| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dover/100k people | Ohio/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 101 | n/a (estimate) | 782 | 1,845 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 61.9 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 92.9 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 155 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 77.4 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 69 | n/a | 534.2 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 15.5 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 81 | n/a (estimate) | 627 | 1,551 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Dover is 63.1% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 20 violent crimes reported in Dover, equivalent to 155 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 56.9%. Additionally, Dover recorded 81 property crimes, amounting to 627 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 64.4%.
Dover enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 782, 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.
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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 people have declined steadily since 1990, but did see a slight increase in recent years. Based on the most recent crime data, Dover has a property crime rate of 627 crimes per 100,000 people, which is far below the national average of 1760. This is a good indicator that Dover is a safe place to live.
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 63% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.28 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.22 property crimes.
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 increased by 26.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 33.3%, while property crime has increased by 24.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Dover.
Dover has a poverty rate of 9.7, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Dover crime rates. The population density in Dover is 2323.4 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Dover has a median home price of $251,290, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Dover | Ohio | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 22 | 17,044 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Ohio /100K | National /100K |
| Ohio | 17,872 | 156 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Walnut Creek, OH | 1,467 | 73 | 383 | 456 |
| Brewster, OH | 2,301 | 0 | 524 | 524 |
| Sugarcreek, OH | 2,253 | 96 | 504 | 600 |
| Magnolia, OH | 1,253 | 100 | 525 | 625 |
| Strasburg, OH | 2,756 | 100 | 525 | 625 |
| Bolivar, OH | 1,117 | 100 | 526 | 625 |
| New Philadelphia, OH | 18,121 | 115 | 513 | 628 |
| Dover, OH | 13,219 | 155 | 627 | 782 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Joppatowne, MD | 13,217 | 388 | 1,893 | 2,281 |
| Wickliffe, OH | 13,221 | 127 | 770 | 897 |
| Geneva, NY | 13,221 | 301 | 2,807 | 3,108 |
| El Sobrante CDP (Contra Costa County), CA | 13,228 | 491 | 2,099 | 2,590 |
| Elfers, FL | 13,209 | 337 | 1,793 | 2,130 |
| Dover, OH | 13,219 | 155 | 627 | 782 |