Deep Dive Relocation Report: Dover, New Hampshire (2026)

Dover: The Data Profile (2026)

Dover represents a statistical anomaly of "High-Cost/High-Income" stability within the Granite State. The city sustains a population of 33,070, balancing small-town density with an economic profile that punches well above the national weight class. The median income sits at $92,748, a significant +24.4% deviation from the US average of $74,580.

However, this income premium is immediately eroded by a localized cost-of-living index heavily skewed by healthcare and housing. The educational attainment rate is 49.2% (vs. US 33.1%), indicating a workforce heavily reliant on specialized, white-collar sectors. The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Professional"—individuals earning $95,000+ who require proximity to the I-95 corridor but seek the community infrastructure of a sub-50,000 population city.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Dover is driven by extreme variance in specific sectors. While general goods are moderately priced, essential services—specifically energy and healthcare—are statistical outliers. Electricity costs 23.4 cents/kWh, a 46.3% premium over the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This creates a distinct "energy tax" for residents.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $92,748 takes home approximately $5,600/month after taxes. With a monthly expenditure of $3,835, the disposable income is $1,765. In contrast, a family of four on a dual-income median salary ($185,496) takes home $11,200/month. After spending $8,340, they retain $2,860. The "Restaurant" and "Healthcare" indices at 172.4 significantly cap discretionary spending for single residents.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary barrier to entry. With a Housing Index of 148.2, Dover is 48.2% more expensive than the national average. The median home price is $485,000, driven by a Price/SqFt of $285. This pricing structure places homeownership out of reach for the average national earner without a substantial down payment.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Renting in Dover is relatively more affordable than buying. The price-to-rent ratio on a median home ($485,000) vs. a 3BR rental ($2,600/mo) is roughly 15.6 years of rent to equal the purchase price. Given the high interest rate environment of 2026, the monthly mortgage payment on a median home likely exceeds $3,200 (including taxes/insurance), which is 23% higher than the median rent. Renting is the financially prudent move for the first 2-3 years of residency.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Dover’s economic stability is rock-solid in 2026. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, a full percentage point below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a saturated job market where labor demand outstrips supply.

RTO & Commute Impact:
Post-remote work normalization has solidified Dover as a "bedroom community" for Portsmouth and Southern Maine. The average commute time is 24 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 28 minutes. However, the I-95 bottleneck during peak hours adds 15-20 minutes to southbound traffic.

Local industry is anchored by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Cocheco Manufacturing, providing high stability. The 49.2% college-educated workforce feeds into biotech and engineering sectors located within a 20-mile radius.

Quality of Life Audit

Dover offers a health profile that justifies the high cost of living. The Health Score of 83.7/100 is "Good," primarily driven by low risk factors. The Smoking Rate is 9.5% (vs. US 14.0%), and the Diabetes Rate is 7.9% (vs. US 10.9%).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Air Quality: Dover benefits from coastal winds, maintaining an AQI of 42 (Good) and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³.
• Crime: Violent crime is approximately 115 per 100k residents (vs. US 380 per 100k), making it exceptionally safe.
• Schools: Dover High School consistently scores in the top 20% of NH public schools.
• Weather: The current climate (50°F High / 36°F Low) reflects the seasonal reality. Winters are gray and snowy, averaging 55 inches of snow annually, significantly above the US average.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Economic Stability: Unemployment at 3.0% and median income at $92,748.
• Public Health: Excellent metrics on Diabetes (7.9%) and Smoking (9.5%).
• Safety: Violent crime is 70% lower than the national average.
• Location: Proximity to the coast and Portsmouth (10 miles) without the price tag.

Cons:

• Housing Cost: A $485,000 median home price requires a high income to service debt.
• Healthcare/Energy: A combined 159% premium on these essentials creates a high floor for monthly expenses.
• Weather: Harsh winters may deter those accustomed to temperate climates.

Final Recommendation:
Dover, NH is a Buy for professionals prioritizing safety, health outcomes, and job security over affordability. It is a Rent for those unwilling to commit $485,000 to a market with a Price/SqFt of $285. It is statistically unsuitable for median-income earners (<$75k) due to the housing index of 148.2.

FAQs

1. What salary is required to live comfortably in Dover?
For a single person, a salary of $85,000 is the baseline to cover the $3,835 monthly budget while saving 15%. For a family, a combined income of $160,000 is recommended to maintain the standard of living associated with the $92,748 median.

2. How does Dover's value compare to neighboring Portsmouth?
Dover is approximately 15-20% cheaper for housing than Portsmouth, where median home prices exceed $600,000. You sacrifice walkability and immediate coastal access for a $115,000 discount on the median home.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of roughly 115 per 100k and property crime at 1,200 per 100k, Dover is statistically one of the safest cities in New England for its size.

4. Is the high electricity cost a major factor?
Yes. At 23.4 cents/kWh, you should budget an extra $20-$40/month compared to the national average. This is due to regional grid dependency on natural gas transmission.