Dover 72 Excellent
Dover Livability #372 ranked city in Ohio#6,124 ranked city in the USARanks better than 79% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Dover

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in Dover?

Dover, Ohio is a moderately-sized city with a population of 13,219 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (97% White). Given that fact, Dover could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Dover is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Dover is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Ohio, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Dover and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.

Using data and statistics Dover has received a livability score of 72/100. This score is ranked in the 80th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Dover has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A-) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Dover does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Dover gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 155 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Dover, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 73%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Dover apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Dover is real estate affordability. The median home price for Dover homes is $251,290, which is 7% higher than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Dover, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dover

See all the best places to live around Dover

How Do You Rate The Livability In Dover?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Dover, OH Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Dover transportation information

      Statistic Dover Ohio National
      Average one way commute20min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.7%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.6%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.3%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home4.8%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Dover, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.