Delaware / Kent County

Moving to Dover, DE

Thinking of making a move to Dover, DE? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dover, DE

Considering a move to Dover, DE? This welcoming community of 39,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents near $1,350. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Dover's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Dover, DE

Dover has a population of 39,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 47% White, 40% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
39,500
Density
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
47.0%
Black
39.5%
Asian
4.2%
Others
9.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Dover, DE?

The cost of living in Dover is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 97.8. Median home values are around $285,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$285,000
Gross Rent
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 6.6%
Cost Of Living Index
97.8
Grocery
99.1
Housing
92.4
Utilities
107.6
Transportation
100.8
Health Care
102.3
Miscellaneous
96.5

Crime

Is Dover, DE a safe place to live?

Dover is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 410 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Delaware.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
410
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,150
Crime Index
2,560
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

What is the weather like in Dover, DE year-round?

Dover experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and cold winters dipping to 29°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
29°F
Max
45°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
88°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
49°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $62,500 and a low poverty rate of 13.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$37,500
Household Income
$62,500
Family Income
$76,000
Per Capita Income
$29,800
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$37,000
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Non English Speakers
13.2%
Rent
$1,350
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
6.5%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
Bachelors or More
23.8%

Education

How are the schools in Dover, DE?

Dover offers quality education options, with public schools like Dover High School and Central Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Delaware State University and Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Campus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Dover High School
Street
1 Dover High Dr
Phone
302-241-2400
Students
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Central Middle School
Street
211 Delaware Ave
Phone
302-857-4570
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Thomas More Academy
Street
133 Thomas Dr
Phone
302-697-0900
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Delaware State University
City
Dover
State
DE
Distance
1 mile
Students
5,800
Name
Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Campus
City
Dover
State
DE
Distance
3 miles
Students
2,400

Healthcare

Dover residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus and Dover Behavioral Health System nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Dover Behavioral Health System
Address
725 Horsepond Rd, Dover, DE 19901
Phone
(302) 741-0140
Type
Behavioral Health
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Dover, DE?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $285,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 4.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Dover offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.9%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Dover handle vehicle services through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Dover. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Delaware
Department
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
303 Transportation Cir, Dover, DE 19901
Phone
1-302-744-2500

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.

FAQs About Moving to Dover, DE

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Dover, review the core fields on this page: population 39,500, median home value $285,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,350, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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