State government is the primary employer in Dover. The government of Kent County and Dover Air Force Base are also significant employers. The city is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Delaware. The growth is partially attributed to a relatively low cost of living. The city is also the center for commerce and industry for Central Delaware. In addition, Dover is home to manufacturing facilities of General Mills, Playtex, Procter & Gamble, PPG Industries and Eagle Group.
The Dover Air Force Base has a significant impact on Dover's economy. The base includes the largest aerial port facility located on the East Coast. Aeropark, a large industrial center, is located near the Air Force base. Delaware has been ranked in the top five in the country by Corporation for Enterprise Development. The rankings are based on various economic factors.
Shown below, in descending order, are the largest non-agricultural sectors of employment in Dover:
- Government
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Education and health services
- Leisure and hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Professional and business services
- Construction
- Finance
A list of the largest employers in Dover is provided below:
- Dover Air Force Base - Government
- Bayhealth Medical Center - Hospitals
- Dover Downs - Gambling/Harness
- Delaware State University - Education
- Playtex - Personal care items manufacturer and distributor
- Capital School District - Education
- Kraft Foods - Food Products
- Bank of America - Banking
- Aetna U.S. Healthcare - Insurance
- City of Dover - Government
- Procter and Gamble Paper Products
- Eagle Group - Files and storage cabinet manufacturer
- PPG Industries - Paint products producer
- Reichold Inc - Coatings, polyesters, emulsions and adhesives producer
- Hirsch Industries - Consumer durable goods manufacturer
- Sunroc Corporation - Water coolers and drinking fountains manufacturer
- Silver Lake Center - Eldercare
- Walmart- Retail
- Delaware Tech College - Education
- Mrs. K's Salsa - Food products
Noteworthy information about Dover: The city has been ranked #4 in the Milken Institute's list of best performing small cities. In 2007 the estimated median household income was $44,000. In 2008 the cost of living index was at 87.6 which is below the nation's average of 100. Approximately 29% of the residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor's degree or better.
Dover companies are provided assistance from business organizations such as:
- Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
- Central Delaware Economic Development Council
- Kent Economic Partnership
The Dover Post offers current information about the business endeavors in Dover.
