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City Report · DE

Dover

Pop. 39,837·9th most expensive in Delaware·Rental market data updated monthly for Dover, DE
Median rent (all units)
$1,619/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.8%
Month-over-Month
-0.3%
vs US Median
-$346
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Dover · $1,619
More affordable than 68% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
79/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 14% below what Dover's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,619/mo
Expected by trend
$1,892/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Dover's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,165
1 BR
$1,170
2 BR
$1,480
3 BR
$2,065
4 BR+
$2,260
Research median
$1,480/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$19,428/yr
At $1,619/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 2.8% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.8% YoY, -0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Dover, DE is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 26.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
39,837
Median income
$60,199
Median age
34.7
Renters
53.1%
Age distribution
20.3%
30.2%
22.6%
17.5%
Under 1820.3%
18–3430.2%
35–5422.6%
55–649.3%
65+17.5%
Gender
45.2%
54.8%
Male45.2%
Female54.8%
Race & ethnicity
36.1%
46.2%
White36.1%
Black46.2%
Hispanic10.7%
Asian2.9%
Other4%
Education (25+)
32.2%
32.9%
26.7%
No HS diploma8.1%
HS diploma32.2%
Some college32.9%
Bachelor's+26.7%
Housing tenure
46.9%
53.1%
Owner46.9%
Renter53.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Dover, DE has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,346 → $1,619
up 20.3%
Income
$51,073 → $60,199
up 17.9%
Population
38,940 → 39,837
up 2.3%
Renter share
51.1% → 53.1%
+2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
25.9% → 26.7%
+0.8 pts

The median rent in Dover, DE stood at $1,346 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,619, reflecting a 20.3% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $60,199 today, compared with $51,073 five years earlier. The population has grown by 2.3% since 2021, moving from about 38,940 residents to roughly 39,837. Renters now make up 53.1% of households, compared with 51.1% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Dover

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View Dover rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Dover on your salary?

At $1,619/mo, how Dover rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Dover rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Dover. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Dover

About renting in Dover, DE

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Dover is $1,619/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,165/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,480/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,170/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,065/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($60,199/yr), Dover ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Dover an affordable city for renters?

Dover is considered moderate for renters. At $1,619/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($60,199/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Dover slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Dover?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $65,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,619/mo in Dover. The local median household income is $60,199/yr, meaning the typical Dover household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Dover?

Rent in Dover has decreased 2.8% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Dover neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Dover are 19901 ($1,549/mo), and 19904 ($1,712/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Dover is $1,619/mo.

How does Dover rent compare to other cities in Delaware?

Dover is one of the more affordable cities in Delaware for rent, ranking #9 out of 9 tracked cities at $1,619/mo.

What percentage of Dover residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53.1% of Dover households are renters, while 46.9% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Dover has a strong rental market.

How does Dover rent compare to the national average?

Dover's median rent of $1,619/mo is $346 (18%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Delaware, it ranks #9 out of 9 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $1,619/mo, rent takes ~32% of Dover's median household income ($60,199/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Dover 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.2–6.6%
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Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Dover
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Dover, DE

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