2018|date=May 2017|title=Ocean City Master Plan Economic Development Element|publisher=City of Ocean City, New Jersey|archive-date=September 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920010946/https://imageserv11.team-logic.com/mediaLibrary/242/Economic_Development_Plan__v_2__-_NJDCA.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Tide Levels Chart|publisher=City of Ocean City, New Jersey|access-date=September 19, 2018|url=http://www.ocnj.us/octides/|archive-date=September 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045531/http://www.ocnj.us/octides/|url-status=live}}

{{Weather box

| width = auto

| single line = Y

| location = Ocean City Beach, NJ (1981–2010 Averages)

| Jan high F = 41.5

| Feb high F = 43.8

| Mar high F = 50.8

| Apr high F = 60.4

| May high F = 69.7

| Jun high F = 78.5

| Jul high F = 83.2

| Aug high F = 81.9

| Sep high F = 76.3

| Oct high F = 65.7

| Nov high F = 56.3

| Dec high F = 46.4

| year high F = 63.0

| Jan mean F = 33.7

| Feb mean F = 35.8

| Mar mean F = 42.3

| Apr mean F = 51.7

| May mean F = 61.0

| Jun mean F = 70.2

| Jul mean F = 75.3

| Aug mean F = 74.2

| Sep mean F = 68.0

| Oct mean F = 57.1

| Nov mean F = 47.9

| Dec mean F = 38.5

| year mean F = 54.7

| Jan low F = 25.8

| Feb low F = 27.7

| Mar low F = 33.7

| Apr low F = 42.9

| May low F = 52.3

| Jun low F = 61.8

| Jul low F = 67.5

| Aug low F = 66.6

| Sep low F = 59.7

| Oct low F = 48.6

| Nov low F = 39.4

| Dec low F = 30.5

| year low F = 46.5

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation inch = 3.32

| Feb precipitation inch = 2.90

| Mar precipitation inch = 4.25

| Apr precipitation inch = 3.69

| May precipitation inch = 3.40

| Jun precipitation inch = 3.13

| Jul precipitation inch = 3.66

| Aug precipitation inch = 4.24

| Sep precipitation inch = 3.29

| Oct precipitation inch = 3.64

| Nov precipitation inch = 3.37

| Dec precipitation inch = 3.81

| year precipitation inch = 42.70

| humidity colour = green

| Jan humidity = 67.5

| Feb humidity = 65.6

| Mar humidity = 62.5

| Apr humidity = 62.7

| May humidity = 67.3

| Jun humidity = 71.6

| Jul humidity = 71.9

| Aug humidity = 74.1

| Sep humidity = 72.4

| Oct humidity = 71.6

| Nov humidity = 68.9

| Dec humidity = 68.1

| year humidity = 68.7

| Jan dew point F = 24.1

| Feb dew point F = 25.4

| Mar dew point F = 30.4

| Apr dew point F = 39.4

| May dew point F = 50.1

| Jun dew point F = 60.6

| Jul dew point F = 65.6

| Aug dew point F = 65.4

| Sep dew point F = 58.8

| Oct dew point F = 48.0

| Nov dew point F = 38.2

| Dec dew point F = 28.9

| year dew point F = 44.7

|source 1 = PRISM[http://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/ Time Series Values for Individual Locations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725164937/http://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/ |date=July 25, 2019 }}, PRISM Climate Group Oregon State University. Accessed March 18, 2020.}}

{{Weather box

| width = auto

| single line = Y

| location = Atlantic City, NJ Ocean Water Temperature (12 NE Ocean City)

| Jan mean F = 37

| Feb mean F = 35

| Mar mean F = 42

| Apr mean F = 48

| May mean F = 56

| Jun mean F = 63

| Jul mean F = 70

| Aug mean F = 73

| Sep mean F = 70

| Oct mean F = 61

| Nov mean F = 53

| Dec mean F = 44

| year mean F = 54

|source 1 = NOAA[https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/all_meanT.html Water Temperature Table of All Coastal Regions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905202557/https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/all_meanT.html |date=September 5, 2017 }}, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Accessed March 18, 2020.}}

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Ocean City would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Cordgrass (73) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie (20).[https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39 U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703145441/https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39 |date=July 3, 2019 }}, Data Basin. Accessed March 18, 2020.

