Crime Safety Grade

C+

Dover, DE Crime Rate

Lower crime than 55% of U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

Is Dover Safe?

With an overall crime index of 107, Dover has a 7% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 227. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Eagle Heights at Dover earning an A grade while Downtown Dover rates D.

Crime Index Comparison

Dover
107
Delaware Avg
89
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
107
7% above average
Violent Crime
110
10% above average
Property Crime
125
25% above average
Safe Areas
67%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Dover

1 in 227

Property crime: 1 in 200

Where Is It Safe in Dover?

Dover Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · 29% above avg
Lowest Risk
Robbery · 7% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 111 ▲ 11%
Assault Violent 113 ▲ 13%
Robbery Violent 107 ▲ 7%
Burglary Property 118 ▲ 18%
Larceny / Theft Property 127 ▲ 27%
Vehicle Theft Property 129 ▲ 29%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Dover Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Eagle Heights at Dover A 25
2 Highland Acres A 62
3 Rising Sun-Lebanon A- 71
4 Rodney Village A- 66
5 Cheswold A- 105
6 Kent Acres B+ 126
7 Bicentennial Village C 150
8 Little Creek C 170
9 Downtown Dover D 186

Dover Crime by Zip Code

Dover Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
125,931
Median Income
$48,500
Home Value
$180,262
Median Rent
$1,066
Home Ownership
48%

Racial Demographics

White
49.5%
Black
38.5%
Hispanic
8.3%
Asian
2.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Dover?
Dover has an overall crime index of 107, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 67% of neighborhoods in Dover are rated A or B for safety.
Is Dover safe to live in?
Dover has a crime safety grade of C+. Higher than average crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Dover?
The safest neighborhoods in Dover based on crime data include Eagle Heights at Dover, Highland Acres, Rising Sun-Lebanon, Rodney Village, and Cheswold. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Dover crime compare to the national average?
Dover's overall crime index is 107 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 7% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State