A+
69%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
58%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDover/100k peopleMassachusetts/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime39n/a (estimate)6551,4272,119
Murder0n/a0.01.85.0
Rape1n/a16.827.637.5
Robbery0n/a0.036.060.6
Assault8n/a134.3249.3256.1
Violent crime9n/a (estimate)151315359
Burglary2n/a33.6130.3229.2
Theft23n/a386.1876.31,272.1
Vehicle theft5n/a83.9105.5258.8
Property crime30n/a (estimate)5041,1121,760

Dover crime map

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The Dover crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Dover as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Dover crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Dover crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Dover, MA

The Dover crime rates are 69.1% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 9 violent crimes in Dover (151 per 100,000 people), which is 57.9% lower than the national average and there were a total of 30 property crimes (504 per 100,000 residents) which is 71.4% lower than average.

Dover enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 655, a significant contrast to the national average of 2119. This distinction firmly establishes Dover as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

Dover showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Dover has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 504 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Dover remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dover?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Dover residents. Out of the respondents (7 in total), 100% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Dover were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 0% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Dover a Safe Place to Live?

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 69% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Dover experiences an average of 0.11 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 violent incidents and 0.08 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dover

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Dover crime rate. The poverty level in Dover is 0.4%, while the national average is 15.1%.

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Dover currently has an unemployment rate of 7.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Dover, 99.2% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

Compare Dover, MA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Dover crime rates are 69% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Dover are 58% lower than the national average
      • In Dover you have a 1 in 153 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Dover is safer than 66% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Dover has increased by 75%

      Dover, MA Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Dover (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Dover (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Dover

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Dover is 1 in 662
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Dover is 1 in 199
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Dover is 1 in 153

        Year Over Year Crime In Dover (per 100,000 people)

        Dover police department

        Item Dover Massachusetts National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1611,659558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.82.23.3
        There are a total of 16 Dover police officers. This results in 2.8 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 30.8% greater than the Massachusetts average and 13.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Massachusetts

        State Total offenders Massachusetts /100K National /100K
        Massachusetts4,55172266
        There are a total of 4,551 sex offenders in Massachusetts. This yields a total of 72 sex offenders in Massachusetts per 100,000 residents which is 73% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Cordaville, MA2,98249174224
        Sharon, MA6,39437240277
        Hopedale, MA3,75065244309
        Hopkinton, MA3,98684243327
        Medfield, MA6,867149231380
        Franklin Town, MA34,55795288383
        Lexington, MA34,05852335387
        Dover, MA2,612151504655

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Emsworth, PA2,612104607712
        New Concord, OH2,612123651775
        Lake of the Woods, IL2,612131775906
        Rural Hill, TN2,61293319412
        Center Point, IA2,61286460546
        Dover, MA2,612151504655
        Source: The Dover, MA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.