Is Dover, DE Safe? 2026 Crime Rates & Safety Report
Key facts
- 01
Dover, Delaware reported 5,330.33 larceny-theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 4.82 times the national reference of 1,106.97 per 100,000 and 4,223.36 per 100,000 above that reference, with 2,105 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 02
Dover, Delaware reported 754.60 aggravated assault offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 3.29 times the national reference of 229.56 per 100,000 and 525.04 per 100,000 above that reference, with 298 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 03
Dover, Delaware reported 427.95 motor vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 2.22 times the national reference of 193.00 per 100,000 and 234.95 per 100,000 above that reference, with 169 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 04
Dover, Delaware reported 58.24 robbery offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 1.21 times the national reference of 48.24 per 100,000 and 10.00 per 100,000 above that reference, with 23 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
- 05
Dover, Delaware reported 157.00 burglary offenses per 100,000 residents in 2025, 0.83 times the national reference of 188.15 per 100,000 and 31.15 per 100,000 below that reference, with 62 annual reported offenses (FBI CDE 2025 profile).
Quick answer
In the Safety Atlas 2026 public safety index, Dover, DE has an adjusted safety score of 29.97 out of 100. It ranks #2 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Delaware. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing.
Jump to Section
2026 edition, FBI source year 2025.
Every number on this page ships in the Delaware workbook.
Key Public Safety Indicators
Reported rates per 100,000 residents; national references shown alongside.
| Offense Class | Annual Count | Rate per 100K | National Avg | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 23 | 58.24 | 48.24 |
1.21× national |
| Aggravated Assault | 298 | 754.6 | 229.56 |
3.29× national |
| Burglary | 62 | 157.0 | 188.15 | 0.83× national |
| Larceny-theft | 2105 | 5330.33 | 1106.97 |
4.82× national |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 169 | 427.95 | 193.0 |
2.22× national |
Comparing Dover to somewhere else? Take the file with you.
What drives Dover's safety score?
Dover ranks in the middle half of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Delaware, ahead of approximately 33% of that scored set. The profile uses a reporting population of 39,491 and source-year data through 2025; it is a citywide agency-level comparison, not a neighborhood forecast.
The strongest of the three score components is Personal Safety at 35.81, while Community Order is lowest at 0.0. The 35.81-point spread shows why the composite should be read by component instead of as a single absolute claim about safety.
Among the five public offense indicators, Larceny-theft is highest relative to its national reference at 5330.33 per 100,000 (4.82× the national rate). Burglary is lowest on the same relative basis at 157.0 per 100,000 (0.83× national).
Coverage check: 18 of 18 tracked offense classes have reportable values in this profile. Missing values are not converted to zero.
Public indicator mix
Dover, Delaware recorded 2,105 larceny-theft offenses in 2025, 79.2% of the 2,657 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 23 robbery reports (0.9%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Dover, Delaware recorded 298 aggravated assault offenses in 2025, 11.2% of the 2,657 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 23 robbery reports (0.9%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Dover, Delaware recorded 169 motor vehicle theft offenses in 2025, 6.4% of the 2,657 reports across its five public indicators, compared with 23 robbery reports (0.9%); this share covers only those five indicators, excluding other offense classes.
Dover, Delaware uses a reporting population of 39,491 residents and has values for 18 of the 18 tracked offense classes (100.0%) in its 2025 profile; coverage describes available classes rather than the share of residents reporting crime.
Dover, Delaware has an adjusted score of 29.97 points out of 100 versus 63.57 in Newark, Delaware, a difference of 33.60 points below that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Dover ranks 2 of 3 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Dover, Delaware has an adjusted score of 29.97 points out of 100 versus 24.74 in Wilmington, Delaware, a difference of 5.23 points above that displayed state peer in the 2025 source-year profile; Dover ranks 2 of 3 scored jurisdictions in the published state comparison set.
Detailed Crime Class Breakdown
Additional tracked offense classes
- Homicide
- Rape
- Kidnapping/Abduction
- Human Trafficking
- Arson
- Theft From Building
- Theft From Motor Vehicle
- Simple Assault
- Intimidation
- Stolen Property Offenses
- Vandalism
- Weapon Law Violations
- Drug/Narcotic Violations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dover safe compared to other places in Delaware?
Dover is classified as having low relative safety in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index. It has an adjusted safety score of 29.97 out of 100 and ranks #2 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Delaware.
What is the crime rate in Dover?
Public offense rates are listed above.
What is Dover's safety rating?
Dover's safety rating in the 2026 Safety Atlas Index is 29.97 out of 100, which ranks #2 in this comparison set out of the 3 jurisdictions in the current scored comparison set in Delaware. Its overall crime trajectory is currently classified as decreasing, using source-year data through 2025.
What is the safest neighborhood in Dover?
This profile covers the reporting jurisdiction; consult local sources for neighborhood detail.
Why are some crime statistics locked for Dover?
Full offense series: state workbook.
Reading notes
Safety Atlas methodology · 2026 coverage report
Cite This Public Safety Profile
Citation formats:
Primary Source Data Integrity
- Crime Counts: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database.
- Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimate boundaries.
- Methodology: Adjusted per-capita normalization with small-sample relief controls. View our complete Methodology Documentation.