| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dover/100k people | Delaware/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,839 | n/a (estimate) | 7,082 | 2,107 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 17.5 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 39.9 | 15.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 46 | n/a | 114.8 | 47.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 337 | n/a | 840.7 | 292.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 406 | n/a (estimate) | 1,013 | 361 | 359 |
| Burglary | 56 | n/a | 139.7 | 175.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,234 | n/a | 5,572.9 | 1,361.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 143 | n/a | 356.7 | 208.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,433 | n/a (estimate) | 6,069 | 1,746 | 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 higher than the national average by 234.2%. Specifically, there were 406 violent crimes in Dover, equivalent to 1013 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 182%. Furthermore, Dover recorded 2433 property crimes, amounting to 6069 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 244.8%.
With a crime rate of 7082 per 100,000 residents, Dover has a crime rate that is 234.19% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Dover that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Dover has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1013 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Dover falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 99 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Dover stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Dover, there were a total of 7 murders, translating to 17 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.
Dover reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 6069 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim to property crime in Dover, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Dover residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 54 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 28% of Dover residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 72% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
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 234% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 7.78 crimes per day - 1.11 violent crimes and 6.67 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Dover has increased by 51.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Dover, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 13.4%, while property crime has increased by 60.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Dover is a safe place to live.
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, 83.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 3.25, 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.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Dover stands at $332,880, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Dover | Delaware | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 120 | 962 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 5.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Delaware /100K | National /100K |
| Delaware | 4,039 | 505 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Clayton, DE | 3,485 | 110 | 506 | 616 |
| Viola, DE | 177 | 0 | 671 | 671 |
| Riverview, DE | 2,638 | 147 | 713 | 860 |
| Kent Acres, DE | 1,901 | 151 | 729 | 879 |
| Highland Acres, DE | 4,053 | 156 | 753 | 909 |
| Rodney Village, DE | 1,200 | 176 | 851 | 1,027 |
| Cheswold, DE | 1,736 | 294 | 967 | 1,261 |
| Dover, DE | 38,633 | 1,013 | 6,069 | 7,082 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rock Island, IL | 38,640 | 544 | 2,715 | 3,259 |
| Rosenberg, TX | 38,648 | 238 | 1,482 | 1,720 |
| La Presa, CA | 38,679 | 524 | 2,241 | 2,766 |
| Monrovia, CA | 38,586 | 316 | 2,296 | 2,612 |
| Egypt Lake-Leto, FL | 38,732 | 296 | 1,577 | 1,873 |
| Dover, DE | 38,633 | 1,013 | 6,069 | 7,082 |
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