DelawarePop. 39,837Small cities
Is Dover a Good Place to Live? Dover, Delaware: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dover ranks #1203 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (6.4%, #179 of 184) and high violent crime (847 per 100,000, #165 of 174).
Dover by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dover's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Dover?
Dover's cost of living index is 97.5, 3% below the US level of 100 and #566 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,344/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $343,273, 15% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
| Measure | Dover | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 97.5#566 of 1,308 | 99.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $343,273#507 of 1,187 | $406,074 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,707/mo#516 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $258,900#411 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,344/mo#586 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 26.8%#1140 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Dover housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Dover is in the Dover, DE metro.
Delaware housing market →Is Dover safe?
Dover recorded 847 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.6 times the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times Delaware's 347. That ranks #1019 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #165 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dover Police Department. Property crime runs 5,801 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dover | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 847#1019 of 1,085 | 347 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 5,801#1083 of 1,085 | 1,559 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Dover?
The median household in Dover earns $60,199, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dover | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $60,199#1042 of 1,312 | $87,534 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 6.4%#1000 of 1,058 | 4.8% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 15%#864 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Dover?
The median resident of Dover is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #915 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 34.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 26.7%#915 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 46.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Dover's schools and health?
Dover's 12 public schools graduate 87.8% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $23,171 spent per pupil. 44.8% of adults are obese and 14.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Dover | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87.8%#562 of 1,063 | 87.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $23,171#83 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44.8%#1279 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.5%#1126 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.6%#729 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,412 students are enrolled in Dover's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dover?
The average commute in Dover is 22.9 minutes (Delaware 26.8); 1.2% of workers take transit and 9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dover scores 13.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.8°F and winters 38.2°F, with 47.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dover | DelawareDE | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 26.8 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 10.8%#1099 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72.8% | 72.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.2% | 2.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 6% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9% | 12.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.4#260 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Delaware is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44.4 | 27.6 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 47.4 | 29 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 54.5 | 35.4 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 66 | 44.9 | 3.7 |
| May | 74.4 | 54.4 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 82.7 | 63.8 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 86.9 | 69 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 67.3 | 4.9 |
| Sep | 79.2 | 61 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 68.9 | 49.5 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 58 | 39.3 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 48.6 | 32.1 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dover.
| Measure | Dover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 57.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 38.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 47.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dover.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dover?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Dover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#264 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kent County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kent County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.02% | 80% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.003% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0039% | 60% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 44% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 25% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.002% | 23% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Dover compare with similar-size cities?
Dover is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #186 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 39,837.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DEPop. 39,837 | #1203 | 44.9 | $60,199 | $1,344/mo | 847 | 22.9 min |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #360 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 | 21.7 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 min |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #316 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 | 15.4 min |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #541 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 | 24 min |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #1307 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 | 19.3 min |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #1003 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 | 15.6 min |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #166 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 | 19.8 min |
| Kailua (Honolulu County), HIPop. 39,640 | #115 | 68.0 | $148,582 | $3,093/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Dover compare with the rest of Delaware?
Dover ranks #19 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 44.9 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 31% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Delaware home.
| City | Rank in DE | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Star, DEPop. 7,834 | #1 | 72.3 | $150,733 | — | no data |
| Hockessin, DEPop. 13,439 | #2 | 72.1 | $171,204 | $3,501/mo | no data |
| Pike Creek, DEPop. 7,129 | #3 | 68.8 | $139,635 | $2,262/mo | no data |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #4 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 |
| Pike Creek Valley, DEPop. 12,431 | #5 | 60.8 | $102,434 | $1,751/mo | no data |
| Glasgow, DEPop. 15,546 | #6 | 58.5 | $113,982 | $2,039/mo | no data |
| Millsboro, DEPop. 7,424 | #7 | 55.7 | $78,707 | $1,277/mo | 345 |
| Newark, DEPop. 30,330 | #8 | 55.6 | $76,912 | $1,654/mo | 299 |
| Bear, DEPop. 22,370 | #9 | 54.1 | $91,687 | $1,771/mo | no data |
| Claymont, DEPop. 8,786 | #10 | 53.3 | $74,712 | $1,306/mo | no data |
| Wilmington Manor, DEPop. 8,214 | #11 | 52.9 | $78,078 | $1,155/mo | no data |
| Milford, DEPop. 12,803 | #12 | 51.9 | $59,464 | $1,260/mo | 464 |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #13 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 |
| Brookside, DEPop. 15,115 | #14 | 49.9 | $78,328 | $1,444/mo | no data |
| Smyrna, DEPop. 13,165 | #15 | 47.6 | $67,048 | $1,534/mo | 544 |
| Wilmington, DEPop. 71,727 | #16 | 46.9 | $58,671 | $1,224/mo | 1,152 |
| Edgemoor, DEPop. 6,349 | #17 | 46.9 | $59,424 | $1,438/mo | no data |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #18 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 |
| Dover, DEPop. 39,837 | #19 | 44.9 | $60,199 | $1,344/mo | 847 |
| Georgetown, DEPop. 7,660 | #20 | 42.8 | $49,719 | $1,410/mo | 719 |
All 20 Delaware cities we track, by overall score. Delaware statewide: median income $87,534, violent crime 346.9 per 100,000.
How is Dover's score calculated?
Dover scores 44.9 out of 100, #1203 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Delaware's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Dover. Similar-size median 52.9.
32.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Dover's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
11.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dover. Similar-size median 52.2.
28.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dover's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
73.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dover's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
72.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dover. Similar-size median 46.7.
38.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dover. Similar-size median 44.2.
39.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dover. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dover's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
65.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
70.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dover's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Dover has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Dover
Is Dover, DE a good place to live?
Dover ranks #1203 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 208 small cities and #19 of 20 in Delaware. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (6.4%, #179 of 184) and high violent crime (847 per 100,000, #165 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Dover?
Dover's cost of living index is 97.5, 3% below the US level of 100 and #566 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,344/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $343,273, 15% below the typical Delaware home ($406,074).
What is the crime rate in Dover?
Dover recorded 847 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.6 times the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times Delaware's 347. That ranks #1019 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #165 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dover Police Department. Property crime runs 5,801 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dover?
The median household in Dover earns $60,199, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Delaware ($87,534). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dover?
Median rent in Dover is $1,344/mo (Census), #586 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,707/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dover?
The typical home value in Dover is $343,273, up 1.8% in a year, against $406,074 for Delaware and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $258,900.
How are the public schools in Dover?
Dover's 12 public schools graduate 87.8% of students in four years (Delaware 87.8%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $23,171 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dover?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.8 minutes across Delaware. 10.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dover?
Dover averages 57.1°F over the year, 75.8°F in summer and 38.2°F in winter, with 47.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dover walkable?
Dover scores 13.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Dover at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Dover?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Dover?
Dover has 39,837 residents. The median resident of Dover is 34.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #915 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dover compare with the rest of Delaware?
Dover ranks #19 of the 20 Delaware cities we track, with a score of 44.9 against Delaware's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 31% below the Delaware median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Delaware home.
What cities are similar in size to Dover?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dover's population of 39,837 are Owasso, OK (#360 overall), West Fargo, ND (#73 overall), Wausau, WI (#316 overall), Norwich, CT (#541 overall), and Pine Bluff, AR (#1307 overall). Dover is #1203.