Dover, DE Crime Rate & Safety

Dover, DE has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 60% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 152 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 27 chance for property crime. Dover has higher crime than 90% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Dover has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 67% of the city's 9 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Eagle Heights at Dover is one of the safest areas, while Downtown Dover has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Dover is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Dover are Eagle Heights at Dover, Highland Acres, Rising Sun-Lebanon, Rodney Village, and Cheswold. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Dover include Downtown Dover, Bicentennial Village, Kent Acres, Cheswold, and Rodney Village. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Dover is 657.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 73% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 152 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 8.7 per 100K (74% above average); aggravated assault at 491.7 per 100K (83% above average); robbery at 123.1 per 100K (67% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Dover is 3,768.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 106% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 27 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 472.0 per 100K (75% above average); larceny/theft at 2,707.4 per 100K (93% above average); vehicle theft at 588.9 per 100K (85% above average).

Dover's overall crime rate is 60% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (93% above average), while rape is 2% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Dover has higher crime than 90% of them.

Visitors to Dover should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 106% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Eagle Heights at Dover, Highland Acres, Rising Sun-Lebanon.

Delaware as a whole has crime that is 11% below the national average. Dover's crime rate is 60% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Delaware city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Dover, with an estimated rate of 2,707.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 93% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (3,768 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (658 per 100K) in Dover, which is consistent with national trends.