AlabamaPop. 71,514Smaller cities
Is Dothan a Good Place to Live? Dothan, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dothan ranks #1134 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #469 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.8, #1 of 524) and low unemployment (2.8%, #14 of 476), and trails on high violent crime (801 per 100,000, #430 of 444) and low household income ($55,792, #473 of 524).
Dothan by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dothan's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Dothan?
Dothan's cost of living index is 83.8, 16% below the US level of 100 and #22 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $960/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,754, 14% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Dothan | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 83.8#22 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $206,754#130 of 1,187 | $241,613 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,236/mo#120 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $194,000#211 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $960/mo#166 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.6%#523 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Dothan housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Dothan is in the Dothan, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Dothan safe?
Dothan recorded 801 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Alabama's 348. That ranks #1008 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #430 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dothan Police Department. Property crime runs 2,538 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dothan | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 801#1008 of 1,085 | 348 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,538#877 of 1,085 | 1,462 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Dothan?
The median household in Dothan earns $55,792, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 19.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dothan | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $55,792#1133 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 19.3%#1088 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Dothan?
The median resident of Dothan is 40.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #887 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dothan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 27.6%#887 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Dothan's schools and health?
Dothan's 15 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $13,750 spent per pupil. 41.1% of adults are obese and 16.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Dothan | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,750#735 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41.1%#1168 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16.5%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.9%#764 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,776 students are enrolled in Dothan's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dothan?
The average commute in Dothan is 20.4 minutes (Alabama 26); 0.2% of workers take transit and 5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dothan scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82°F and winters 52.8°F, with 53.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dothan | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.4 min#378 of 1,312 | 26 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 83.8% | 80.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5% | 8.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61.7 | 39.8 | 4.8 |
| Feb | 65.8 | 43.3 | 4.8 |
| Mar | 72.9 | 48.8 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 79.3 | 55.2 | 4.8 |
| May | 87.2 | 64 | 2.9 |
| Jun | 91.3 | 70.8 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 93.3 | 72.7 | 6 |
| Aug | 92 | 72 | 6.2 |
| Sep | 88.4 | 67.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 80.8 | 56.9 | 2.7 |
| Nov | 71.1 | 46.7 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 63.8 | 42.4 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dothan Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Dothan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 67.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 52.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 53.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dothan Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dothan?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Dothan's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Houston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Dothan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#789 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Houston County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Houston County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.045% | 86% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.087% | 57% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 42% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Dothan compare with similar-size cities?
Dothan is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #469 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,514.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #1134 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 | 20.4 min |
| Queen Creek, AZPop. 71,867 | #149 | 66.2 | $141,978 | $2,210/mo | 155 | 31.1 min |
| Wilmington, DEPop. 71,727 | #1142 | 46.9 | $58,671 | $1,224/mo | 1,152 | 23.5 min |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #38 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data | 27.5 min |
| St. Charles, MOPop. 71,508 | #258 | 63.0 | $85,937 | $1,251/mo | 184 | 21.6 min |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #1292 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 | 23.8 min |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #794 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 | 15 min |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #197 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #75 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 | 24 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Dothan compare with the rest of Alabama?
Dothan ranks #16 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 16% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical Alabama home.
| City | Rank in AL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #1 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 |
| Vestavia Hills, ALPop. 38,616 | #2 | 70.9 | $134,369 | $1,515/mo | 69 |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #3 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #4 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #5 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #6 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #7 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #8 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #9 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #10 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #11 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #12 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #13 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #14 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #15 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #16 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #17 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #18 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #19 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 |
| Birmingham, ALPop. 198,173 | #20 | 41.1 | $46,051 | $1,107/mo | 1,239 |
All 20 Alabama cities we track, by overall score. Alabama statewide: median income $66,659, violent crime 348.3 per 100,000.
How is Dothan's score calculated?
Dothan scores 47.2 out of 100, #1134 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alabama's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Dothan. Similar-size median 55.5.
51.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Dothan's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
37.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dothan. Similar-size median 58.9.
32.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dothan's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dothan's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
87.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dothan. Similar-size median 56.1.
28.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dothan. Similar-size median 42.4.
48.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dothan. Similar-size median 50.0.
39.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dothan's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dothan's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Dothan has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Dothan
Is Dothan, AL a good place to live?
Dothan ranks #1134 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #469 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.8, #1 of 524) and low unemployment (2.8%, #14 of 476), and trails on high violent crime (801 per 100,000, #430 of 444) and low household income ($55,792, #473 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Dothan?
Dothan's cost of living index is 83.8, 16% below the US level of 100 and #22 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $960/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,754, 14% below the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Dothan?
Dothan recorded 801 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Alabama's 348. That ranks #1008 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #430 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dothan Police Department. Property crime runs 2,538 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dothan?
The median household in Dothan earns $55,792, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 19.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dothan?
Median rent in Dothan is $960/mo (Census), #166 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,236/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dothan?
The typical home value in Dothan is $206,754, up 1.8% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $194,000.
How are the public schools in Dothan?
Dothan's 15 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $13,750 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dothan?
The average commute is 20.4 minutes, #378 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dothan?
Dothan averages 67.8°F over the year, 82°F in summer and 52.8°F in winter, with 53.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dothan walkable?
Dothan scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Dothan at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Houston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
Who lives in Dothan?
Dothan has 71,514 residents. The median resident of Dothan is 40.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #887 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dothan compare with the rest of Alabama?
Dothan ranks #16 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 16% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 14% below the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Dothan?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dothan's population of 71,514 are Queen Creek, AZ (#149 overall), Wilmington, DE (#1142 overall), Centreville, VA (#38 overall), St. Charles, MO (#258 overall), and Camden, NJ (#1292 overall). Dothan is #1134.