Dover, OH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Dover, OH

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Dover crime rate is 75.4% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Dover, there were 17 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 131 per 100,000 individuals, 64.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Dover recorded 57 property crimes, amounting to 441 per 100,000 residents, 77.5% lower than the U.S. average.

Dover enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, standing at just 572, a significant contrast to the national average of 2324. This distinction firmly establishes Dover as one of the safest places to reside in the entire United States. This crime rate is meticulously calculated, taking into account the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 individuals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the area's safety and livability.

In the latest reported crime year, Dover recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Dover has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 441 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1954. Based on this report, Dover remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.

Is Dover a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Dover a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Dover crime rate is 75% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.2 crimes per day - 0.05 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes.

Has Crime in Dover Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Dover has decreased by 7.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Dover, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 13.3%, while property crime has decreased by 12.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Dover is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dover

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Dover crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Dover has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Dover, the cost of living is 12.77% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

The median home price in Dover is $136,300, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Dover crime map