What to know when moving to Dover, DE
Dover at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A population of 39,149 with a median household income of $63,891 and 45.9% renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to six higher education institutions, including Delaware State University.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 16.6% may pose challenges for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 1.8% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Median gross rent is $1,353, so budget accordingly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Dover has a diverse population where nearly half of the residents (45.9%) are renters, indicating a significant rental market. With 26.6% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher, the area shows a decent education level. However, the poverty rate sits at 16.6%, which may affect the local economy and community services. The limited public transit usage suggests that a car is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for strong public transit options or if high living costs are a concern.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,353, while the median owner-occupied home value is $258,400, indicating a relatively affordable housing market.
- With 26.6% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher, there is a focus on education within the community.
- The poverty rate is 16.6%, reflecting economic challenges for some residents.
- Renter percentage is 45.9%, suggesting a balanced housing landscape.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Delaware, the state annual rate for arson is 8.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 14.4% lower than the national average. The arson rate has decreased by 25.3% from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime and property crime data are not available due to errors in the source data.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Delaware).
Schools & Higher Ed
Dover has access to several educational institutions, enhancing opportunities for local residents.
- Postsecondary institutions: 6
- With College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable institutions include Delaware State University and Delaware Technical Community College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Kent County experiences an annual precipitation of 33.5 inches over approximately 113 rainy days. Winter brings about 5 days of snow with a total of 1.7 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Air Mobility Command Museum - 4.9 stars (2,249 reviews)
- Brecknock County Park - 4.7 stars (1,331 reviews)
- Silver Lake Park - 4.4 stars (980 reviews)
- Big Oak County Park - 4.7 stars (655 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Kent County serves as the economic backdrop for Dover, presenting a variety of job opportunities.
- Unemployment rate: 5.6% as of December 2025
- Employed: 82,222 individuals
- Labor force: 87,054 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.