Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dover, DE
Thinking about moving to Dover, DE? With a population of about 39,000, Dover offers an affordable median home price of $257,000 and average rent around $1,230. Commute times are short, averaging just 21 minutes, and the city enjoys a mild climate with 58% sunny days each year. While property crime rates are somewhat higher than average, residents benefit from access to major healthcare, local colleges, and a growing housing market—making Dover a practical choice for those seeking value and convenience in Delaware.
Demographics - Dover, DE
Dover is home to approximately 39,400 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 31 and a balanced mix of White (43.6%) and Black (42.1%) populations. The city is moderately dense and has a diverse community, with over 11% speaking a language other than English at home, making it welcoming for newcomers from various backgrounds.
Population:
39,403
Density:
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.0
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
43.6%
Black:
42.1%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
11.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dover, DE?
Dover offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $257,000 and average rent of $1,230, both below national averages. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and overall living expenses are about 7% lower than the U.S. average, making the city attractive for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$257,000
Gross Rent:
$1,230
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
2.2%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.6
Grocery:
98.3
Housing:
80.4
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
93.2
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
97.6
Crime
Is Dover, DE a safe place to live?
Dover experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 39 chance of being affected, while violent crime risk stands at 1 in 185. Residents should be mindful of safety but can find peace of mind in community resources and awareness initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
542
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,535
Crime Index:
3,077
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 185
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Dover, DE year-round?
Dover has a mild climate, with winter lows in the upper 20s and summer highs reaching the upper 80s. The city enjoys about 58% sunny days annually and receives roughly 46.5 inches of rainfall, providing residents with a comfortable mix of sunshine and seasonal weather.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Local households in Dover have a median income of $55,200, though about 18% of residents live below the poverty line. The city enjoys an 87.5% high school graduation rate, an average commute of just over 21 minutes, and a low public transportation usage, offering a convenient lifestyle for most families.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$55,200
Family Income:
$66,900
Per Capita Income:
$26,580
Income Male:
$43,700
Income Female:
$39,200
Poverty Rate:
18.0%
Non English Speakers:
11.4%
Rent:
$1,230
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in Dover, DE?
The city offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Dover High School and Central Middle School, as well as higher education institutions such as Delaware State University. Families benefit from reasonable student-teacher ratios and the presence of both private schools and colleges in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Dover High School
Street:
1 Dover High Dr
Phone:
302-241-2400
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Central Middle School
Street:
211 Delaware Ave
Phone:
302-674-3284
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Cross School
Street:
631 S State St
Phone:
302-674-5787
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Delaware State University
City:
Dover
State:
DE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
Wesley College
City:
Dover
State:
DE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Dover provides quality healthcare access with major hospitals like Bayhealth Hospital and a physician rate of 2.3 per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring most have access to medical care when needed.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus
Address:
640 S State St, Dover, DE 19901
Phone:
(302) 674-4700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dover, DE?
Dover's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $257,000 and a healthy 6.3% annual appreciation rate. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain accessible with a 6.7% vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$257,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,230
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Dover residents are served by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Transportation Circle. Local DMV services are easily accessible for licensing, registration, and vehicle needs both in person and online.
State:
Delaware
Department:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
303 Transportation Cir, Dover, DE 19901
Phone:
(302) 744-2500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.