U.S. Census: Dover's population grows by more than 9% over 10 years

posted on 8/26/2021

Newly released U.S. Census data shows the City of Dover was among the fastest-growing cities in the state, as it was with the 2010 census.

Dover's population increased by 2,754 people from April 1, 2010, to April 1, 2020, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau. It's a 9.18% increase, 0.03 points less than Rochester's 9.21% population increase, the highest among New Hampshire's cities. Rochester's population increased by 2,740 people.

Over the last 20 years, between the 2000 and the 2020 Census, Dover's population increased by 5,857, or 21.79%. During the same time frame, Rochester's population increased by 4,031 or 14.16%, Somersworth by 378 or 3.29 percent, and Portsmouth by 1,172 or 5.64 percent.

"As anyone who lives here knows, Dover is a special place and has a lot to offer residents," said Assistant City Manager Christopher Parker. "It is great to see more people being welcomed into the community, continuing a 100-year trend of positive growth and evolution of the community."

Parker noted New Hampshire's seacoast communities grew by more than 8,600 people in the past 10 years, with 32% of those moving to Dover.

Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce President Margaret Joyce agreed with Parker's assessment.

"Dover's combination of urban amenities, cultural offerings, and outdoor recreational opportunities make it an attractive place for people to want to live," she said. "In terms of economic development, a growing population positions Dover well to attract businesses as the region continues to struggle with labor shortages."

While Dover and Rochester grew more on a percentage scale, the cities of Manchester and Nashua grew more in terms of population. Manchester added 6,079 in the last ten years, bringing its population to 115,644, a 5.55% increase from 109,565 in 2010. Nashua’s population grew to 91,322, a 4,828 increase, or 5.58%, from 86,494 in 2010.

Dover remains the fifth most populace municipality in the state and the fourth most populace city. The Town of Derry is the fourth most populous municipality.