Dover on the map

Dover built-up area

Built-up area8.3 km² (3.2 sq mi)

Location in KentDover sits where the marker shows within the county.

58,092
Population
23,286
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£51,877
Avg. household income
1,543
Businesses
444
People per km²
Create a free area profile for DoverDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Dover

Dover, located in Kent, England, is well-known for its iconic white cliffs that rise dramatically along the coastline. The town is a significant port, serving as a gateway to mainland Europe. Visitors can explore the historic Dover Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and offers insights into the area’s military past. The castle also provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the English Channel.

The town itself features a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cafes, catering to both locals and tourists. The Dover Museum showcases the town's maritime history and archaeological finds, while the nearby Dover Harbour is a hub for ferry services to France. With its combination of historical sites and modern conveniences, Dover presents a unique blend of past and present for those wishing to explore this coastal town.

School Ratings in Dover

Dover is served by 35 schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Dover

Property prices average £282K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £206K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Dover

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Dover, with 117 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Dover

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Dover falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Dover

There are 7 GP surgeries within three miles of Dover, the nearest being Pencester Surgery (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 7,913 sales

Average Price £282K
£100 , £12.8M
Detached £448K 1,559
Semi £281K 1,830
Terraced £206K 3,035
Flat £156K 1,060

Household Income in Dover ONS 2023

The average total household income in Dover is approximately £51,877 a year before tax, 6% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,749. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Dover £51,877
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,749.

Businesses in Dover ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,543 active businesses based in Dover, around 27 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 31 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,543 Total businesses
27 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Dover IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Dover in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
3/10
Health
4/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 20%
10,927 Children (0-15) 19%
35,203 Working Age 61%
11,971 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 47.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.2% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Dover 516 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Dover is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 167
Anti-Social Behaviour 117
Shoplifting 62
Criminal Damage & Arson 55
Other Theft 28
Drugs 19
Vehicle Crime 17
Public Order 16
Other Crime 15
Burglary 8
Weapons 8
Robbery 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Kent Town & Castle
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Kearsney (Kent) Train Station 2.2 miles
Martin Mill Train Station 3.5 miles
Shepherds Well Train Station 5.5 miles
Walmer Train Station 6.3 miles
Folkestone Central Train Station 6.7 miles
Snowdown Train Station 7.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dover
County Kent
Ward Sandwich
Constituency South Thanet
Parish Sandwich
Region South East

Home Ownership in Dover

Of the 24,533 households in and around Dover, 62% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 23% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 62% Social rented 15% Private rented 23%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Dover.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dover

What is the population of Dover?
Dover has a population of approximately 58,092 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Dover?
The average property in and around Dover sold for about £281,702, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 19% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Dover a deprived area?
Dover sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Dover?
Dover is covered by the CT15, CT16, CT17 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Dover?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Dover, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Dover?
The nearest railway station to Dover is Kearsney (Kent) Train Station, about 2.2 miles away.