{{Category see also|People from Ocean City, New Jersey}}

File:Gay Talese by David Shankbone.jpg from Ocean City]]

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Ocean City include:{{div col}}

• Marla Adams (born 1938), television actress, The Secret Storm and The Young and the Restless[https://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/299/Marla-Adams/biography "Marla Adams"]{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, The New York Times. Accessed September 13, 2015.
• David Akers (born 1974), former NFL kicker[http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_docid=11AD5745F1C3F5B0&p_docnum=1&p_queryname=NaN&p_product=NewsBank&p_theme=aggregated4&p_nbid=O4AG4CBDMTE4NTg0NzQ0OS4yODY4NjU6MTo3OnJhLTE4ODg "NFL/ Eagles Camp '70"], The Press of Atlantic City, August 4, 2007. Accessed August 5, 2007 "Punter Sav Rocca went home to his native Australia for a few weeks and spent some time in Ocean City with place-kicker David Akers, who owns a home there."Strauss, Robert. [http://www.philly.com/philly/living/travel/shoreguide/20090515_Big-name_hunting_season_at_the_Shore.html "Big-name hunting season at the Shore; Celebrities roam even these simpler environs."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064612/http://www.philly.com/philly/living/travel/shoreguide/20090515_Big-name_hunting_season_at_the_Shore.html |date=March 4, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 15, 2009. Accessed September 13, 2015. "Eagles kicker David Akers has a house on the south end of the island and, at various times, former boxing champ Mike Tyson, Flyers captain and executive Bobby Clarke, and Eagles running back Brian Westbrook have been reported to own or rent in Ocean City."
• A. R. Ammons (1926–2001), author and poet, winner of the National Book AwardMiller, Michael. [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1294834231.html "Pulitzer Prize poet will read works in O.C."]{{dead link|date=February 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, The Press of Atlantic City, June 22, 2007. Accessed September 13, 2015. "The late poet A.R. Ammons, formerly of Ocean City, Northfield and Millville, won the prestigious National Book Award."
• Keith Andes (1920–2005), film, radio, musical theatre, stage and television actorvia Associated Press. [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-11-27-keith-andes-obit_x.htm "Andes, leading man to Marilyn Monroe, dies at 85"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405204633/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-11-27-keith-andes-obit_x.htm |date=April 5, 2016 }}, USA Today, November 27, 2005. Accessed September 13, 2015. "Born John Charles Andes on July 12, 1920, in Ocean City, N.J., he was appearing on the radio by age 12."
• Andy Boswell (1873–1936), Major League Baseball pitcher for the Washington Senators and New York Giants and former New Jersey General Assembly memberStaff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/04/archives/andrew-c-boswell-solicitor-of-ocean-city-26-years-served-in-new.html "Andrew C. Boswell; Solicitor of Ocean City 26 Years Served in New Jersey Assembly"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726011422/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/04/archives/andrew-c-boswell-solicitor-of-ocean-city-26-years-served-in-new.html |date=July 26, 2018 }}, The New York Times, February 4, 1936. Accessed August 11, 2016.
• Benjamin Burnley (born 1978), musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer and lead singer of Breaking BenjaminRoncace, Kelly. [https://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/08/breaking_benjamin_is_back_and_going_home.html 'Breaking Benjamin is back and going home with show at Trump Taj Mahal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809184406/https://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/08/breaking_benjamin_is_back_and_going_home.html |date=August 9, 2018 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, August 8, 2015. Accessed August 9, 2018. "'I was born in Atlantic City, at the hospital there, and raised in Ocean City until I was 12 years old.' Burnley explained his family moved to Pennsylvania when he was 12 due to an increase in taxes at the shore town."
• Maurice Catarcio (1929–2005), former WWE professional wrestler and The Guinness Book of World Records record holder{{cite web|url=http://www.northeastobits.com/archives.cfm?s=print&obit=15052|title=Catarcio, Maurice A.|publisher=Northeast Obits|access-date=January 25, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829224730/http://www.northeastobits.com/archives.cfm?s=print&obit=15052|archive-date=August 29, 2014|df=mdy-all}}
• Pat Croce (born 1954), former owner of the Philadelphia 76ersDonahue, Bill. [http://site.southjerseymagazine.com/articles/?articleid=274 "Standing Pat"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030019/http://site.southjerseymagazine.com/articles/?articleid=274 |date=March 4, 2016 }}, South Jersey Magazine, February 2011. Accessed September 13, 2015. "Pat Croce—karate champion, former Philadelphia 76ers president, motivational icon and our region's most famous hard body—can still outrun you at age 56. We find out what drives this part-time Ocean City resident to succeed."
• Walter Diemer (1904–1998), inventor of bubble gumYates, Melissa. [http://www.cbsd.org/curriculum/library/papeople/Pages/2_Diemer.aspx Pennsylvania People: Walter E. Diemer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429074051/http://www.cbsd.org/curriculum/library/papeople/Pages/2_Diemer.aspx |date=April 29, 2011 }}, Central Bucks School District. Accessed May 31, 2011.
• Josiah E. DuBois Jr. (1913–1983), former U.S. Treasury Department official who played a major role in exposing State Department obstruction of efforts to provide American visa to Jews trying to escape Nazi EuropeStaff. [http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/ocean-city-mainmenu/ocean-city-general-news/11684-end-of-an-era-as-dubois-estate-falls.html "End of an era as DuBois estate falls"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723075824/http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/ocean-city-mainmenu/ocean-city-general-news/11684-end-of-an-era-as-dubois-estate-falls.html |date=July 23, 2011 }}, Shore News Today, May 24, 2011. Accessed May 31, 2011.
• Stephen Dunn (1939–2021), poetStrauss, Robert. [https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/27/nyregion/ode-to-joi-sey.html "Ode to Joi(sey)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113052754/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/27/nyregion/ode-to-joi-sey.html |date=January 13, 2017 }}, The New York Times, April 27, 2003. Accessed October 9, 2007. "Mr. Dunn, who used to live in Port Republic, a remote town in the interior of South Jersey, now divides his time between Ocean City and his wife's hometown, Frostburg, Md."
