A+
55%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
89%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
48%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDover/100k peopleNew Hampshire/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime353n/a (estimate)1,0551,1372,324
Murder0n/a0.01.86.3
Rape3n/a9.039.640.0
Robbery3n/a9.016.166.1
Assault7n/a20.968.1268.2
Violent crime13n/a (estimate)39126370
Burglary15n/a44.873.5269.8
Theft308n/a920.7871.01,401.9
Vehicle theft17n/a50.866.5282.7
Property crime340n/a (estimate)1,0161,0111,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Dover, NH

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Dover crime rate is 54.6% 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 13 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 39 per 100,000 individuals, 89.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Dover recorded 340 property crimes, amounting to 1016 per 100,000 residents, 48% lower than the U.S. average.

With only 39 incidents per 100,000 people, Dover boasts an exceptionally low rate of violent crimes, positioning it as one of the safest cities in the United States. Given these low violent crime rates, Dover has become an appealing destination for individuals in search of a secure and welcoming place to establish their new home.

Dover showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dover?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Dover residents. Out of the respondents (23 in total), 65% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Dover were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 35% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Dover a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Dover is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Dover has a total crime rate that is 55% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.97 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.93 daily property crimes) in Dover.

Has Crime in Dover Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Dover. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Dover has increased by 4.1%. Violent crimes have decreased by 45.8%, while property crimes have increased by 7.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dover

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 1194.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Dover stands at $274,100, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Dover has an average rental rate of $1,184 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Dover crime map



The Dover crime map 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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Compare Dover, NH Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Dover crime rates are 55% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Dover are 89% lower than the national average
      • In Dover you have a 1 in 95 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Dover is safer than 81% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Dover has increased by 1%

      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 1.08 times less than the New Hampshire average and 2.20 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Dover is 3.23 times less than the New Hampshire average and 9.52 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Dover has a daily crime rate that is 1.01 times more than the New Hampshire average and 1.92 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 66% of every city located within New Hampshire along with 81% 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 2574
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Dover is 1 in 99
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Dover is 1 in 95
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Dover, New Hampshire you have a 1 in 2574 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 99 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 95 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 decreased by 47% in Dover, while property crimes in Dover have increased by 5%. Total crime has increased by 1% 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, ME1,03414170185
        York Harbor, ME3,48416190207
        Cape Neddick, ME2,56316190207
        Newfields, NH2540227227
        South Eliot, ME3,04728332360
        Durham, NH12,01658315373
        North Berwick, ME1,71697387484
        Dover, NH31,922391,0161,055

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Los Gatos, CA31,9431711,8271,997
        Wheat Ridge, CO31,8893935,0785,471
        Kaysville, UT31,95764791854
        Spring Valley, CA31,8666102,8573,466
        Des Moines, WA31,9833043,4913,795
        Dover, NH31,922391,0161,055
        Source: The Dover, NH crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.