New HampshirePop. 33,364Small cities
Is Dover a Good Place to Live? Dover, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dover ranks #122 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 184) and fast population growth (+2.1%, #19 of 182), and trails on high living costs (108.3, #193 of 208) and high rents ($1,607/mo, #171 of 208).
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 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,607/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $546,302, 6% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Dover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $546,302#884 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,297/mo#837 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $436,700#866 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,607/mo#794 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.3%#487 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). New Hampshire 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Dover safe?
Dover recorded 64 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #54 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dover Police Department. Property crime runs 574 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 64#54 of 1,085 | 118 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 574#42 of 1,085 | 818 | 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). New Hampshire 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 $94,829, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $94,829#412 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.4%#19 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.3%#352 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.1%#93 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +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). New Hampshire 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 36.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 52% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #228 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.7% 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 | 36.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 52%#228 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 52.7% | 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 6 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $19,118 spent per pupil. 31.8% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Dover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $19,118#255 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 31.8%#525 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 6.2%#167 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). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,899 students are enrolled in Dover's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dover?
The average commute in Dover is 22.7 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 2.8% of workers take transit and 18.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dover scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.6°F and winters 26.6°F, with 41.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dover | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.7 min#565 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 69.1% | 72.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.8% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.1% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 18.6% | 16% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.3#982 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). New Hampshire 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 | 32.6 | 15.4 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 35.4 | 17 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 43.5 | 24.7 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 56.7 | 34.7 | 3.7 |
| May | 67.4 | 44.8 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 77 | 54.2 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 59.6 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 80.6 | 57.9 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 50.3 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 60.3 | 39.4 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 48 | 30.7 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 37.4 | 21.9 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rochester Skyhaven Airport.
| Measure | Dover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 47.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 26.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.2 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 Rochester Skyhaven Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dover?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Dover's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Strafford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Dover | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#445 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 Strafford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Strafford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.004% | 85% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.006% | 70% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0061% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.092% | 62% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0019% | 22% 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 #25 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,364.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #122 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 | 22.7 min |
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 min |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #1217 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 | 20.7 min |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 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 New Hampshire?
Dover ranks #5 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 67.6 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 5% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical New Hampshire home.
| City | Rank in NH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #2 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #3 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #4 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #5 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 |
| Londonderry, NHPop. 12,225 | #6 | 66.7 | $119,571 | $1,952/mo | county/metro |
| Exeter, NHPop. 9,964 | #7 | 65.9 | $87,346 | $1,711/mo | county/metro |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #8 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #9 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 |
| Hampton, NHPop. 10,101 | #10 | 63.5 | $97,163 | $1,654/mo | county/metro |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #11 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 |
| Milford, NHPop. 8,956 | #12 | 61.1 | $78,684 | $1,557/mo | county/metro |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #13 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #14 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #15 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #16 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 |
| Franklin, NHPop. 8,799 | #17 | 57.6 | $71,648 | $1,110/mo | 113 |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #18 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #19 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #20 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 |
All 20 New Hampshire cities we track, by overall score. New Hampshire statewide: median income $99,782, violent crime 117.6 per 100,000.
How is Dover's score calculated?
Dover scores 67.6 out of 100, #122 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Hampshire'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.
70.7 - 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.
98.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dover. Similar-size median 52.2.
65.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dover's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
67.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dover's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
55.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dover. Similar-size median 46.7.
66.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dover. Similar-size median 44.2.
67.8 - 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.
58.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dover's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
69.2 - 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, NH a good place to live?
Dover ranks #122 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.4%, #6 of 184) and fast population growth (+2.1%, #19 of 182), and trails on high living costs (108.3, #193 of 208) and high rents ($1,607/mo, #171 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Dover?
Dover's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,607/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $546,302, 6% above the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Dover?
Dover recorded 64 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #54 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dover Police Department. Property crime runs 574 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dover?
The median household in Dover earns $94,829, 14% above the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 2.4% (US 4.3%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dover?
Median rent in Dover is $1,607/mo (Census), #794 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,297/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dover?
The typical home value in Dover is $546,302, up 1.6% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $436,700.
How are the public schools in Dover?
Dover's 6 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 13.4 students per teacher and $19,118 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dover?
The average commute is 22.7 minutes, #565 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dover?
Dover averages 47.7°F over the year, 68.6°F in summer and 26.6°F in winter, with 41.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dover walkable?
Dover scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Strafford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
Who lives in Dover?
Dover has 33,364 residents. The median resident of Dover is 36.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 52% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #228 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dover compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Dover ranks #5 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 67.6 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 5% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Dover?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dover's population of 33,364 are Leawood, KS (#22 overall), Helena, MT (#513 overall), Chester, PA (#1204 overall), Gillette, WY (#379 overall), and Gadsden, AL (#1217 overall). Dover is #122.