Dover, MA
Population 2,386 · Massachusetts
About Dover, MA
Dover is a small town located in Massachusetts with a population of 2,386 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dover features a median home value of $1,230,600, which is 402% above the national median of $244,900. This places Dover in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 792 total housing units, 97% are owner-occupied (761 units) and 3% are renter-occupied (20 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dover shows an unemployment rate of 13.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dover have an average one-way commute time of 40.3 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
83.8% of Dover residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 10.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dover Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Dover, MA
Compared to national averages, Dover has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,230,600, which is 402% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Dover's income is 137% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 119% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Dover, MA?
Dover offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 83.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,230,600. However, Dover’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dover has a population of 2,386 with a median age of 46.6 years. Compare Dover with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Dover
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocasset | 2,375 | $84,544 | $607,700 | Compare |
| Boxford | 2,325 | $238,375 | $977,400 | Compare |
| Baldwinville | 2,454 | $56,957 | $284,900 | Compare |
| Belchertown | 2,299 | $68,393 | $331,500 | Compare |
| North Brookfield | 2,477 | $75,956 | $235,000 | Compare |
| Cedar Crest | 2,289 | $175,313 | $606,500 | Compare |
| Sturbridge | 2,277 | $129,413 | $404,700 | Compare |
| Norton Center | 2,526 | $114,051 | $418,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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, MA?
The population of Dover, MA is 2,386 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Dover?
The median household income in Dover, MA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dover?
The median home value in Dover, MA is $1,230,600, which is 402% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dover?
The median monthly rent in Dover, MA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dover?
The unemployment rate in Dover, MA is 13.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dover, MA a good place to live?
Dover offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,386 and a median age of 46.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Dover, MA?
83.8% of residents in Dover aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Dover?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dover, MA: median home value is $1,230,600 (402% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dover?
The poverty rate in Dover, MA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dover, MA?
Dover's population is 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 10.8% of residents are foreign-born.