Editing Ocean City, Maryland

{{Distinguish|Ocean City, New Jersey}}
{{More citations needed|date = February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Ocean City, Maryland
| official_name      = Town of Ocean City
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| image_blank_emblem = File:Ocean City, Maryland, logo.svg
| blank_emblem_type  = Logo
| blank_emblem_size  = 200px
| nickname           = "The White Marlin Capital of the World", "OC", "OCMD"
| motto              = 
| image_skyline      = Ocean_City_Maryland_USA_2018-07-14.png
| imagesize          = 275px
| image_caption      = Ocean City in July 2018
| image_flag         = Flag of Ocean City, Maryland.svg
| image_seal         = Oceancity md seal.png
| image_map          = Worcester_County_Maryland_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Ocean_City_Highlighted.svg
| mapsize            = 250px
| map_caption        = Location in Worcester County and Maryland
| pushpin_map        = Maryland#USA
| pushpin_label_position = 
| pushpin_label      = Ocean City
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Maryland
| image_map1         = 
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = 
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Maryland]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Maryland|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Worcester County, Maryland|Worcester]]
| government_type    = [[Council-manager]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Rick Meehan (R)
| leader_title1      = [[City Council]]
| leader_name1       = {{Collapsible list
|title       = Member List
|frame_style=border:none; padding: 0; <!--NOTICE: This will hide the borders and make rows closer (padding)-->
|title_style =
|list_style  = text-align:left;display:none; <!-- NOTICE: This will always collapse the list-->
|1=Matt James (President)
|2=Tony DeLucas (Secretary)
|3=Peter Buas
|4=John Gehrig Jr.
|5=Frank Knight
|6=Lloyd Martin
|7=Mark Paddack
}}
| established_title  = Founded
| established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date   = 1875
| established_date2  = 1880
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{Cite web |title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_24.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 26, 2022}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 24.99
| area_total_sq_mi   = 9.65
| area_land_km2      = 11.73
| area_land_sq_mi    = 4.53
| area_water_km2     = 13.25
| area_water_sq_mi   = 5.12
| area_water_percent = 53.05
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_note    = 320,000–345,000 estimated summer weekend population<ref name="ocean-city1">{{Cite web |url=http://oceancitymd.gov/Planning_and_Zoning/pdfs/2006OCCompPlan.pdf |title=Comprehensive Plan |publisher=Town of Ocean City |access-date=September 8, 2011}}</ref>
| population_total   = 6844
| population_density_km2 = 583.22
| population_density_sq_mi = 1510.48
| timezone           = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]]
| utc_offset         = −5
| timezone_DST       = Eastern
| utc_offset_DST     = −4
| coordinates        = {{Coord|38|23|29|N|75|4|11|W|region:US-MD_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_m        = 2
| elevation_ft       = 7
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 21842–21843
| area_code          = [[Area codes 410, 443, and 667|410, 443, and 667]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 24-58225
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 0586284
| website            = [https://www.oceancitymd.gov www.oceancitymd.gov]
| unit_pref          = Imperial
}}

'''Ocean City''', officially the '''Town of Ocean City''', is an [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] resort city in [[Worcester County, Maryland|Worcester County]], [[Maryland]], along the East Coast of the [[United States]]. The population was 6,844 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 U.S. census]], although during summer weekends the city hosts between 320,000 and 345,000 vacationers and up to eight million visitors annually. During the summer, Ocean City becomes the second most populated municipality in Maryland, after [[Baltimore]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/all?q=Ocean%20City%20town,%20Maryland |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name="ocean-city1"/> It is part of the [[Salisbury metropolitan area]] as defined by the [[United States Census Bureau]].

During peak vacation season, the city gains over 1000 seasonal police officers, plus extra firefighters and other workers. Numerous events take place within the town during the shoulder-season, including Sunfest, Springfest, Bike Week, Cruisin' Weekend, Winterfest of Lights, and Reach the Beach, which take place on the Boardwalk and the [[Roland E. Powell Convention Center]]. Ocean City is also home to the annual Maryland State Firefighters Convention, a week-long event in June that honors the state's firefighters.

==History==
[[Image:Oceancitymd inlet.JPG|thumb|Ocean City's inlet during the offseason]]

===19th century===
Before the European colonization of what is now Maryland in the 17th century, the shoreline of the [[Delmarva Peninsula]] had been populated for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples including the [[Algonquian languages|Algonquian-speaking]] [[Assateague people|Assateague]] and [[Nanticoke people|Nanticoke]] peoples.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oceancity.com/brief-history-of-ocean-city-maryland/ |title=A Brief History of Ocean City Maryland |publisher=OceanCity.com |accessdate=August 31, 2023}}</ref> The land on which the city was built and much of the surrounding area was obtained by Thomas Fenwick, an Englishman, from the [[Indigenous peoples of Maryland|Indigenous peoples of the region]]. In 1869, businessman Isaac Coffin built the first beach-front cottage to receive paying guests. During those days, guests arrived by stagecoach and ferry.

Soon after, other simple boarding houses were built on the strip of sand, with the activity attracting prominent businessmen from the [[Maryland Eastern Shore]], [[Baltimore]], [[Philadelphia]], and [[Wilmington, Delaware]]. They came not so much to visit as to survey the [[spit (landform)|spit]]. A decision was made to develop it and 250 lots were cut into it. A corporation was formed to help with the development of the land. The corporation’s stock of 4,000 shares sold for $25 each.

Before 1870, what is now Ocean City was known as "The Ladies' Resort to the Ocean".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Christopher |date=July 21, 2021 |title=Despite a Century of Changes, Ocean City is Still All About Family and Fun |url=https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/historypolitics/ocean-city-maryland-beach-history-despite-century-of-changes-family-fun-remains/ |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=Baltimore Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Atlantic Hotel, the first major hotel in the town, opened July 4, 1875. The Atlantic Hotel originally was owned by the Atlantic Hotel Company, but eventually Charles W. Purnell bought it in 1923. {{As of|2025}}, it is still owned and operated by the Purnell family.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.atlantichotelocmd.com/about|title = About|date = 2014|access-date = November 21, 2014|website =Atlantic Hotel }}</ref> Besides the beach and ocean, it offered dancing and billiard rooms to the visitors of its more than 400 rooms, and for years it was the northernmost attraction in Ocean City. By 1878, tourists could come by the [[Baltimore, Chesapeake and Atlantic Railway#Wicomico & Pocomoke Railroad Company (1848–1890)|Wicomico & Pocomoke Railroad]] from [[Berlin, Maryland|Berlin]] to the shores of [[Sinepuxent Bay]] across from the town. By 1881, a line was completed from across Sinepuxent Bay to the shore, bringing rail passengers on the [[Baltimore, Chesapeake and Atlantic Railroad]] directly into the town to a train station and returning to larger city markets with locally caught fish from Ocean City.

===20th century===
[[File:Ocean City Hurricane, 1933.ogv|thumb|upright|1933 hurricane in Ocean City]]
[[File:Maryland - Ocean City - NARA - 23941153 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Ocean City, 1935]]

In 1930, Ocean City Beach Patrol was formed in order to better protect the bathers that frequented the shoreline. It was done in collaboration with Mayor William W. McCabe and Coast Guard Captain William Purnell.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Us|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/emergency-services/beach-patrol/about-us/|access-date=February 23, 2021|website=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|language=en-US}}</ref>

The Ocean City Inlet was formed during a [[1933 Chesapeake Potomac hurricane|significant hurricane]] in 1933, which also destroyed the train tracks across the Sinepuxent Bay. The inlet separated what is now Ocean City from [[Assateague Island]]. The Army Corps of Engineers took advantage of nature's intervention and made the inlet permanent at the south end of Ocean City. The inlet eventually helped establish Ocean City as an important Mid-Atlantic fishing port, as it offered easy access to the Atlantic Ocean fishing grounds.

In the late 1930s, the Army Corps of Engineers dredged a new channel on the bayside of Ocean City to allow larger boats to have access to Sinepuxent Bay. The dredge was pumped back onto the western shore of Ocean City allowing the creation of Chicago Avenue and St. Louis Avenue, leading to new development where previously only marshland had been.<ref>[http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130822/NEWS/308220064/How-1933-hurricane-carved-lifeline-Ocean-City-Md-] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202192133/http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130822/NEWS/308220064/How-1933-hurricane-carved-lifeline-Ocean-City-Md-|date=February 2, 2015}}</ref>

Ocean City has undergone a fairly rapid expansion that took place during the post-World War II boom. In 1952, with the completion of the [[Chesapeake Bay Bridge]], Ocean City became easily accessible to people in the [[Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area]]. In 1964, with the completion of the [[Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel]], another pathway to the south was opened. This tunnel connects Northampton County on the Delmarva Peninsula to Southeast Virginia. These two events helped Ocean City become one of the largest vacation areas on the East Coast.

By the 1970s, big business flourished and gave birth to the construction of more than 15,000 condominium units.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mann |first=Bunk |date=April 14, 2022 |title=04/14/2022 {{!}} Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – April 15, 2022 |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2022/04/14/vanishing-ocean-city-with-bunk-mann-april-15-2022/ |access-date=April 18, 2023 |website=News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper |language=en-US}}</ref> However, throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, the width of the beach began to shrink, prompting the first of a series of [[beach nourishment|beach replenishment]] projects.

