Dover, DE
Population 39,491 · Delaware
About Dover, DE
Dover is a mid-sized city in Delaware with a population of 39,491 residents. The median household income is $58,336 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Dover is 35.1 years.
Housing in Dover has a median home value of $248,500 and median monthly rent of $1,252. Of the 16,659 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 7,268 owner-occupied and 8,194 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Dover is 7.9% and the poverty rate is 17.5%. 27.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24 minutes.
How Dover Ranks in Delaware
Cost of Living in Dover, DE
Compared to national averages, Dover has a median household income of $58,336 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $248,500, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,252 is 8% above the US average of $1,163. Within Delaware, Dover's income is 32% below the state average of $85,962, and home values are 36% below the state median of $387,860.
Why Live in Dover, DE?
Dover offers short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,336) that falls below the national average. However, Dover’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dover has a population of 39,491 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Dover with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Delaware.
Similar Cities Near Dover
Cities in Delaware with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 30,309 | $71,373 | $357,600 | Compare |
| Middletown | 24,071 | $115,252 | $399,500 | Compare |
| Bear | 22,604 | $88,985 | $280,200 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 16,095 | $109,803 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Brookside | 15,262 | $72,031 | $264,800 | Compare |
| Hockessin | 13,608 | $172,695 | $550,200 | Compare |
| Smyrna | 13,031 | $70,473 | $273,400 | Compare |
| Milford | 12,193 | $55,265 | $274,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Delaware
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dover
What is the population of Dover, DE?
The population of Dover, DE is 39,491 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Dover?
The median household income in Dover, DE is $58,336 per year.
What is the median home value in Dover?
The median home value in Dover, DE is $248,500.
What is the average rent in Dover?
The median monthly rent in Dover, DE is $1,252.
What is the unemployment rate in Dover?
The unemployment rate in Dover, DE is 7.9%.