A+
61%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
87%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
55%
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 peopleNew Hampshire/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime281n/a (estimate)8341,0282,119
Murder0n/a0.01.05.0
Rape10n/a29.733.737.5
Robbery0n/a0.012.660.6
Assault6n/a17.862.8256.1
Violent crime16n/a (estimate)47110359
Burglary20n/a59.448.1229.2
Theft238n/a706.3805.41,272.1
Vehicle theft7n/a20.864.4258.8
Property crime265n/a (estimate)7869181,760

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, NH

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dover?

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.

Is Dover a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Dover Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime 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.

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Dover crime rates are 61% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Dover are 87% lower than the national average
      • In Dover you have a 1 in 120 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Dover is safer than 78% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Dover has decreased by 15%

      Dover, NH Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Dover (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Dover, NH per 100,000 people. In Dover, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.23 times less than the New Hampshire average and 2.54 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Dover is 2.32 times less than the New Hampshire average and 7.56 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Dover has a daily crime rate that is 1.17 times less than the New Hampshire average and 2.24 times less than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Dover (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Dover to every other city in New Hampshire, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Dover safe? The gauges above illustrate that Dover is safer than 55% of every city located within New Hampshire along with 78% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in New Hampshire and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Dover, NH is ranked above average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Dover

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Dover is 1 in 2106
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Dover is 1 in 128
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Dover is 1 in 120
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Dover, New Hampshire you have a 1 in 2106 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 128 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 120 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Dover.

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

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Dover is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Dover has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 4% in Dover, while property crimes in Dover have decreased by 16%. Total crime has decreased by 15% year over year.

        Dover police department

        Item Dover New Hampshire National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)661,969558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.22.43.3
        There are a total of 66 Dover police officers. This results in 2.2 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 8.9% less than the New Hampshire average and 32.8% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Hampshire

        State Total offenders New Hampshire /100K National /100K
        New Hampshire2,616204266
        There are a total of 2,616 sex offenders in New Hampshire. This yields a total of 204 sex offenders in New Hampshire per 100,000 residents which is 23% 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
        Kittery Point, ME1,05914160174
        Cape Neddick, ME2,63516179195
        South Eliot, ME3,16819218237
        York Harbor, ME3,60919218237
        Durham, NH12,46441224265
        Newfields, NH2600282282
        Raymond, NH3,92354308362
        Dover, NH33,09547786834

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Ferry Pass, FL33,0992861,5201,806
        Eastpointe, MI33,0897202,2722,992
        Fallbrook, CA33,1104551,9472,402
        Bethel Park, PA33,15859631690
        Lake Magdalene, FL33,029153812965
        Dover, NH33,09547786834
        Source: The Dover, NH 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.