A fire during the annual Sunfest destroyed five boardwalk businesses in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-09-23-1994266079-story.html/|title=Fire destroys businesses, apartment in Ocean City|first=Baltimore|last=Sun|website=Baltimore Sun|date=August 20, 2023 }}</ref> There was a small water park and giant walk-through haunted house with live actors near the end of the pier and a New Orleans-style Hollywood in Wax Museum on the boardwalk side. In the mid 1990s, the [[wax museum]] closed<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oceancity.com/ocean-city-oddities-boardwalk-memories-in-wax/|title=Ocean City Oddities: Boardwalk Memories in Wax|first=Brandon|last=Seidl|website=oceancity.com|date=January 5, 2018}}</ref> and was turned into a [[Photon: The Ultimate Game on Planet Earth|Photon laser tag]] arena{{Citation needed|reason=No source for laser tag|date=August 2024}}. The building now houses the [[Ripley's Believe it or Not!]] museum.

===21st century===
[[File:Ocean City MD beach looking north at 25th Street.jpeg|thumb|Ocean City beach at 25th Street]]

In 2002, Ocean City undertook a multi-million dollar [[beach restoration]] program in an attempt to slow the westward migration of its beaches. The program pumped tons of sand from offshore and deposited it onto the beach. A dune line was also re-established in front of Ocean City's building line. Another similar project began after the 2006 tourist season closed.

In 2006, the city erected the Ocean City Firefighter's Memorial to honor local firefighters as well as firefighters who died in the [[September 11 attacks]]. In addition to a statue of a firefighter, the monument incorporates a piece of steel beam from one of the towers destroyed at the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ocean City Firefighter's Memorial|publisher=Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company|url=http://www.ocvfc.com/memorial.cfm|access-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114072811/http://ocvfc.com/memorial.cfm|archive-date=November 14, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The resort area was visited by approximately 8 million visitors in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ococean.com/media |title=Ocean City Maryland - Media |publisher=Ocean City Maryland Convention and Visitors Bureau and Department of Tourism |access-date=September 6, 2011}}</ref>

In 2022, the Town of Ocean City announced the Oceans Calling Festival, a four-day music event drawing major artists such as the [[Dave Matthews Band]], [[Cyndi Lauper]], [[The Lumineers]], and [[Alanis Morissette]]. However, [[Hurricane Ian]] forced the event to be rescheduled for fall 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oceans Calling 2022 festival in Ocean City canceled due to Tropical Storm Ian |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2022/09/29/oceans-calling-2022-in-ocean-city-md-canceled-due-to-weather-threat-music-festival/69527780007/ |access-date=April 20, 2023 |website=The Daily Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

Ocean City continues to sprawl westward across the bay, toward [[Berlin, Maryland|Berlin]] and [[Ocean Pines, Maryland|Ocean Pines]].{{When|date=April 2024}} It was part of the Ocean Pines [[micropolitan statistical area]] until that was subsumed by the [[Salisbury metropolitan area]].{{When|date=April 2024}}

{{wide image|Ocean City, Maryland panorama.jpg|1200 px|Beach in Ocean City|alt=A beach with people scattered about and backlit by late afternoon sun}}

==Geography==
[[File:Ocean City MD pier from south.jpeg|thumb|Ocean City pier and beach]]

According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|36.37|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|4.41|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|31.96|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=July 2, 2012}}</ref>

Ocean City is located on [[Fenwick Island (Delaware–Maryland)|Fenwick Island]], a barrier [[Spit (landform)|spit]] which encompasses Ocean City, as well as [[South Bethany, Delaware|South Bethany]] and [[Fenwick Island, Delaware]]. Ocean City's southern point is an inlet formed by the [[1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane]]. Rainfall and tides swelled the rivers and bays surrounding Ocean City until the overflowing water cut a 50-foot crevasse from the bay to the ocean. Ocean City businessmen had long sought funding to create an inlet to support a harbor, so residents seized the opportunity and built jetties to ensure the city's land remained divided from what is now [[Assateague Island]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/eastern-shore/bal-hurricane2003,0,7880742.story|title=Reborn in a Hurricane|work=www.baltimoresun.com|publisher=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=August 31, 2009|archive-date=August 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802153350/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/eastern-shore/bal-hurricane2003,0,7880742.story|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Climate===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification]] system, Ocean City, Maryland has a [[humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cfa'') or [[Oceanic climate|oceanic]]  with long, warm to hot and humid summers, cool winters and year-round precipitation. Ocean City receives 2300 hours of sunshine annually (higher than the US average). Temperatures are moderate in Ocean City due to its location on the Atlantic coast. During the summer months, a cooling afternoon [[sea breeze]] is present on most days with an average of only 10 days annually reaching {{convert|90|°F|0}}. However, in 2010 the temperature rose to {{convert|103|°F|0}} which was the hottest air temperature on record, and episodes of extreme heat combined with tropical humidity can occur with [[heat index]] values ≥ {{convert|100|°F|1}}. The prominence of the [[Outer Banks]] of North Carolina to the south means direct hits from [[tropical storm]]s and [[hurricane]]s are rare, although they sometimes brush the area. The [[Atlantic hurricane season]] extends from June 1 through November 30, sharply peaking from late August through September.