• Frank J. Esposito (born 1941), historian who was named by independent candidate Christopher Daggett as his ticket's candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey in 2009Staff. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AC&p_theme=ac&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12BC4730B240DE40&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "2009 Voter Guide / Governor's Race / Daggett travels long, lonely road"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025033556/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AC&p_theme=ac&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12BC4730B240DE40&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=October 25, 2012 }}, The Press of Atlantic City, November 1, 2009. Accessed March 28, 2011. "Daggett and his lieutenant governor running mate, Frank Esposito, who grew up in Ocean City, are the only candidates with local ties."
• Preston Foster (born 1900), former stage, film, radio, and television actor[https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:247Z-LPM "New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1940".] Marriage of Preston S. Foster and Gertrude Elene [Warren] Leonard, June 27, 1925, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. FamilySearch, a free online genealogical database provided as a public service by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah. Retrieved August 16, 2017. Foster lived in Ocean City from birth to at least the age of 10, which is documented in the United States Census of 1910. His family later moved to Pitman, New Jersey.
• Stephanie Gaitley (born 1960), head women's basketball coach, Fordham UniversityStaff. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI|DN&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB29E6231E25CE3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Gaitley Comes Home To Coach St. Joe's"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121555/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI%7CDN&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB29E6231E25CE3&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=March 4, 2016 }}, The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 20, 1991. Accessed March 28, 2011. "She grew up in Ocean City, N.J., played for a 1981 AIAW Final Four team at Villanova and served as an assistant coach at St. Joe's for three years..."
• Andrew Golota (born 1968), boxerHeinzmann, David. [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8674220_ITM "Andrew Golota charged with impersonating a cop."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414183129/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8674220_ITM |date=April 14, 2009 }}, Chicago Tribune, February 5, 2002. Accessed July 12, 2008. "Golota, who gave Ocean City, N.J., as his address, then acknowledged that the badge was honorary and given to him in recognition of charity work he had done, Boggs said."
• Anne Heche (1969−2022), actress, Volcano and Psycho[http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0109/06/lkl.00.html "Anne Heche Discusses Her New Book, 'Call Me Crazy'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318073506/http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0109/06/lkl.00.html |date=March 18, 2017 }}, Larry King Live, April 6, 2001. Accessed September 13, 2015. "King: What city were you in then? Heche: New Jersey. We lived in Ocean City, New Jersey right down the shore from Atlantic City at that point."
• Daniel J. Hilferty (born {{circa|1957}}), president and CEO of Independence Blue CrossStaff reports. [http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/ocean-city-general-news/59611-st-augustine-prep-honors-dan-hilferty-with-mendel-medal.html "St. Augustine Prep honors Dan Hilferty with Mendel Medal"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202155731/http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/ocean-city-general-news/59611-st-augustine-prep-honors-dan-hilferty-with-mendel-medal.html |date=December 2, 2014 }}, Ocean City Gazette, November 24, 2014. Accessed December 1, 2014. "Ocean City native, and 1974 graduate of St. Augustine Prep, Daniel J. Hilferty received the 2014 Gregor Mendel Medal at dinner held in his honor at the Union League of Philadelphia on Nov. 13."
• William J. Hughes (1932–2019), former member of U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Jersey's 2nd congressional district[https://stockton.edu/hughes-center/about/biography.html "Biography of Ambassador William J. Hughes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922164750/https://stockton.edu/hughes-center/about/biography.html |date=September 22, 2019 }}, Stockton University William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy. Accessed September 13, 2015. "The Center is named in honor of U.S. Ambassador William J. Hughes. A native of southern New Jersey, Ambassador Hughes and his wife, Nancy, live in Ocean City, NJ."
• Grace Kelly (1929–1982), Academy Award-winning actress, and Princess of Monaco[http://www.ocnjmuseum.org/ochm_06_pages/events_pages/press.html Princess Grace Exhibit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070418011858/http://www.ocnjmuseum.org/ochm_06_pages/events_pages/press.html |date=April 18, 2007 }}, Ocean City Historical Museum Press Release dated July 12, 2005. "John Kelly, Grace's father, and family were famous summer residents of Ocean City. Grace spent many summers on the Ocean City beach before becoming Hollywood movie star."
• Kurt Loder (born 1945), former editor of Rolling Stone magazine and MTV anchorJackson, Vincent. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AC&p_theme=ac&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAEADFEAED684B1&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Local Boys Makes News / Mtv News Anshorman Kurt Loder Once Called Ocean City His Home"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025124212/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AC&p_theme=ac&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAEADFEAED684B1&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=October 25, 2012 }}, The Press of Atlantic City, August 23, 1998. Accessed May 31, 2011. "There's virtually no living influential pop musician Loder didn't interview during his 20 years with the nation's premiere chronicles of pop culture. And his interest in music was cultivated during his years living in Ocean City from age 3 to 18."
