Living in Dover, MA
Dover at a Glance (2026)
Population: 5,923 as of the 2020 Census, with the Census Bureau's mid-2025 estimate at 6,026
Zoning: the town has three residential zones — half-acre, one-acre, and two-acre — with much of Dover's land governed by the one-acre or larger districts
Median household income: at least $250,000 (the Census Bureau top-codes household income at this figure, so the true median is likely higher)
Median home value: approximately $1.34M, per the Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey estimate
Median age: approximately 45 years
Distance to Boston: approximately 15 miles southwest of downtown Boston
Location and Setting
Dover is a town in Norfolk County, situated on the south banks of the Charles River, bordered by Natick, Wellesley, and Needham to the north, Westwood to the east, Walpole and Medfield to the south, and Sherborn to the west.
Zoning and Land Use
Dover's residential land is split across three zoning districts — half-acre, one-acre, and two-acre minimum lot sizes, which has historically kept the town's housing stock low-density and shaped its rural, spread-out character. Because so little of the town's roadway is state highway, the town has historically shouldered a large share of its own road maintenance costs, including snow removal.
Schools
Dover students are served by the Dover-Sherborn Regional School District (for middle and high school) alongside Dover's own elementary schools. Niche ranked Dover-Sherborn Regional School District 5th among school districts in the Greater Boston area heading into 2026, with an overall A+ grade. Dover-Sherborn Regional High School specifically holds a Niche grade of A+, with a 95% average graduation rate, an average SAT score of 1350, an average ACT score of 31, and 28 AP courses offered.
Housing
Dover's housing stock consists primarily of single-family homes on large lots, consistent with its low-density zoning. Census data for the town puts the median home value at approximately $1.34M, which is among the higher figures in the region, though pricing varies significantly by lot size, age, and location within town. For current listings and pricing, contact us for an up-to-date market snapshot.
Demographics
Dover has a median household income the Census Bureau reports as at least $250,000 (a top-coded figure, meaning the actual median could be higher), and roughly 85% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Homeownership in the area is high, consistent with the town's large-lot, family-oriented housing stock.
Figures on this page reflect publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Niche, and are subject to change.
Contact us for current listings and a personalized market analysis.
updated September 2026