During the winter months, Ocean City has cool weather with an average high of 45 F (7.5 C), however periods of mild temperatures in the 50 to 60 F range are common. The air temperature fails to rise above freezing 5.8 days on average and the [[plant hardiness zone]] is 7b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|9.1|°F}}.<ref name="USDA">{{cite web|url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/InteractiveMap.aspx|publisher=[[United States Department of Agriculture]]|access-date=August 7, 2019|title=USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704214427/https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/phzmweb/interactivemap.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> On rare occasion, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with [[wind chill]] values under {{convert|5|°F}}. The coldest temperature on record was {{convert|-6|°F|0}}. The average seasonal (Dec-Mar) snowfall total is small, with {{convert|6|to|12|in|cm|abbr=on}}, and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in [[nor'easter]] activity.

{{Weather box
| width = auto
| single line = Y
| location = Ocean City Beach, MD (1981-2010 Averages)
| Jan record high F = 77
| Feb record high F = 78
| Mar record high F = 88
| Apr record high F = 94
| May record high F = 98
| Jun record high F = 102
| Jul record high F = 103
| Aug record high F = 100
| Sep record high F = 99
| Oct record high F = 94
| Nov record high F = 84
| Dec record high F = 78
| year record high F = 103
| Jan high F  = 44.6
| Feb high F  = 46.1
| Mar high F  = 53.1
| Apr high F  = 61.1
| May high F  = 69.9
| Jun high F  = 79.5
| Jul high F  = 83.7
| Aug high F  = 82.4
| Sep high F  = 77.3
| Oct high F  = 67.8
| Nov high F  = 57.5
| Dec high F  = 49.0
| year high F = 64.3
| Jan mean F  = 36.1
| Feb mean F  = 37.7
| Mar mean F  = 44.0
| Apr mean F  = 52.6
| May mean F  = 61.4
| Jun mean F  = 71.3
| Jul mean F  = 76.0
| Aug mean F  = 74.7
| Sep mean F  = 68.7
| Oct mean F  = 59.1
| Nov mean F  = 48.3
| Dec mean F  = 40.4
| year mean F = 55.9
| Jan low F  = 27.6
| Feb low F  = 29.3
| Mar low F  = 35.0
| Apr low F  = 44.1
| May low F  = 53.0
| Jun low F  = 63.1
| Jul low F  = 68.3
| Aug low F  = 67.1
| Sep low F  = 60.1
| Oct low F  = 50.5
| Nov low F  = 39.2
| Dec low F  = 31.7
| year low F = 47.4
| Jan record low F = −6
| Feb record low F = −2
| Mar record low F = 8
| Apr record low F = 22
| May record low F = 30
| Jun record low F = 40
| Jul record low F = 45
| Aug record low F = 41
| Sep record low F = 31
| Oct record low F = 22
| Nov record low F = 15
| Dec record low F = −2
| year record low F = −6
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch  = 3.43
| Feb precipitation inch  = 3.06
| Mar precipitation inch  = 3.99
| Apr precipitation inch  = 3.36
| May precipitation inch  = 3.63
| Jun precipitation inch  = 3.31
| Jul precipitation inch  = 3.37
| Aug precipitation inch  = 4.66
| Sep precipitation inch  = 3.48
| Oct precipitation inch  = 3.30
| Nov precipitation inch  = 3.14
| Dec precipitation inch  = 3.64
| year precipitation inch = 42.37
| humidity colour = green
| Jan humidity    = 68.8
| Feb humidity    = 68.4
| Mar humidity    = 63.9
| Apr humidity    = 66.0
| May humidity    = 71.4
| Jun humidity    = 74.4
| Jul humidity    = 74.8
| Aug humidity    = 76.3
| Sep humidity    = 74.7
| Oct humidity    = 72.9
| Nov humidity    = 71.1
| Dec humidity    = 69.5
| year humidity   = 71.0
| Jan dew point F = 27.4
| Feb dew point F = 29.0
| Mar dew point F = 33.5
| Apr dew point F = 42.7
| May dew point F = 53.3
| Jun dew point F = 63.4
| Jul dew point F = 68.4
| Aug dew point F = 67.7
| Sep dew point F = 61.5
| Oct dew point F = 50.8
| Nov dew point F = 41.2
| Dec dew point F = 31.9
| year dew point F = 47.7
| source 1 = NOAA<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=akq
|title = 1981-2010 Normals for Ocean City, Maryland
|access-date = April 18, 2021}}</ref>
| date   = January 2018
|source 2 = PRISM<ref name=prism>{{cite web|url=http://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/|title=PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University|access-date=August 7, 2019}}</ref>}}

