Dover rests in the peaceful embrace of Morris County, New Jersey. It sits 31 miles west-northwest of bustling New York City, spanning 2.78 square miles. This quaint town is home to more than 18,000 people, as of the most recent data collected in the 2020 United States census.
Climate
Dover has a humid subtropical climate. This means that summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. The month of July could be as hot as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while January is cold, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Population Demographics
There was a slight decrease in the total estimated population of Dover between 2020 and 2021, based on the US Census Bureau report. In 2020, the estimated total was at 18,457 while the 2021 total is at 18,427. This accounts for a 0.16% decrease.
Dover’s population is diverse, with a mix of ethnicities and races.
| Race | Percentage of Population |
| White | 28.1% |
| Hispanic | 55.7% |
| Black | 8.7% |
| Asian | 3.0% |
- The median age is 32.7 years
- The median household income is $66,500
History
Dover, New Jersey has a rich and exciting history dating back to the 1700s. The town was founded by John Jackson of Flushing, New York, who established a forge in the area. The ore for the forge came from the Dickerson Mine, which was the oldest mine in the United States. The forge contributed greatly to the tools and machines that were needed to construct the Morris Canal in 1830.
Before the canal became a major landmark in Dover, it was used to transport coal, iron, and other goods across the state. By the mid-1840s, Dover had rapidly grown and was described as picturesque with many machine shops and foundries.
Dover was incorporated as a town on April 1, 1869, within Randolph Township and became fully independent as of March 5, 1896. The town charter was amended in 1875. On May 7, 1896, Dover was reincorporated as a city and regained its status as a town on March 21, 1899, after the referendum that approved the change was invalidated by a court ruling.
Quality of Life
Dover offers a lower cost of living compared to other cities in the region. Settlers can choose from several housing options:
- apartments
- townhouses
- single-family homes
There are also plenty of parks and recreational facilities, like the Dover Community Center, that provide classes and events for residents of all ages.
The town has a walk score of 86 and a bike score of 51, which means the neighborhood is very walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Economy
Dover has a diverse economy with the largest industries being Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services. On the other hand, the highest-paying industries are Finance & Insurance, Utilities, and Information.
Some of the largest employers in the area include Saint Clare’s Hospital, Honeywell International, and Walmart. The town also has a small downtown area with several shops and restaurants.
Parks and Recreation
You can find several parks and recreational facilities that offer a variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors. Crescent Field and Hamilton Field are two popular parks in the area. Crescent Field has a playground and sports fields, while Hamilton Field offers a skate park and basketball court. Dover also has several hiking and biking trails, including the Patriot’s Path and the Morris Canal Greenway.
Events and Festivals
Dover is brimming with events and festivals all year round. Saturdays from June to October bring the famous Dover Farmers’ Market, while the Dover Arts Walk showcases the skills of local musicians and artists. The town also has a Fourth of July celebration with fireworks and live music.
Healthcare
There are several healthcare facilities in Dover including Saint Clare’s Hospital and Dover General Hospital. These institutions provide various services including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments.
Below is the health coverage breakdown of Dover’s population:
| Type of Health Coverage | Percentage of Population |
| Employee Plans | 39.9% |
| Medicaid | 16.1% |
| Medicare | 8.46% |
| Non-Group Plans | 13% |
| Military or VA Plans | 0.453% |
Primary care physicians in Morris County see 963 patients per year on average, which represents a 1.13% decrease from the previous year.
Education
Dover has six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. All under the Dover Public School District. The district also offers preschool programs and adult education classes. You can also find several private schools in the area such as St. Mary’s School and The Craig School.
Transportation
Dover is located near several major highways, including Route 46, Route 10, and Interstate 80. A train station is also available in the locality, offering transportation to New York and other locations. The town is served by several bus routes, including NJ Transit buses and Lakeland Bus Lines.
Dover is covered by about 43 miles of roadways. 34 miles are maintained by the municipality, 5 miles by Morris County, and 4 miles by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
In May 2010, the town had nearly 43 miles of roadways. The municipality maintained 34.39 miles out of it, while Morris County and the New Jersey Department of Transportation maintained 4.85 miles and 3.60 miles, respectively.
Must-Visit Places in Dover NJ
Dover is a small town with a lot of charm! Here are some places to visit in the area:
Dover Little Theatre. A must-see hidden gem for theater lovers. The theater has a variety of show offerings and always puts heart into its artistry.
The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey. Enjoy orchestra music at affordable prices with Baroque Orchestra. Their four-concert season encompasses all musical periods, including new modern classical works, and they also offer a summer music festival that includes concerts, chamber music, cabarets, and full opera performances
Marcade. Marcade is a jolly place filled with nostalgic games from the past and transports visitors back to the carefree times of the 80s and 90s. Fill the room with echoes of laughter while indulging in the array of games, and reliving memories of youth and simpler times!
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