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Dover has a demographic profile quite distinct from many American capitals. About 45% of residents identify as African American, one of the highest percentages among northeastern state capitals. The white community accounts for around 40%, and there is a growing Latino population (Mexican and Puerto Rican) as well as an Asian community (Filipino and Indian).

Dover Air Force Base, south of the city, brings a transient population of active-duty military members and their families from across the country. This gives the city an unusual regional diversity not common in other inland capitals. Delaware State University, a historically Black university (HBCU), also shapes the student population, drawing young people from other states.

English is dominant. Spanish has grown over recent decades, and Tagalog appears in Filipino families connected to the base. The Brazilian community is small and primarily linked to construction workers who circulate between Dover, Wilmington, and the Philadelphia area. Baptist, Methodist, and Catholic churches share space with a few small mosques.

Dover's residential landscape is dominated by single-family homes in suburban subdivisions spread along U.S. Route 13 and Route 8. Neighborhoods such as Wesley Woods, Capitol Park, Eden Hill, and Rodney Village offer three- or four-bedroom homes with garages and yards. Newer areas like Nobles Pond and Wild Quail feature larger homes with community pools and clubhouses.

The historic downtown has charming colonial and Victorian homes around The Green and State Street, but supply is limited and prices are not low for the area. Modern apartments are concentrated in buildings such as Eden Hill, The Manor House, and complexes near Route 1, which connects Dover to Wilmington.

To rent, landlords typically require a credit score, proof of income, and a one-month security deposit. Popular listing sites include Zillow, Apartments.com, Trulia, and the local Dover Post. To purchase, the market is less competitive than in northern Delaware, with reasonable options for first-time buyers. State programs offer down-payment assistance for certain income brackets.

Dover's public school system is split between the Capital School District, which covers the city proper, and the Caesar Rodney School District, covering the southern suburbs. Quality is average, with some charter and private schools more sought after by higher-income families, including Wesley College School and Holy Cross.

Delaware State University (DSU) is the state's public historically Black university (HBCU), with its main campus in Dover. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as aviation, health sciences, agriculture, and business administration. Its aviation program is nationally recognized, a distinction tied to proximity to the air base.

Wesley College was acquired by Delaware State in 2021 and now operates as Wilmington University Dover Campus, serving professional programs. International students require an F-1 visa. Tuition at DSU for international students is around USD 20,000 per year, below the regional average for public universities.

Dover is considered a quiet small city by American standards. Suburbs like Wesley Woods, Capitol Park, Eden Hill, and Nobles Pond have low crime rates. Families feel comfortable with children riding bikes around the neighborhood, and parks are well used on weekends.

Some downtown areas, especially near the Route 13 corridor and streets such as New Street and Forest Street, see more incidents of theft, vandalism, and small-scale drug activity. The local Dover Police Department and State Police maintain a visible presence, and the air base has a stabilizing effect on the broader region.

The most common crimes are theft from parked vehicles (valuables left in plain sight are a common target), catalytic converter theft, vandalism in commercial parking lots, and residential burglary in homes without alarm systems. Most parts of downtown are calm at night, though poorly lit streets warrant the usual caution.

Summers in Dover are hot and humid, with highs between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius from June through September. The proximity of Delaware Bay brings afternoon breezes that ease the heat, though thunderstorms and days above 32 degrees make air conditioning a necessity in any home.

Winters are cold but milder than in the northern part of the state. Between December and March, lows hover near freezing, with occasional snowfalls accumulating 25 to 40 centimeters per season. Central heating systems and winter clothing are sufficient to get through the season comfortably.

Spring and fall are the seasons residents tend to prefer. Temperatures are mild and the parks and coastal beaches become easily accessible. The main adjustment for newcomers from warmer climates is the cold of the early months of the year, which requires gradual acclimatization.

Dover is a small state capital with just under 40,000 residents, preserving the historical character of early America. The Green, the central square where Delaware ratified the Constitution in 1787 as the first state to do so, is flanked by Legislative Hall and the Old State House. First State Heritage Park connects the colonial landmarks with free guided tours.

The Air Mobility Command Museum, affiliated with Dover Air Force Base, displays historic military transport aircraft at no charge. The Biggs Museum of American Art, the Johnson Victrola Museum (dedicated to the gramophone company), and the Delaware Agricultural Museum cover the cultural side. Dover Downs and Bally's Dover Casino round out the options for those interested in gaming.

Dover International Speedway, nicknamed the Monster Mile, hosts NASCAR races twice a year and draws large crowds to the city. For outdoor recreation, Killens Pond State Park to the south and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge along the Delaware Bay shore are weekend destinations for migratory bird watching and short hikes.