==Demographics==
{{clear}}
{{US Census population
|1880= 49
|1890= 85
|1900= 365
|1910= 476
|1920= 711
|1930= 946
|1940= 1052
|1950= 1234
|1960= 983
|1970= 1493
|1980= 4946
|1990= 5146
|2000= 7173
|2010= 7102
|2020= 6844
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

=== 2020 census ===
As of the 2020 census, 6,844 (estimated at 6,900 as of 2022) people resided full time in the Ocean City, with 3,723 households. The [[population density]] was 1,510.5 inhabitants per square mile. There were 30,028 total housing units, with 3,820 occupied year-round and 26,208 vacant. The resident racial makeup of Ocean City was 90.0% [[White people|White]], 5.8% [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic]], 0.8% [[African Americans|African American]], 0.2% [[American Indian and Alaska Native|American Indian]] and [[Alaska Natives|Alaskan Native]], 0.8% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], and 2.2% two or more races.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Ocean_City_town,_Maryland?g=160XX00US2458225 |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 25, 2013}}</ref> of 2010, there were 7,102 people, 3,852 households, and 1,784 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1610.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 30,119 housing units at an average density of {{convert|6829.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 92.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.7% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.4% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 5.9% of the population.

There were 3,852 households, of which 11.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.8% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 53.7% were non-families. 42.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.84 and the average family size was 2.41.

The median age in the town was 54.2 years. 9.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.8% were from 25 to 44; 33.8% were from 45 to 64; and 29.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.

==Economy==
[[File:Ocean City MD boardwalk at Worcester Street looking north.jpeg|thumb|right|Ocean City boardwalk looking north at Worcester Street]]

Ocean City extends just more than {{convert|9|mi|abbr=on}} from the southern inlet to the Delaware line. The strip supports hotels, motels, apartment houses, shopping centers, residential communities, and condominiums. The southern tip houses the Ocean City Boardwalk. The boardwalk is the main shopping district and entertainment area of the town. The Boardwalk has two [[amusement park]]s, [[Trimpers Rides]] and The Pier, which was recently renamed [[Jolly Roger Amusement Park|Jolly Roger at The Pier]] after [[Jolly Roger Amusement Park|its sister uptown local amusement park]]. The downtown neighborhood, Old Town, is marked by Victorian style houses and other older buildings.

Ocean City has a long history of fishing, both commercial and recreational. The town bills itself as the "White Marlin Capital of the World." During the summer, numerous charter and private boats fish for [[billfish]], [[tuna]], [[wahoo]], and other game fish. In early August, the White Marlin Open, one of the larger fishing tournaments in the world, is held. Prize money for the largest [[white marlin]], [[Atlantic blue marlin|blue marlin]], and tuna can range over $1 million.

==Arts and culture==
=== Boardwalk ===
[[File:Ocean City MD Boardwalk August 2009 1.jpg|thumb|Ocean City Boardwalk looking south]]

The Ocean City Boardwalk currently runs from South 2nd Street at the [[Ocean City Inlet]] in South Ocean City (by the [[Ocean City Life-Saving Station|Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum]]) up to 27th Street in South Ocean City. The boardwalk is home to food, shops, arcades, and amusements.<ref name=ocmaps>{{cite web|title=Ocean City Maps|publisher=Ocean City, Maryland - Tourism|url=http://ococean.com/maps/|access-date=June 13, 2017}}</ref>

Originally called the "Atlantic Avenue", the first Ocean City boardwalk was constructed in 1902. After being damaged by a storm in 1962, the boardwalk was rebuilt to stretch a total of 2.25 miles, which is its current length. In 1985, the boardwalk suffered extensive storm damage during [[Hurricane Gloria]], which pummeled Ocean City with 89 MPH winds; however, the boardwalk was refurbished and a concrete sea wall was soon constructed to prevent further damage. The aftermath of Hurricane Gloria led to the first phase of extensive beach replenishment projects in Ocean City.

In 2012, the Ocean City Boardwalk was damaged again as a result of [[Hurricane Sandy]], which flooded and destroyed half the boardwalk.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/19946925/ocean-city-boardwalk-pier-suffer-damage-during-hurricane-sandy|title = Ocean City Boardwalk, Pier Damaged During Hurricane Sandy|date = October 29, 2012|access-date = November 22, 2014|website = DC News FOX 5 DC WTTG|publisher = Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129035809/http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/19946925/ocean-city-boardwalk-pier-suffer-damage-during-hurricane-sandy|archive-date = November 29, 2014}}</ref> The boardwalk has since been rebuilt to its original length and attracts many tourists.

