Dover, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Dover, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Dover is a town, major ferry port and civil parish in Kent, England. It faces France across the Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel at 33 kilometres (21 mi) from Cap Gris-Nez in France. It lies southeast of Canterbury and east of Maidstone. The town is the administrative centr

Last updated: June 30, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1420/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$363,500
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Dover
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

New Jersey Natural Gas
💧 Water

$45/mo

Dover Town Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1420/mo
2 Bedrooms$1578/mo
3 Bedrooms$1972/mo
Median Home Price$363,500
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Dover’s housing market is competitive, with a mix of historic homes and newer developments. Prices have been rising steadily due to its proximity to NYC.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mixed Democratic and Republican)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is accessible but limited; sidewalks are well-maintained in downtown areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Dover Town Park
  • 🎯
    Dover Little Theatre
  • 🎯
    Rockaway Townsquare Mall

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area is popular for its walkability and amenities. The eastern neighborhoods offer more space and quieter streets.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Dover based on your household profile.

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📊 Dover — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$78,750
👤 Median Age
39.2
🏠 Homeownership Rate
58.4%
🔑 Renter Rate
41.6%
📉 Poverty Rate
4.1%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.3%
📡 Internet Access
89.1%
🎓 College Educated
13.8%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees moderate increases from air conditioning use.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by neighborhood, with downtown areas having slightly higher rates.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 7/10: Good sidewalk quality in downtown, limited park access, some elevator access in transit.

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