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).
Where to stay in Dover
Visiting or relocating to Dover, DE? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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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.