Also located in South Ocean City is [[Trimper's Rides]], a historic amusement park founded in 1893 as The Windsor Resort.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soper |first=Shawn |date=April 23, 2020 |title=04/23/2020 {{!}} Trimper's To Add 'Fresh New Look, New Rides' This Summer |url=https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2020/04/23/trimpers-to-add-fresh-new-look-new-rides-this-summe/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper |language=en-US}}</ref> Trimper's Rides is home to one of the United States' oldest operational carousel rides. Colloquially known as "The Pride of the Boardwalk," the 1912 Herschell-Spillman carousel received the National Carousel Association's Historic Carousel Award in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1912 Herschell-Spillman Carousel |url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/1912-herschell-spillman-carousel |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=Atlas Obscura |language=en}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=April 2025}}

===Dining and nightlife===
The Midtown section of Ocean City stretches from 28th Street to 90th Street and is home to dining along the bay and nightlife.<ref name="ocmaps"/> Located in Midtown are the [[Jolly Roger Amusement Park]] and the [[Roland E. Powell Convention Center]]. This area also features the Seacrets entertainment complex on 49th Street, one of the highest-grossing bars in the country, known for bringing in hundreds of coconut palms and other tropical plants in the summer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/seacrets-success-ocean-city-megabar-pulls-in-crowds-big-bucks/2012/08/30/26e66754-f20c-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_story.html|title=Seacrets success: Ocean City megabar pulls in crowds, big bucks|first=Jenna|last=Johnson|date=August 31, 2012|access-date=December 29, 2017|via=www.WashingtonPost.com}}</ref>

[[File:Hotel and condos Ocean City MD1.jpg|thumb|High-rise hotels and condominiums in North Ocean City]]

=== Historical sites ===
[[File:Ocean City Life-Saving Station museum.jpeg|thumb|Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum]]

Historical sites include:
* The [[Sandy Point Site]] and [[St. Paul's by-the-sea Protestant Episcopal Church]], which are both listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].
* An anchor recovered from the sailboat wreck in 1870 of the commercial clam vessel ''Star Light''.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM268R_Sailboat_Wreck_Anchor_Ocean_City_MD_Boardwalk|title = Sailboat Wreck Anchor|date = September 11, 2007|access-date = November 22, 2014|website = Sailboat Wreck Anchor|publisher = Groundspeak, Inc.}}</ref>
* The Atlantic Hotel. After a fire destroyed the original and first hotel in Ocean City, the Atlantic Hotel was rebuilt in 1926 and is one of the oldest hotels in Ocean City.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.atlantichotelocmd.com/about|title = About|date = 2014|access-date = November 22, 2014|website = Atlantic Hotel}}</ref> 
*The [[Ocean City Life-Saving Station|Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref> The station was part of the coastal system. It was built in 1891 and dedicated as a museum in 1978.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.ocmuseum.org/index.php/site/home_section/museum_history|title = Museum History|date = 2014|access-date = November 22, 2014|website = Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum|publisher = Ocean City Museum Society, Inc.|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909081200/http://www.ocmuseum.org/index.php/site/home_section/museum_history|archive-date = September 9, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref>

===Senior Week===
Ocean City is known for its [[Senior Week]] activities when recently graduated high school seniors from Maryland and surrounding states travel to Ocean City. Senior Week historically begins the first week after graduation, and the graduates often are referred to as "June Bugs".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.playitsafeoc.com/ |title=Play it Safe |publisher=Ocean City Department of Tourism |access-date=September 6, 2011 |archive-date=September 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913073046/http://www.playitsafeoc.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ocean City "June Bugs" Encouraged to Play it Safe |url=https://www.wboc.com/news/regional/maryland/ocean-city-june-bugs-encouraged-to-play-it-safe/article_43c13a2c-a95a-5e69-8e55-36e6d6d46ddb.html |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=WBOC TV |date=June 10, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

===Other===
The city is home to the Brine Beach Lacrosse Festival on the second week of June. The [https://ocmdfilmfestival.com/ Ocean City Film Festival] takes place every year in early March.

==Parks and recreation==
=== Skatepark and other attractions ===
First opened in June 1976, Ocean Bowl Skatepark in South Ocean City was the first skate park to open on the East Coast in the United States, and it is the longest-running municipal skatepark in the United States today. Due to time, wear and the current needs of skaters, the original bowl and steel halfpipe ramp were torn down in the Fall of 1997 and the newly constructed skatepark opened in July 1998 on the same site. The park has held the National [[Dew Tour]] for several years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allisports.com/alli/skate/feature/skaters-of-all-walks-of-life-converge-at-commotion-down-the-ocean |title=Skaters of All Walks of Life Converge at Commotion Down the Ocean |publisher=Alli Sports |access-date=February 3, 2016 |archive-date=April 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423131140/http://www.allisports.com/alli/skate/feature/skaters-of-all-walks-of-life-converge-at-commotion-down-the-ocean |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Government==
[[File:Ocean City, city hall (21618371002).jpg|thumb|City Hall of Ocean City, located in the former [[Ocean City High School (Maryland)|Ocean City High School]]]]

