A-
48%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
38%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
51%
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 Jersey/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime206n/a (estimate)1,0931,6452,119
Murder0n/a0.02.35.0
Rape5n/a26.517.337.5
Robbery8n/a42.549.360.6
Assault29n/a153.9148.8256.1
Violent crime42n/a (estimate)223218359
Burglary12n/a63.7145.3229.2
Theft137n/a727.01,119.41,272.1
Vehicle theft15n/a79.6162.6258.8
Property crime164n/a (estimate)8701,4271,760

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, NJ

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Dover crime rate is 48.4% 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 42 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 223 per 100,000 individuals, 37.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, Dover recorded 164 property crimes, amounting to 870 per 100,000 residents, 50.6% lower than the U.S. average.

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?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Dover residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 7 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 57% 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, 43% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Dover a Safe Place to Live?

Is Dover a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Dover has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 48%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.56 daily incidents, encompassing 0.12 violent crimes and 0.45 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Dover as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Dover Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Dover has increased by 64.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Dover is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 75%, while property crime has increased by 62.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Dover.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dover

Dover reports an unemployment rate of 3.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Dover crime rates.

In Dover, 71% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The median home price in Dover is $469,303, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Compare Dover, NJ Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Dover crime rates are 48% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Dover are 38% lower than the national average
      • In Dover you have a 1 in 92 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Dover is safer than 48% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Dover has increased by 81%

      Dover, NJ Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Dover (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Dover for every 100,000 residents. The Dover total amount of daily crime is 1.50 times less than the New Jersey average and 1.94 times less than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Dover, is 1.02 times more than the New Jersey average, and it is 1.61 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Dover has a daily crime average that is 1.64 times less than the New Jersey average and 2.02 times less than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Dover (higher is better)

        Is Dover safe in comparison to other cities in the state of New Jersey as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Dover to other cities in the state and across the country, Dover is 30% safer than other cities of New Jersey and 48% safer than other cities in the nation. Dover has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Dover

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Dover is 1 in 449
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Dover is 1 in 115
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Dover is 1 in 92
        Are you at risk of becoming a victim of crime in Dover, New Jersey? If you reside in Dover, then there is a 1 in 449 chance that you will experience a violent crime. These types of crimes may include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault. Your risk of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 115. These types of crime include burglary, petty theft, and theft of motor vehicles. Altogether, there is a 1 in 92 risk that you will become a victim of crime in Dover.

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

        An analysis of year to year crime rates in Dover, New Jersey (per 100,000 people) is a useful indicator of whether the area is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live. The amount of violent crime in Dover has increased by 29%, the amount of property crime in Dover has increased by 101%, and the total amount of crime in Dover has increased by 80% year over year.

        Dover police department

        Item Dover New Jersey National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)3014,540558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.65.73.3
        There are a total of 30 Dover police officers. This results in 1.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 71.1% less than the New Jersey average and 49.7% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in New Jersey

        State Total offenders New Jersey /100K National /100K
        New Jersey4,53954266
        There are a total of 4,539 sex offenders in New Jersey. This yields a total of 54 sex offenders in New Jersey per 100,000 residents which is 80% 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
        Ogdensburg, NJ2,235000
        Mount Arlington, NJ5,9330148148
        Stanhope, NJ3,41883111195
        Wanaque, NJ12,17436187223
        Hopatcong, NJ14,71175177251
        Peapack and Gladstone, NJ2,64634224258
        New Providence, NJ13,89844255299
        Dover, NJ18,5282238701,093

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Upper Grand Lagoon, FL18,5311618581,019
        Canby, OR18,5222139011,114
        Lenoir, NC18,5352583,2203,478
        Sheridan, WY18,5191369891,126
        Westerly, RI18,51764913977
        Dover, NJ18,5282238701,093
        Source: The Dover, NJ 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.