• Michael Lombardi (born 1959), pro football executive, former general manager of the Cleveland Browns[http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Lombardi-named-VP-of-Player-Personnel/a39cea68-d2ce-4e9b-bd2d-acde91e5458f "Lombardi named VP of Player Personnel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106071514/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Lombardi-named-VP-of-Player-Personnel/a39cea68-d2ce-4e9b-bd2d-acde91e5458f |date=January 6, 2018 }}, Cleveland Browns, January 18, 2013. Accessed May 18, 2013. "A native of Ocean City, New Jersey, Lombardi lettered in both football and baseball at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania."
• Catherine McCabe, former acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental ProtectionIati, Marisa. [http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/12/murphy_taps_former_acting_administrator_of_epa_to.html "Murphy nominates ex-acting EPA chief as state DEP commissioner"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224110044/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/12/murphy_taps_former_acting_administrator_of_epa_to.html |date=December 24, 2017 }}, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, December 21, 2017. Accessed December 23, 2017. "Gov.-elect Phil Murphy on Thursday announced he has chosen a former top federal environmental official to serve as commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection.Announcing the nomination of Catherine McCabe with a backdrop of the beach in Long Branch, Murphy criticized Gov. Chris Christie's administration for its handling of pollution cases, pulling out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and abolishing the DEP's Office of Climate and Energy.... 'I remember vividly my husband digging out the five feet of sand that landed in the yard of our home in Ocean City.'"
• Antwan McClellan, politician who has represented the 1st Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2020[https://www.njassemblygop.com/mcclellan/ Assemblyman Antwan McClellan], NJ Assembly Republicans. Accessed January 12, 2022. "A lifelong resident of Ocean City, he served as councilman from 2012 to 2019, and as a member of the Ocean City Board of Education from 2010 to 2012."
• Ed Rendell (born 1944), former Governor of Pennsylvania
• George Savitsky (1924–2012), former professional football player, Philadelphia EaglesMazda, Jason. [https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/eagles/late-ex-eagle-tackle-george-savitsky-of-ocean-city-an/article_21d7b382-0d12-11e2-92ab-001a4bcf887a.html "Late ex-Eagle tackle George Savitsky, of Ocean City, an All-American at Penn, humble about football exploits"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107054300/https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/eagles/late-ex-eagle-tackle-george-savitsky-of-ocean-city-an/article_21d7b382-0d12-11e2-92ab-001a4bcf887a.html |date=November 7, 2018 }}, The Press of Atlantic City, October 3, 2012. Accessed November 6, 2018. "Football was never the No. 1 priority for Savitsky, a longtime Ocean City resident who passed away Sept. 4 at 88 from pneumonia."
• Dominic Sessa (born 2002), actor who made his film debut in Alexander Payne's 2023 coming-of-age film The Holdovers[https://www.phillyvoice.com/dominic-sessa-holdovers-oscars-south-jersey-cherry-hill-ocean-city-egg-harbor-township/ "Meet South Jersey's Dominic Sessa, star of the Oscar-nominated film 'The Holdovers'"], Philly Voice, January 23, 2024. Accessed January 25, 2024. "Dominic Sessa, 21, was born in Cherry Hill and grew up in Egg Harbor Township and Ocean City."
• Thomas J. Shusted (1926–2004), attorney and politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing Legislative District 3D from 1970 to 1972 and the 6th Legislative District from 1978 to 1991Staff. [https://books.google.com/books?id=peqHAAAAMAAJ Manual of the Legislature of New Jersey; 1988 Edition], p. 244. J.A. Fitzgerald, 1988. Accessed October 25, 2016. "Assemblyman Shusted was born Aug. 3, 1926, in Ocean City. He attended Camden Catholic High School, LaSalle University, and Rutgers Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1954."
• James Stewart (1908–1997), actorSugarman, Joe. [http://www.baltimorestyle.com/index.php/style/travel_article/t_oceancitynj_ja03/ The Other Ocean City] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929101257/http://www.baltimorestyle.com/index.php/style/travel_article/t_oceancitynj_ja03/ |date=September 29, 2007 }}, Baltimore Style, July/August 2003. Accessed May 2, 2007. "First of all, Ocean City, N.J., is dry, as in, NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED. Not on the beach. Not at restaurants.... Now there's Cousin's, an excellent Italian eatery where Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell often dines (he owns a house in town)."
• Gay Talese (born 1932), author[http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/beaches/bal-beach-ocnj,0,6910107.story?coll=bal-bayandbeach-storyutil Ocean City, N.J.: This family-oriented resort thrives on its virtuous origins.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207023636/http://www.baltimoresun.com/travel/beaches/bal-beach-ocnj,0,6910107.story?coll=bal-bayandbeach-storyutil |date=February 7, 2007 }}, The Baltimore Sun, accessed December 17, 2006. "In his best-selling book, Unto the Sons, Ocean City native and journalist Gay Talese provides a vivid account of growing up on Marconi Street, the stretch of Simpson Street between 9th and 12th streets that, in the early 1900s, was Ocean City's Little Italy.
• Walter Trout (born 1951), blues musicianChun, Gary C. W. [http://starbulletin.com/2002/02/01/features/story9.html "Canned Heat veteran courts guitar stardom"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327213904/http://starbulletin.com/2002/02/01/features/story9.html |date=March 27, 2008 }}, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 1, 2002. Accessed June 4, 2007. "Trout grew up on the island of Ocean City, off the Jersey shore."
• Roland Wiggins (1932–2019), music theorist and educator[https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+HJ419+pdf 2020 Session: House Joint Resolution No, 419] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627213021/https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?201+ful+HJ419+pdf |date=June 27, 2020 }}, Virginia House of Delegates. Accessed July 20, 2020. "Whereas, a native of Ocean City, New Jersey, Roland Wiggins was recognized as a musical prodigy at a young age and began formal study of the piano when he was eight years old"

