Median Income
$42,222
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$215,500
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
464/100K
22% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$840
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.0%
126% higher than US avg
How Dover Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,157
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density1,214/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$42,222
Per Capita$22,645
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty28.0%
County GDP$152,010M
Commute36 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$215,500
Rent$840
Ownership56.1%
Zillow$422,559
Housing Units1,117
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent464/100K
Property3,975/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured33.0%
Smoking16.8%
Depression16.9%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation83 ft (25 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+57.0%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.56
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute36 min
Broadband69.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries30
Is Dover a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dover receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Dover has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dover is $42,222, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 28.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dover is $215,500, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 464 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,975 per 100,000, 103% above the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 57.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dover has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Dover has a population of 3,157 with a density of 1,214 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (49.8%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 47.4% of residents, while 52.6% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 66.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
47.4%
40% below US avg
Spanish
52.6%
293% above US avg
The median household income in Dover is $42,222, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,645 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,447. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 58,449 business establishments, including 2,937 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 13.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,222 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,645 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,447 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,513 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.0% |
| 126% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 58,449 |
| County GDP | $152,010M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 2,937 |
| Healthcare | 4,911 |
| Retail | 4,787 |
| Manufacturing | 848 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,530 |
| 144% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.2% |
The median home value in Dover is $215,500, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $422,559, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $840 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,117 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $8,530 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $215,500 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $422,559 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $840 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,117 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,530 |
| 144% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.96% |
In Dover, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 16.2% report binge drinking. 34.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.9% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 33.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,197. The dentist ratio is 1:1,570. 91.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dover vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.6% |
| Depression | 16.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 17.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 66.1% |
| Uninsured | 33.0% |
| 284% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,197 |
| Dentists | 1:1,570 |
| Mental Health | 1:420 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 43.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,049/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4,911 |
Dover has a violent crime rate of 464 per 100,000 residents, 22% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,975 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 215 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dover receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dover vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 464.0/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,975.3/100K |
| 103% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 215 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1,000 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dover has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 83 feet.
Temperature
62°F Jan (17°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 73.9°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 83 ft (25 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,214/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.9868°N, 82.2311°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hillsborough County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lakeland Linder International (LAL) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.8"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.99"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0418 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.52 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.19 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 33.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
24 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
217 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
221 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
195 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
182 km |
| 2020 |
Eta |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 3 |
24 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
214 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
271 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
233 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
23 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
110 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
154 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
183 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
889 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,407 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1966 |
EF4 |
56 km |
11 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
3 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
79 km |
25 |
| Oct 3, 1992 |
EF3 |
49 km |
3 |
| Apr 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
3 |
| Mar 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1978 |
EF3 |
47 km |
3 |
| Oct 31, 1958 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2023 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2020 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
50 km |
2 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: STAGECOACH COMPLEX (14,079 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
STAGECOACH COMPLEX |
14,079 |
56 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
8,794 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
7,670 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
5,474 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
CR630 E |
5,096 |
93 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
5,052 |
100 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,999 |
91 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
4,949 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,477 |
91 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,370 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,999 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,970 |
97 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,905 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
3,890 |
30 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,836 |
55 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
3,828 |
90 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
3,744 |
93 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,726 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,724 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
62°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
7.1 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
8.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Dover has a seasonal temperature swing of 21°F / from 62°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.0") and April the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Dover. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155-$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207-$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103-$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827-$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78-$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155-$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414-$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103-$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155-$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136-$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414-$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687-$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517-$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170-$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068-$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827-$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207-$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034-$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78-$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10-$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59-$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59-$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10-$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14-$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83-$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78-$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241-$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16-$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620-$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517-$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207-$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414-$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170-$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103-$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,039 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dover
What is the population of Dover?
Dover has a population of 3,157 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 1,214 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Dover expensive to live in?
Dover has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $42,222, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $215,500 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Dover safe?
The violent crime rate in Dover is 464 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,975 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dover receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dover?
Dover has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Dover?
The job market in Dover is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,447. There are 58,449 business establishments in the area, including 2,937 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 13.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dover?
The median home value in Dover is $215,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $422,559. For renters, the median monthly rent is $840. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.1%. The average annual property tax is $8,530.
How are the schools in Dover?
Schools in Dover score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in Dover hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 57.0% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dover?
The obesity rate in Dover is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 34.6% are physically inactive. 16.9% of residents report depression. 33.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 91.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,197.
What is transportation like in Dover?
The average commute in Dover is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dover?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dover is 49.8% White, 4% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 47.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 52.6% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 7.3% of residents have a disability. 66.1% have health insurance coverage.