Dover, DE
Population 39,491 · Delaware
About Dover, DE
Dover is a mid-sized city located in Delaware with a population of 39,491 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,336 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dover features a median home value of $248,500, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Dover in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,252, 8% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,659 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (7,268 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (8,194 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dover shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dover have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.1% of Dover residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 10.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Dover With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dover
What is the population of Dover, DE?
The population of Dover, DE is 39,491 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Delaware.
What is the median household income in Dover?
The median household income in Dover, DE is $58,336 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dover?
The median home value in Dover, DE is $248,500, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Dover?
The median monthly rent in Dover, DE is $1,252, which is 8% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dover?
The unemployment rate in Dover, DE is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live?
Dover offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 39,491 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dover, DE?
27.1% of residents in Dover aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Dover?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dover, DE: median home value is $248,500 (1% above national), median rent is $1,252/month, and median household income is $58,336. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dover?
The poverty rate in Dover, DE is 17.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Dover, DE?
Dover's population is 2.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 43.9% two or more races. 10.5% of residents are foreign-born.