Dover City Demographics

Dover, the capital city of Delaware in Kent County, has a 2023 population of approximately 39,400. The age median is 31.8 years. Gender distribution is about 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the population is 46% White, 41% Black or African American, 4% Asian, 6% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% identifying as two or more races, according to recent U.S. Census estimates. This diversity reflects the city's vibrant and growing community.

Dover City Housing

Dover, city of Kent County, DE, has a homeownership rate of about 52%, with a median home value around $245,000 as of early 2024. Median rent is approximately $1,250/month. Housing types range from historic single-family homes downtown to modern townhouses and apartments in neighborhoods like Dover East and Rodney Village. Property values have risen about 4% year-over-year. Property tax rates average 0.43% of assessed value, comparatively low in Delaware. The market favors both buyers and renters, with a balanced inventory and diverse options suiting various incomes.

Education in Dover City

Dover, Kent, DE hosts 13 public schools, including Dover High School, with a graduation rate of 85% and an average SAT score of 970. Delaware State University and Wesley College serve over 6,000 bachelor’s students annually. The city also offers adult education via Dover Adult Education Center. School safety is rated 7/10, and multiple schools feature STEM and gifted programs. Overall, 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 27% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Transportation in Dover City

Dover, Delaware features a transportation network centered on personal vehicle use, with 85% of residents commuting by car and only about 0.5% utilizing public transit. The average commute time is approximately 21 minutes, shorter than the national average. DART First State provides limited bus service, while major roadways like US Route 13 and DE Route 1 support regional travel. Vehicle ownership is high, with nearly 93% of households owning at least one car. Major employment hubs include Dover Air Force Base, Bayhealth Hospital, and state government offices, contributing significantly to daily commuter flows.

Dover City Healthcare

Dover, Kent County, Delaware, is served by Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus (317 beds) and multiple clinics, including federally qualified health centers like Westside Family Healthcare. As of 2023, Kent County has approximately 1,100 active physicians and a 91% health insurance coverage rate. The city’s population is racially diverse (about 47% White, 38% Black, 8% Hispanic). Common health issues include diabetes (13.5% prevalence), hypertension, and obesity (36%). Healthcare access remains a challenge for some low-income and rural residents, though Medicaid and CHIP coverage assist with primary and preventive care.