Dover, PA Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Dover, PA

Is Dover, PA safe?

Dover earns an overall crime grade of A, placing it among the safest communities in Pennsylvania. With a population of roughly 21,800 spread across a low-density footprint of about 202 residents per square mile, the town's suburban character contributes to its strong safety profile. The unemployment rate sits at just 2.5% and the poverty rate at 6.6% — both well below national averages — which research consistently links to lower crime incidence. Residents across Dover's established neighborhoods generally report feeling secure, and the local police maintain an active community presence that helps sustain that A-grade standing year over year.

What is the crime rate in Dover, PA?

Dover's overall crime performance earns a letter grade of A, reflecting both low violent crime and low property crime relative to similarly sized Pennsylvania communities. The town's socioeconomic indicators reinforce this picture: a median household income of $64,460, a poverty rate of only 6.6%, and an unemployment rate of 2.5% all correlate strongly with reduced criminal activity. When incidents do occur, property-related offenses — such as minor thefts or vehicle break-ins — represent the most commonly reported category, while violent crime remains rare. Dover's density of just 202 people per square mile means fewer high-congestion flashpoints compared to urban centers, further suppressing crime frequency.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Dover, PA?

Dover's A-level crime grade applies broadly across the township, meaning most residential pockets share similarly low risk profiles. Areas near the Dover Area School District campuses tend to benefit from consistent foot traffic, community familiarity, and active neighborhood watch participation — all factors that deter opportunistic crime. Established residential corridors closer to the town center, where median home values cluster around $161,443, reflect stable, owner-occupied housing stock that research links to lower property crime rates. Newer suburban subdivisions on Dover's outskirts also post strong safety metrics, thanks in part to modern security infrastructure and tight-knit HOA communities. Consulting the interactive crime map on this page lets you filter by incident type and time period to compare specific streets within these areas.

Is Dover, PA a good place to live?

By nearly every measurable indicator, Dover ranks as a highly livable small town. Its A crime grade means safety is a genuine asset rather than a concern. Financially, the median household income of $64,460 pairs with a median home value of just $161,443 — a price-to-income ratio that gives families meaningful purchasing power rarely found near larger metro areas. Median rent of $1,119 keeps Dover accessible for renters as well. The 2.5% unemployment rate signals a tight local labor market, and the 6.6% poverty rate is notably below the U.S. average of roughly 11–12%, suggesting broad economic participation across the community. Add Dover's low population density of 202 per square mile — which preserves a quiet, spacious feel — and the result is a community that consistently appeals to families, retirees, and remote workers seeking affordability, safety, and small-town character within reach of York's amenities.

How does Dover's crime grade compare to other Pennsylvania towns?

Dover's A overall crime grade puts it in the top tier of Pennsylvania municipalities, particularly impressive for a community of 21,800 people. Many comparably sized Pennsylvania boroughs and townships score in the B or C range, weighed down by higher poverty rates or denser urban spillover. Dover's combination of low unemployment (2.5%), low poverty (6.6%), and modest density (202/sq mi) creates conditions that consistently suppress both violent and property crime. While no community is entirely crime-free, Dover's A grade signals that incidents are infrequent enough that the average resident is statistically unlikely to be directly affected in any given year — a meaningful distinction when choosing where to live or invest.