{{div col end}}

• Ocean City 34th Street Station (demolished)
• Ocean City City Hall
• Ocean City Life-Saving Station
• Ocean City Residential Historic District
• Ocean City Tenth Street Station
• The Flanders Hotel

{{Geographic location

|Centre = Ocean City

|North = Linwood

|Northeast = Longport

|East = Atlantic Ocean

|Southeast = Atlantic Ocean

|South = Strathmere (Upper Township)

|Southwest = Beesley's Point (Upper Township)

|West = Tuckahoe (Upper Township)

|Northwest = Somers Point

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

{{wikivoyage|Ocean City (New Jersey)|Ocean City, New Jersey}}

{{EB1911 poster|Ocean City}}

• {{official website|https://www.ocnj.us/}}

{{S-start}}

{{Succession box

| title = Beaches of New Jersey

| years =

| with =

| before = Longport

| after = Strathmere

}}

{{S-end}}

{{Ocean City, New Jersey}}

{{Cape May County, New Jersey}}

{{Jersey Shore region}}

{{New Jersey}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1884 establishments in New Jersey

Category:Barrier islands of New Jersey

Category:Cities in New Jersey

Category:Cities in Cape May County, New Jersey

Category:Faulkner Act (mayor–council)

Category:Jersey Shore communities in Cape May County

Category:Populated places established in 1884