| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dover/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 203 | 1,392 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 16.9 | 29.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 37.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 67.8 | 253.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 85 | 322 | 370 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 16.9 | 142.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 6 | n/a | 101.7 | 827.6 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 99.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 119 | 1,070 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Dover is 91.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes reported in Dover, equivalent to 85 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 77.1%. Additionally, Dover recorded 7 property crimes, amounting to 119 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 93.9%.
Boasting a crime rate of 203, well below the national average of 2324, Dover emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Dover to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Dover distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 85 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes Dover among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
In the most recently reported crime year, Dover registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Dover has a property crime rate of 119 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1954. This is a good indicator that Dover is a safe place to live.
The United States contends with some of the world's highest vehicle theft rates, with approximately 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a modest fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to have zero reported instances of stolen vehicles. Dover stands out as one of these cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, underscoring its commitment to a secure environment.
What do the local residents think about crime in Dover? Well, based on a recent survey of 7 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 100% of Dover residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 0% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Dover, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Dover presents a total crime rate that is 91% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Dover experiences an average of 0.03 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.02 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Dover has a population density of 593.7 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Dover crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Dover, the cost of living is 113.11% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Dover, the median home price stands at $986,000, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Dover | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cordaville, MA | 2,884 | 63 | 209 | 272 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 40 | 271 | 311 |
| Sharon, MA | 6,217 | 38 | 275 | 313 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 44 | 286 | 330 |
| Medfield, MA | 6,668 | 76 | 267 | 343 |
| Hopkinton, MA | 3,864 | 156 | 245 | 401 |
| Wellesley, MA | 28,747 | 61 | 376 | 437 |
| Dover, MA | 2,518 | 85 | 119 | 203 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carthage, NC | 2,518 | 176 | 2,254 | 2,430 |
| New Hope, PA | 2,518 | 44 | 232 | 276 |
| Kirbyville, TX | 2,519 | 255 | 1,356 | 1,611 |
| Enon, OH | 2,517 | 101 | 613 | 714 |
| Lake Meade, PA | 2,516 | 88 | 465 | 553 |
| Dover, MA | 2,518 | 85 | 119 | 203 |
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