Ocean City, MD
Population 6,887 · Maryland
About Ocean City, MD
Ocean City is a small town located in Maryland with a population of 6,887 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,675 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 56 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ocean City features a median home value of $373,700, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ocean City in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,187, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 29,834 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (2,842 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (1,030 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ocean City shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ocean City have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.4% of Ocean City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 11.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ocean City, MD
Compared to national averages, Ocean City has a median household income of $69,675 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $373,700, which is 53% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,187 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Ocean City's income is 35% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 7% below the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Ocean City, MD?
Ocean City offers a well-educated community where 40.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,675) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $373,700. However, Ocean City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ocean City has a population of 6,887 with a median age of 56 years. Compare Ocean City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Ocean City
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darnestown | 6,835 | $217,679 | $908,400 | Compare |
| Bowleys Quarters | 6,795 | $107,339 | $351,800 | Compare |
| Frostburg | 7,025 | $51,052 | $172,600 | Compare |
| Lutherville | 6,670 | $119,214 | $425,200 | Compare |
| Forest Glen | 6,650 | $127,196 | $604,800 | Compare |
| Woodlawn CDP (Prince George's County), Maryland | 7,221 | $90,565 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Riverdale Park | 7,249 | $104,583 | $447,000 | Compare |
| Taneytown | 7,295 | $78,726 | $323,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ocean City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocean City
What is the population of Ocean City, MD?
The population of Ocean City, MD is 6,887 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Ocean City?
The median household income in Ocean City, MD is $69,675 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ocean City?
The median home value in Ocean City, MD is $373,700, which is 53% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ocean City?
The median monthly rent in Ocean City, MD is $1,187, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ocean City?
The unemployment rate in Ocean City, MD is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ocean City, MD a good place to live?
Ocean City offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,887 and a median age of 56, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ocean City, MD?
40.4% of residents in Ocean City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Ocean City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ocean City, MD: median home value is $373,700 (53% above national), median rent is $1,187/month, and median household income is $69,675. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ocean City?
The poverty rate in Ocean City, MD is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ocean City, MD?
Ocean City's population is 3.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 11.3% of residents are foreign-born.