Dover, NJ
Population 18,420 · New Jersey
About Dover, NJ
Dover is a mid-sized city located in New Jersey with a population of 18,420 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,519 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dover features a median home value of $347,100, which is 42% 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 $1,743, 50% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,621 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (2,849 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (3,606 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 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dover have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.2% of Dover residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 18.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Black or African American, and 46.5% Asian residents, with 51.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dover, NJ
Compared to national averages, Dover has a median household income of $70,519 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $347,100, which is 42% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,743 is 50% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Dover's income is 39% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 26% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Dover, NJ?
Dover offers a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,519) 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 18,420 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Dover with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Dover
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preakness | 18,538 | $133,168 | $603,200 | Compare |
| Colonia | 18,294 | $134,301 | $473,200 | Compare |
| Ocean Acres | 18,689 | $117,739 | $359,200 | Compare |
| Rutherford | 18,748 | $136,069 | $580,800 | Compare |
| Dumont | 18,072 | $125,585 | $469,900 | Compare |
| Iselin | 19,151 | $112,615 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Point Pleasant | 19,158 | $108,713 | $523,400 | Compare |
| Tinton Falls | 19,252 | $113,844 | $458,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
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, NJ?
The population of Dover, NJ is 18,420 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Dover?
The median household income in Dover, NJ is $70,519 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dover?
The median home value in Dover, NJ is $347,100, which is 42% 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, NJ is $1,743, which is 50% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dover?
The unemployment rate in Dover, NJ is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dover, NJ a good place to live?
Dover offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,420 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dover, NJ?
17.2% 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, NJ: median home value is $347,100 (42% above national), median rent is $1,743/month, and median household income is $70,519. 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, NJ is 11.6%, 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, NJ?
Dover's population is 18.3% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Black or African American, 46.5% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 51.5% of residents are foreign-born.