Dover, Delaware Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Dover, Delaware is 39,491 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in Delaware. The median household income is $58,336, the median home value is $248,500, and the median age is 35.1.
The population has grown 12.0% since 2010 (35,894 → 40,191).
39,491
Population
1658
People / sq mi
$58,336
Median Income
$248,500
Median Home Value
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Dover covers 23.8 sq mi of land at 1658 people per square mile.
About Dover, DE
Homeownership is the standout figure in Dover: 47.0% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 39,491 residents, Dover is a city in Delaware. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Delaware in the country, at #2 by population.
The typical household earns $58,336, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 14.5%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $248,500, with typical rent around $1,252.
27.1% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.7%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Dover city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Dover city had a population of 35,894 in 2010 and 40,191 in 2024, a 12.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 40,191 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.81%.
40,191
Population (2024)
35,894
Population (2010)
40,191
Peak (2024)
0.81%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,894 |
| 2011 | 36,300 |
| 2012 | 36,720 |
| 2013 | 36,724 |
| 2014 | 36,949 |
| 2015 | 36,967 |
| 2016 | 37,229 |
| 2017 | 37,416 |
| 2018 | 38,008 |
| 2019 | 38,166 |
| 2020 | 39,407 |
| 2021 | 39,694 |
| 2022 | 39,896 |
| 2023 | 40,049 |
| 2024 | 40,191 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 37.3% |
| Black or African American | 45.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$58,336
Median Household Income
$30,801
Per Capita Income
14.5%
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$248,500
Median Home Value
$1,252
Median Rent
47.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.4%
High School+
27.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.9%
Drive Alone
72.8%
Public Transit
8.7%
Work From Home
24.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
47.0%
Foreign Born
85.4%
Non-English at Home
10.4%
Veterans
18.0%
With Disability
91.9%
Health Insurance
92.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.2% |
| Manufacturing | 7.4% |
| Retail Trade | 7.0% |
| Public Administration | 6.4% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.3% |
| Construction | 4.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.8% |
Largest cities in Delaware
Largest counties in Delaware
Part of Delaware
Metro areas in Delaware
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dover, Delaware has a population of 39,491 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in Delaware.
The median household income in Dover, Delaware is $58,336, with 14.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Dover, Delaware is $248,500, with median monthly rent at $1,252 and a homeownership rate of 47.0%.
The median age in Dover, Delaware is 35.1 years. The population is 45.4% male and 54.6% female.
The population has grown 12.0% since 2010 (35,894 → 40,191).
Dover city, DE Climate
Dover city, DE has an average annual temperature of 13.1°C (56°F) and receives about 1142 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.1°C
Avg Temp
1142
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 94 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 75 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 107 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 90 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 106 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 93 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 109 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 108 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 106 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 84 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 81 mm |
| December | 4° / 38° | 89 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Dover city, DE
The most comfortable months to visit Dover city, DE are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dover
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Statewide data for Delaware
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Delaware
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.