Median Income
$37,143
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,600
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,807/100K
376% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.7%
131% higher than US avg
How Dover Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population379
Median Age59.1 yrs
Density395/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 33%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$37,143
Per Capita$22,879
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty28.7%
County GDP$3,627M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,600
Rent$913
Ownership64.7%
Zillow$129,417
Housing Units204
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,807/100K
Property6,587/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking16.7%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain57.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation62 ft (19 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+75.8%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Commute28 min
Broadband59.4%
EV Stations7
Libraries4
Is Dover a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dover receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty 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 $37,143, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 28.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dover is $90,600, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,807 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,587 per 100,000, 236% above the national average.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Dover enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Dover has a population of 379 with a density of 395 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 59.1 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (59.6%), with 33% White, 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.1yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Dover is $37,143, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,879 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 28.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,412 business establishments, including 98 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,143 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,879 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,120 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.7% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,412 |
| County GDP | $3,627M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 98 |
| Healthcare | 176 |
| Retail | 221 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,312 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Dover is $90,600, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,417, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 204 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,312. 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 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,600 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,417 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.3% |
| Housing Units | 204 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,312 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.66% |
In Dover, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 40.2% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 14.1% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,765. The dentist ratio is 1:1,762. 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dover vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.2% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,765 |
| Dentists | 1:1,762 |
| Mental Health | 1:566 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.9% |
| Dental Visits | 52.2% |
| Premature Death | 14,785/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 176 |
Dover has a violent crime rate of 1,807 per 100,000 residents, 376% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,587 per 100,000, 236% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 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 | 1,807.3/100K |
| 376% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,586.6/100K |
| 236% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 27 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dover enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 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 57.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 62 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.0°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 395/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2155°N, 77.4338°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lenoir County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kinston Regional Jetport At Stallings Field (ISO)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.2"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 11, 2014.
| Aug 6, 1994 |
4 km SSW of Bayboro, North Carolina |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Feb 11, 2014 |
7 km NW of Hobucken, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
74 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
124 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 3 |
102 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
127 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
118 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
147 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 2 |
165 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
79 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
199 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
46 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
28 km |
| 1994 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
232 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
212 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
206 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
502 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 907 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
34 km |
16 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
77 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1972 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Nov 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2019 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (77,768 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
77,768 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
JUNIPER ROAD |
31,511 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
FISH DAY |
21,772 |
51 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,944 |
71 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
5,807 |
68 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
4,031 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
TRAINING FIRE |
3,843 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
HIGHWAY 12 |
3,502 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
BELL ISLAND CENTRAL UNIT 2 1 2 |
3,307 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
CAROLINA BAY |
3,056 |
68 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,042 |
92 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,970 |
77 km |
| 1992 |
GREAT LAKE |
2,843 |
51 km |
| 2020 |
CRO BRIERY BRANCH C-5/6 RX |
2,783 |
46 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,462 |
45 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
2-1-3 BELL ISLAND SOUTH |
2,297 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
BT-11 |
2,193 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
TRAM ROAD/GRASSY ROAD |
2,076 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,027 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
Driest |
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Dover has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 45°F in February to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.0") and November the driest (2.9").
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) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $735 |
| Toddler | $684 |
| Preschool | $566 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $642 |
| Toddler | $564 |
| Preschool | $521 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dover
What is the population of Dover?
Dover has a population of 379 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 395 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is Dover expensive to live in?
Dover is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $37,143, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,600 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dover safe?
Public safety is a concern in Dover, with a violent crime rate of 1,807 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,587 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Dover?
The job market in Dover is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 1,412 business establishments in the area, including 98 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dover?
The median home value in Dover is $90,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,417. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,312.
How are the schools in Dover?
Schools in Dover have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.0% of adults in Dover hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.8% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dover?
The obesity rate in Dover is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,765.
What is transportation like in Dover?
The average commute in Dover is 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dover?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dover is 33% White, 59.6% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.1% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
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