Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dover, NJ
Thinking of making Dover, NJ your new home? With a population of 18,460, Dover offers a vibrant, diverse community and affordable living, with median home prices around $355,000 and average rents at $1,540. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute of about 27 minutes, access to local hospitals, and public schools with solid student-teacher ratios. While crime rates are moderately higher than average, Dover’s walkable downtown, convenient public transit, and proximity to Morris County highlights make it a welcoming place for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Dover, NJ
Dover, NJ is home to about 18,460 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 35.4 and a notably diverse population, with over half identifying as White and nearly 30% speaking a language other than English at home. The city’s high population density creates a vibrant urban atmosphere, making it appealing for those who enjoy a close-knit, multicultural community.
Population:
18,460
Density:
6,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.4
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
51.8%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
3.6%
Others:
37.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dover, NJ?
Living in Dover comes with a cost of living index of 120.1, slightly above the national average, largely due to housing costs such as a median home value of $355,000 and average rents around $1,540. Residents can expect moderate utility expenses and state income tax rates ranging between 1.4% and 10.75%, making the area relatively affordable by New Jersey standards.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,540
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,750
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.1
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
127.0
Utilities:
109.8
Transportation:
117.5
Health Care:
108.2
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Dover, NJ a safe place to live?
Dover experiences a moderate crime rate, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 62 and violent crime at 1 in 373 annually. While safety levels may be a concern for some, the city maintains a lower violent crime rate compared to many urban areas, allowing residents to feel reasonably secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
268
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,620
Crime Index:
1,888
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 373
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Dover, NJ year-round?
Dover enjoys four distinct seasons, with winter lows averaging 23°F and summer highs reaching 85°F. The city receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 54% sunny days, creating a balanced climate for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents in Dover benefit from a median household income of $72,000 and a strong sense of community, with more than a quarter using public transportation or commuting about 27 minutes to work. The area is characterized by a relatively low unemployment rate and a mix of educational backgrounds, contributing to its dynamic local culture.
Median Income:
$42,800
Household Income:
$72,000
Family Income:
$80,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$38,100
Income Female:
$32,600
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
29.4%
Rent:
$1,540
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
11.1%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.9%
Bachelors or More:
20.5%
Education
How are the schools in Dover, NJ?
Dover offers a strong educational environment with public schools like Dover High School and East Dover Elementary maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios around 13:1. The city also provides access to private schooling and is conveniently located near higher education institutions such as County College of Morris and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Public Schools
Name:
Dover High School
Street:
100 Grace St
Phone:
973-989-2010
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
East Dover Elementary School
Street:
106 Prospect St
Phone:
973-989-2040
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
40 E. Blackwell St
Phone:
973-366-3448
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
County College of Morris
City:
Randolph
State:
NJ
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
Fairleigh Dickinson University
City:
Florham Park
State:
NJ
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Dover provides convenient access to healthcare, anchored by Saint Clare's Dover Hospital and nearby Morristown Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency services. The city maintains a healthy ratio of 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of locals have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Clare's Dover Hospital
Address:
400 W. Blackwell St, Dover, NJ 07801
Phone:
(973) 989-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Morristown Medical Center
Address:
100 Madison Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone:
(973) 971-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dover, NJ?
The Dover housing market features a median home price of $355,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,540, with about 39% of properties owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated over 5% in the past year, reflecting a stable and growing market with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,540
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Dover residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, headquartered in Trenton, offering comprehensive licensing and registration services both in-person and online. The DMV provides user-friendly access for all vehicle and driver needs across the state.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
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.