Ocean City has a [[council-manager]] system of government with a mayor and seven-member city council. The mayor is elected at-large to two-year terms while the city council is elected at-large to staggered four-year terms. The city council elects a council president who presides over and sets the agenda for city council meetings. The mayor represents the town to state and local agencies. Both the mayor and city council hire a city manager who is in charge of all daily operations of the town and serves as its chief financial officer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Form Of Government|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/city-hall/form-of-government/|access-date=May 21, 2017}}</ref> As of 2017, the mayor of Ocean City is Rick Meehan, and the members of city council are council president Matt James, council secretary Tony Deluca, Frank Knight, Carol Proctor, William Savage, John Gehrig Jr., and Peter Baus<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet Our Mayor and City Council|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/city-hall/mayor-and-city-council/}}</ref>

==Media==
===Radio===
Ocean City has an emergency advisory radio system broadcast on two FM frequencies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Advisory Radio Stations|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=http://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/emergency-services/electronic-services/advisory-radio-stations/|access-date=August 5, 2015}}</ref>

[[WOCM]] broadcasts from studios located at the popular restaurant, nightclub, distillery, and entertainment venue Seacrets. The call letters stand for "We are Ocean City Maryland".
{{Salisbury-Ocean City Radio}}'''Music'''

Ocean City is mentioned in the [[Car Seat Headrest]] song “Beach Life-In-Death”.

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[File:US 50 WB past MD 528.jpeg|thumb|[[U.S. Route 50 in Maryland|U.S. Route 50]], also known as Ocean Gateway, leaving Ocean City; the sign over the eastbound lane displays the distance to the western terminus of route in [[Sacramento, California]] as 3,073 miles.]]
[[File:OC Beach Bus 2011 ElDorado National Axess 2121.jpg|thumb|Coastal Highway Beach Bus]]
[[File:Ocean City, MD Vol. Fire Co. Station (8317333460).jpg|thumb|Ocean City Fire Department station]]

====Road and bridges====
Ocean City has a single major north−south thoroughfare, [[Maryland Route 528]], known as the Coastal Highway for most of its length. Two bridges connect the mainland to Ocean City:
*[[U.S. Route 50 in Maryland|U.S. Route 50]], also known as Ocean Gateway, crosses the [[Harry W. Kelley Memorial Bridge]]. Ocean City is the eastern terminus of US 50.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dildine|first=Dave|title=How did that Sacramento road sign end up in Ocean City?|publisher=WTOP-FM|location=Washington, DC|date=November 27, 2017|url=https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2017/11/ocean-city-not-long-road-ahead/|access-date=January 10, 2018}}</ref>
*[[Maryland Route 90]] (Ocean City Expressway), crosses the [[Assawoman Bay Bridge]].

====Public transit====
Ocean City also has a public transportation system called [[Ocean City Transportation]]. This agency operates the Coastal Highway Beach Bus, the West Ocean City Park-N-Ride Beach Bus, the Express Beach Bus for special events, and a [[trackless train]] shuttle called the Boardwalk Tram.<ref name=ocmdtransportation>{{cite web|title=Transportation|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/transportation/|access-date=March 11, 2017}}</ref> Ocean City Transportation also offers [[paratransit]] service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ocean City ADA Para Transit|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/ocean-city-ada-para-transit/|access-date=May 8, 2018}}</ref> The Boardwalk Tram operates during the summer months along the entire length of the Ocean City Boardwalk.<ref name=tram>{{cite web|title=Ocean City Boardwalk Tram|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/ocean-city-boardwalk-tram/|access-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref>

Ocean City's transit service connects with [[Shore Transit]], which connects with other destinations.<ref>{{cite web|title=432 Salisbury/Ocean City/Pocomoke|publisher=Shore Transit|url=http://www.shoretransit.org/custom/pdf/432eff4212018.pdf|access-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=452 Salisbury/Pocomoke/Ocean City|publisher=Shore Transit|url=http://www.shoretransit.org/custom/pdf/452eff4212018.pdf|access-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref>

From May to September, the [[DART First State Beach Bus]] connects with the Coastal Highway Beach Bus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/beachbus/ |title=Beach Bus |publisher=DART First State |access-date=April 29, 2013}}</ref>

[[Ocean City Municipal Airport (Maryland)|Ocean City Municipal Airport]], located {{convert|3|mi|km}} west of downtown Ocean City serves [[general aviation]] and charter aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flyoceanaviation.com/ |title=Ocean Aviation International Flight School &#124; Ocean City MD |website=Flyoceanaviation.com |access-date=February 3, 2016}}</ref>

