Dover
cityDover, New Hampshire, is a historic city located in Strafford County, serving as its county seat. As the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire and the seventh oldest in the United States, Dover blends its rich colonial past with modern development. The city is the most populous in the New Hampshire Seacoast region, with a population of 32,741 at the 2020 census. Dover's economy has evolved from its early reliance on shipbuilding and textile manufacturing to a more diversified base. Today, key industries include healthcare, technology, and commerce, with major institutions like Wentworth-Douglass Hospital contributing significantly to the local economy. The city's strategic location provides easy access to major transportation routes, fostering a business-friendly environment. Dover's distinctive character is shaped by its long history, natural setting along the Piscataqua River, and commitment to quality of life. Known as 'The Garrison City,' Dover retains historical landmarks and a strong sense of community, offering a blend of cultural attractions, recreational opportunities, and modern amenities.
Dover, New Hampshire
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 33-18820
- Country
- United States
- County
- Strafford
- Region
- New Hampshire Seacoast
- Elevation
- 49 ft
- Total Area
- 29 sq mi
- Land Area
- 26.7 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.3 sq mi
- Latitude
- 43.196388
- Longitude
- -70.879509
- Climate
- Dover experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. January temperatures range from an average high of 34°F (1°C) on the coast to overnight lows below 0°F (-18°C) in the far north and at high elevations. Average annual precipitation statewide is roughly 40 inches (100 cm).
- Notable Features
- Cochecho River · Bellamy River · Piscataqua River · Long Hill · Garrison Hill
- Neighboring Areas
- Newington · Durham · Madbury · Barrington · Rochester · Somersworth · Rollinsford · South Berwick, ME · Eliot, ME
- Population (2020)
- 32,741
- Est. Population (2026)
- 34,472
- Median Age
- 36.9
- Median Income
- $92,748
- Poverty Rate
- 8.31%
- Family Households
- 53.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 51.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2020, Dover was 84.9% White, 1.6% Black, 5.5% Asian, 3.2% Hispanic, 0.5% Native American/Other, and 4.3% Multiracial.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- Dover School District (SAU 11)
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.0%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Technology · Commerce · Manufacturing
- Major Employers
- Wentworth-Douglass Hospital · Liberty Mutual Group · Dover Motorsports Inc.
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 4,200
- Teachers
- 600
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Dover School District (SAU 11)
- Transportation
- New Hampshire Routes 4, 9, 16, 108, and 155 · U.S. Route 4 · COAST bus network · C&J Bus Lines · Wildcat Transit · Amtrak's Downeaster
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal sewer · Stormwater drainage
- Major Facilities
- Wentworth-Douglass Hospital · Dover Transportation Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Garrison Hill Park · Hilton Park · Henry Law Park · Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area · Dover Community Trail
- Parks & Trails
- Garrison Hill Park · Henry Law Park · Dover Community Trail
- Founded
- 1623
- Incorporated
- 1855
- Named After
- Dover, Kent, England
- Historical Significance
- Dover is the oldest continuous settlement in New Hampshire and played a significant role in the state's early development and industrial history.
- Key Events
- Settled in 1623 by William and Edward Hilton · Part of Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1642 · Cochecho Massacre in 1689 · Became a leading manufacturer of cotton goods in the 19th century