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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Dover

Affordable Housing in Dover, DE

Dover has 28 income-based rental properties offering 1,557 units, making it one of the more active markets for affordable housing in Delaware. With a median market rent of $1,344 per month (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024) and 53 percent of residents renting, income-based options here serve a large share of the community. Of the properties with available inspection data, 9 out of 10 scored in the excellent range.

28
Properties
1,557
Total units
96/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,344/mo

Affordability in Dover, DE

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024), the median monthly rent in Dover is $1,344 and the median household income is $60,199 annually. With 53% of residents renting, affordable housing options play an important role in the local market.

Lease Lantern tracks 15 income-restricted properties with 815 total units in Dover, spanning HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC housing.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,025 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Dover Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,025 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and jurisdiction definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 67 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Dover

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Dover rates 67 (Somewhat Walkable), 37 for Transit (Some Transit), and 56 for Bikeability. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted housing locations, not the city as a whole.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
21 schools · 5 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 21 public schools across 5 districts serve Dover, including 13 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$60,199 median income

Cost of Living in Dover

The median household income in Dover is $60,199 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median asking rent across all rental housing in the city is $1,344 per month, per the same source.

Income-based and HUD-assisted housing can significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket. Rents at these properties are typically tied to your household income rather than market rates, making them a critical resource for renters in Dover.

  • Median household income: $60,199/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,344/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter-occupied households: 53% of Dover households rent (Census ACS 5-Year)
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 15 affordable housing properties in Dover were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, which is a low level of flood exposure for renters considering these homes.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 96/100(10 of 28 scored)
90+ (9)70–89 (1)No score (18)

28 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 28 affordable apartments in Dover→

Other cities in DE

› Affordable housing in Claymont› Georgetown income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Harbeson› Laurel affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Lewes› Affordable housing in Middletown› Milford income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Millsboro› Milton affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in New Castle› Affordable housing in Newark› Seaford income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in DE› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Dover, DE

Dover is Delaware's capital city and a majority-renter community, with 53 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The city has 15 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties offering 815 total units, giving renters a meaningful range of options to explore.

Property Conditions

Of the 10 Dover properties with HUD inspection scores on record, 9 rated excellent and 1 rated good. The average score across those properties is 96, according to HUD inspection data.

Flood Risk

All 15 mapped properties in Dover carry no high-risk flood designation, which is a reassuring baseline for renters concerned about environmental exposure.

Rents and Income

The citywide median gross rent is $1,344 per month and the median household income is $60,199 annually, according to Census ACS 5-Year data.

Getting Around

Dover scores 67 (Somewhat Walkable), 37 (Some Transit), and 56 for bikeability according to Walk Score. Most errands are manageable on foot or by bike, though transit options are more limited.

Public Safety

The Dover Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,025 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.

Schools

Dover is served by 5 school districts with 21 public schools -- including 13 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Delaware income limits (2026)Delaware public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Delaware

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →