| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dover/100k people | Arkansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 17 | n/a (estimate) | 1,252 | 2,509 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 73.6 | 69.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 2 | n/a | 147.3 | 463.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 221 | 579 | 359 |
| Burglary | 1 | n/a | 73.6 | 352.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 11 | n/a | 810.0 | 1,400.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 147.3 | 176.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 14 | n/a (estimate) | 1,031 | 1,930 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Dover crime rate is lower than the national average by 40.9%. Specifically, there were 3 violent crimes in Dover, equivalent to 221 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 38.5%. Furthermore, Dover recorded 14 property crimes, amounting to 1031 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 41.4%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Dover experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Dover a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Dover crime rate is 41% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.05 crimes per day - 0.01 violent crimes and 0.04 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Dover. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Dover has decreased by 32%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 25%, while property crime has decreased by 33.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Dover.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Dover, 73.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, 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 20.72% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Dover, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.87, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Dover | Arkansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 4 | 5,164 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 2.9 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Arkansas /100K | National /100K |
| Arkansas | 8,875 | 323 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pottsville, AR | 3,341 | 90 | 150 | 240 |
| Dardanelle, AR | 4,665 | 400 | 755 | 1,155 |
| Russellville, AR | 30,049 | 350 | 1,385 | 1,734 |
| Atkins, AR | 3,095 | 311 | 1,625 | 1,936 |
| London, AR | 788 | 654 | 2,179 | 2,833 |
| Knoxville, AR | 647 | 657 | 2,189 | 2,845 |
| Hector, AR | 438 | 706 | 2,352 | 3,058 |
| Dover, AR | 2,474 | 221 | 1,031 | 1,252 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Beverly, NJ | 2,474 | 238 | 1,270 | 1,508 |
| Hudson, MI | 2,474 | 128 | 896 | 1,024 |
| Warsaw, MO | 2,474 | 253 | 4,056 | 4,309 |
| East Berwick, PA | 2,473 | 91 | 530 | 621 |
| Terra Bella, CA | 2,473 | 305 | 1,304 | 1,609 |
| Dover, AR | 2,474 | 221 | 1,031 | 1,252 |