Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dover, NH
Thinking of moving to Dover, NH? With a population of 32,741, Dover offers a balanced lifestyle with affordable home prices around $410,000 and average rents at $1,675. The city boasts low crime rates (violent crime at 139 per 100K), quick commutes averaging 25 minutes, and strong schools including Dover High. Enjoy picturesque New England weather with 56% sunny days and plenty of local amenities, making Dover a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Dover, NH
Dover is home to 32,741 residents, with a median age of 37.1 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a predominantly White population alongside small but growing Asian and Black communities, while nearly 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This mix contributes to a friendly, close-knit New England atmosphere with moderate population density.
Population:
32,741
Density:
1,120 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dover, NH?
Living in Dover means slightly higher-than-average costs, with a median home value of $410,000 and typical rents at $1,675 per month. State taxes remain relatively low, and monthly expenses like utilities and groceries are in line with regional averages. Overall, families and professionals will find Dover offers good value for quality of life in New Hampshire.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$1,675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.0
Grocery:
109.7
Housing:
121.4
Utilities:
108.2
Transportation:
112.3
Health Care:
104.9
Miscellaneous:
102.5
Crime
Is Dover, NH a safe place to live?
Dover maintains a reputation for safety, with a low violent crime rate of 139 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also lower than many comparably sized cities, giving locals peace of mind. Residents enjoy a secure, welcoming environment ideal for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
139
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,085
Crime Index:
1,224
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 719
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Dover, NH year-round?
Dover experiences classic New England seasons, with cold winters, warm summers, and picturesque springs and falls. The city averages 46 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 56% of the year, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Residents should be prepared for snowy winters but can look forward to pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Dover's neighborhoods are marked by strong household incomes, with a median of $82,500 and a family median of $97,000. The area boasts a high educational attainment, with over 94% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and nearly 47% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Low unemployment and a modest poverty rate create a stable, vibrant community for residents.
Median Income:
$39,800
Household Income:
$82,500
Family Income:
$97,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,400
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$39,300
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,675
Unemployment Rate:
2.4%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
24.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.3%
Bachelors or More:
46.8%
Education
How are the schools in Dover, NH?
Dover offers strong educational options, including highly-rated public schools like Dover High and Middle School, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city also has private school choices and is just seven miles from the University of New Hampshire, making it ideal for families seeking diverse academic opportunities from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Dover High School
Street:
25 Alumni Dr
Phone:
603-516-6900
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Dover Middle School
Street:
16 Daley Dr
Phone:
603-516-7200
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.9
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Academy
Street:
222 Central Ave
Phone:
603-742-3299
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
University of New Hampshire
City:
Durham
State:
NH
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
14,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Dover is robust, anchored by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, a full-service facility offering emergency care. The city has a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 95% and a strong physician-to-resident ratio. Residents benefit from quality medical services and easy access to healthcare resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Address:
789 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820
Phone:
(603) 742-5252
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
79.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dover, NH?
Dover's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $410,000 and two-bedroom rents averaging $1,675. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 7.1% in the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates suggest a stable investment for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,675
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Dover are provided by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles in Concord, with accessible online resources and statewide support. Residents benefit from efficient DMV operations and clear guidance for licensing, registration, and other needs. The DMV’s main office is located at 23 Hazen Drive, easily reachable from Dover.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
1-603-227-4000
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.