| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dover/100k people | New Hampshire/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 281 | n/a (estimate) | 834 | 1,028 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 10 | n/a | 29.7 | 33.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 12.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 17.8 | 62.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 47 | 110 | 359 |
| Burglary | 20 | n/a | 59.4 | 48.1 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 238 | n/a | 706.3 | 805.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 20.8 | 64.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 265 | n/a (estimate) | 786 | 918 | 1,760 |

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Dover crime rate is 60.7% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Dover, there were 16 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 47 per 100,000 individuals, 86.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, Dover recorded 265 property crimes, amounting to 786 per 100,000 residents, 55.3% lower than the U.S. average.
Dover stands out with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States. Reporting only 47 violent crimes per 100,000 people, Dover secures its place among the safest cities in the nation, making it an enticing destination for those in search of a new home.
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.
AreaVibes surveyed 24 local residents in Dover to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 67% of people answered that there was very little crime in Dover and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 33% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Dover is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Dover has an overall crime rate that is 61% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.77 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.73 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Dover as a potential place to establish residency.
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 17.1%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 33.3%, while property crime has decreased by 15.9%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Dover.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Dover crime rates. In Dover, the poverty rate stands at 8.5%, diverging from the national average of 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 2.4%, 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 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 2.18, 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 | New Hampshire | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 66 | 1,969 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | New Hampshire /100K | National /100K |
| New Hampshire | 2,616 | 204 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Kittery Point, ME | 1,059 | 14 | 160 | 174 |
| Cape Neddick, ME | 2,635 | 16 | 179 | 195 |
| South Eliot, ME | 3,168 | 19 | 218 | 237 |
| York Harbor, ME | 3,609 | 19 | 218 | 237 |
| Durham, NH | 12,464 | 41 | 224 | 265 |
| Newfields, NH | 260 | 0 | 282 | 282 |
| Raymond, NH | 3,923 | 54 | 308 | 362 |
| Dover, NH | 33,095 | 47 | 786 | 834 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Ferry Pass, FL | 33,099 | 286 | 1,520 | 1,806 |
| Eastpointe, MI | 33,089 | 720 | 2,272 | 2,992 |
| Fallbrook, CA | 33,110 | 455 | 1,947 | 2,402 |
| Bethel Park, PA | 33,158 | 59 | 631 | 690 |
| Lake Magdalene, FL | 33,029 | 153 | 812 | 965 |
| Dover, NH | 33,095 | 47 | 786 | 834 |