===Utilities===
[[Delmarva Power]], a subsidiary of [[Exelon]], provides electricity to Ocean City.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.delmarva.com/AboutUs/Pages/CompanyInformation.aspx|title=Company Information|website=www.delmarva.com|language=en-US|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> [[Sandpiper Energy]], a subsidiary of [[Chesapeake Utilities]], provides natural gas to the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Service Area|publisher=Sandpiper Energy|url=http://www.sandpiper-energy.com/our-service-area/|access-date=August 14, 2017|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818172352/http://www.sandpiper-energy.com/our-service-area/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Delmarva Service Territory|publisher=Chesapeake Utilities|url=http://www.chpk.com/delmarva-service-territory/|access-date=August 14, 2017|archive-date=August 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815063806/http://www.chpk.com/delmarva-service-territory/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Town of Ocean City Municipal Water Department provides water to the town, operating 25 wells, 3 treatment plants, 6 above-ground storage tanks, and an underground storage tank.<ref>{{cite web|title=Water|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/water/|access-date=August 21, 2017}}</ref> The Public Works department provides wastewater service to Ocean City, operating the Ocean City Wastewater Treatment Plant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wastewater|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/wastewater/|access-date=August 21, 2017}}</ref> Trash and recycling collection in Ocean City is handled by the Public Works department, with the town's trash transported by [[Reworld]] to the Energy Resource Recovery Facility in [[Fairfax, Virginia]], a [[waste-to-energy]] plant.<ref>{{cite web|title=Solid Waste|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/solid-waste/|access-date=August 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Recycling|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/recycling/|access-date=August 21, 2017}}</ref>

===Police and fire department===
Police services in Ocean City are provided by the [[Ocean City Police Department (Maryland)|Ocean City Police Department]], which consists of 105 full-time officers and from 100 to 110 seasonal officers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ocean City Police Department - FAQs|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/police/faqs/|access-date=May 21, 2017}}</ref> Fire protection in Ocean City is provided by the Ocean City Fire Department, which consists of over 200 volunteer members and over 100 career members.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ocean City Fire Department - About Us|publisher=Town of Ocean City, Maryland|url=https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/fire/about-us/|access-date=May 21, 2017}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Spiro Agnew]], former U.S. vice president
* [[Carmen M. Amedori]], Maryland State Delegate, actor, author, former journalist
* [[Charles L. Calhoun]], first [[Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard]]
* [[Devin Dodson]], racing driver
* [[James N. Mathias Jr.]], Maryland state senator, and past mayor
* [[Erica Messer]], television writer
* [[Michael Sorce]], former radio talk show host known by his on-air name Don Geronimo
* [[Jennifer Hope Wills]], actress, [[Christine Daaé]] in ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)|The Phantom of the Opera]]'' on Broadway

==Sister cities==
Ocean City has three sister cities:
* {{flagdeco|Italy}} [[Finale Ligure]], Italy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://milan.usconsulate.gov/ni.html|title=Sister Cities in the Milan consular district|publisher=U.S. Department of State|access-date=September 6, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925084044/http://milan.usconsulate.gov/ni.html|archive-date=September 25, 2011}}</ref>
* {{flagdeco|Estonia}} [[Pärnu]], Estonia
* {{flagdeco|US}} [[Rehoboth Beach, Delaware|Rehoboth Beach]], Delaware, U.S.

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Ocean City, Maryland}}
{{wikivoyage|Ocean City (Maryland)}}
{{Portal|Maryland}}
* {{official website|http://www.oceancitymd.gov}}

{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
| title  = Beaches of Delmarva
| years  =
| with   =
| before = [[Fenwick Island, Delaware|Fenwick Island]], Delaware
| after  = [[Assateague Island]]
}}
{{S-end}}
{{Geographic Location
 | Center    = Ocean City
 | North     = [[Fenwick Island, Delaware|Fenwick Island]], [[Bethany Beach, Delaware|Bethany Beach, DE]]<br />[[File:MD Route 528.svg|25px]] [[Maryland Route 528|MD 528 North]]
 | Northeast =
 | East      = [[Atlantic Ocean]]
 | Southeast =
 | Southwest = [[Snow Hill, Maryland|Snow Hill]]<br />[[File:US 113.svg|25px]] [[U.S. Route 113|US 113 South]]
 | South     = [[Assateague Island]]<br />[[File:MD Route 611.svg|25px]] [[Maryland Route 611|MD 611 South]]
 | West      = [[Berlin, Maryland|Berlin]], [[Salisbury, Maryland|Salisbury]]<br />[[File:US 50.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 50 in Maryland|US 50 West]]
 | Northwest = [[Ocean Pines, Maryland|Ocean Pines]]<br />[[File:MD Route 90.svg|20px]] [[Maryland Route 90|MD 90 West]]
}}
{{Worcester County, Maryland}}
{{Salisbury metropolitan area}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ocean City, Maryland| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1875]]
[[Category:Towns in Maryland]]
[[Category:Towns in Worcester County, Maryland]]
[[Category:Seaside resorts in the United States]]
[[Category:Beaches of Maryland]]
[[Category:1875 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:Salisbury metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Maryland]]