Is Ocean Shores Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores, Washington, situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and coastal charm. This city is known for its expansive beaches, abundant wildlife, and a relaxed pace of life that attracts many seeking an escape from urban hustle. Its location provides residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation, from beachcombing and fishing to exploring nearby state parks and forests.
The city’s economy is supported by tourism, hospitality, and local services, with a growing interest in its potential for remote work and a quieter lifestyle. Ocean Shores presents a distinct living experience, characterized by its maritime climate and the ever-present influence of the ocean. This coastal community provides a specific set of advantages and challenges for those considering a move.
Is it Safe to Live in Ocean Shores?
Ocean Shores experiences a crime rate that is 21% higher than the national average (according to CityRating.com). Property crime, in particular, is noted as a recurring issue, with rates often ranking above state and national averages (as reported by DoorProfit and CityRating.com). While violent crime is less common, it is not unheard of in the area.
The overall crime rate in Ocean Shores is 91.06 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CityRating.com). Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with crime risk varying by neighborhood (as reported by CityRating.com). The cost of crime per resident in Ocean Shores is approximately $892 per year, which is higher than both the national and Washington state averages (as reported by CityRating.com).
Demographics and Community
Ocean Shores is home to approximately 7,302 residents as of the most recent Census data (according to Data USA). The population is predominantly White, making up about 84.3% of residents, followed by Hispanic and those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Data Commons). The median age in Ocean Shores is around 63.9 years, indicating a significantly older population demographic (as reported by Data Commons).
The city has a homeownership rate of 83.3%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The community is largely composed of U.S. citizens, with 98.9% of residents holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). The average household size is approximately two members, with about 60.1% of households being families (as reported by Point2Homes).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The median home value in Ocean Shores is approximately $383,500 (as reported by Data USA). This is higher than the national average, reflecting the desirability of coastal properties. The median rent in Ocean Shores is around $1,257 per month, which is notably 23% lower than the national average rent, making renting a more affordable option (as reported by Apartments.com).
The overall cost of living in Ocean Shores is about 15% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs in Ocean Shores are 28% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, certain expenses like food and utilities can be lower than the national average, helping to balance some of the higher costs (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Ocean Shores employs approximately 1,960 residents (as reported by Data USA). Major employment sectors include Accommodation & Food Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The highest paying industries in the area are Transportation & Warehousing, Utilities, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Ocean Shores is reported at 7.3% (as reported by Point2Homes). The average annual salary in Ocean Shores, WA, is around $76,000 (as reported by Zipia). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $58,202 (as reported by Data Commons), and some sources place the average annual pay even higher, at $89,650 (as reported by Zippia).
Climate and Environment
Ocean Shores experiences a mild coastal climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and comfortably warm summers (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Average temperatures range from a low of 40°F in December to a high of 65°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city is known for its significant annual precipitation, with an average of 86 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Rainfall is heaviest in November, averaging around 14 inches, while July is the driest month with approximately 0.7 inches (as reported by Weather and Climate). The area receives about 2,060 annual sunshine hours, with the sunniest months typically being July through September (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are often cloudy and windy, while summers are generally mild and partly cloudy (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Education and Schools
Ocean Shores is part of the Grays Harbor County R-1 School District, which includes one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school (as reported by Movoto). Specific school ratings are not readily available in the provided data, but the district serves the educational needs of the community’s younger residents.
Further details on school performance metrics, such as test scores and student-teacher ratios, would require consulting specific educational review sites or the school district directly. The presence of these institutions provides a foundational educational structure for families residing in Ocean Shores.