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Dothan, Alabama

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

42
Overall Score

Dothan, Alabama, often referred to as the "Peanut Capital of the World," is a vibrant city located in the southeastern corner of Alabama, near the borders of Georgia and Florida. It serves as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and culture in the Wiregrass Region. The city boasts a rich history, evident in its historic downtown district and numerous murals depicting local heritage. People are drawn to Dothan for its relatively low cost of living, diverse economic opportunities, and access to various outdoor activities and cultural attractions.

About Alabama

Alabama, located in the southeastern United States, is characterized by its Southern charm, rich history, and diverse natural beauty, ranging from the Appalachian foothills to Gulf Coast beaches. The state's economy has diversified beyond its agricultural roots, with major industries now including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, banking, and steel production. Living in Alabama generally offers a low cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly below the national average. The climate is humid subtropical, featuring hot, humid summers and mild winters with ample sunshine for much of the year, supporting an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

72,242
Population
$51K
Avg Salary
87
Cost Index
41.9
Quality Score
How this 42/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 11 / 100 11.0 30% 3.3
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 87.0 60.0 25% 15.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $55,792 Income needed to live here: $64,000 Unemployment rate: 3.4% 45.7 20% 9.1
Growth Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: 1.5% 51.3 15% 7.7
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 41.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=81), last refreshed 23 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Dothan

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
62
Affordability
100
Growth
65

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dothan is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for residents. The Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area registered a composite cost-of-living index of 87.3 in the 2024 Annual Cost of Living Index, indicating it is approximately 12.7% below the national average. This affordability extends across various categories, with housing expenses being around 34% lower, utilities about 22% less pricey, and groceries approximately 4% cheaper than the U.S. average. These lower costs contribute significantly to the city's overall appeal, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain often found in larger metropolitan areas.

Average Rent
$1,242/mo
Groceries
$375/mo
Transport
$375/mo
Utilities
$278/mo
Healthcare
$256/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$30.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$28.00
Monthly groceries
$375.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$148.00

Salary Insights

Dothan's economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, and government services. Major employers in the area include Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital, which anchor the region's robust healthcare industry, serving as a medical hub for southeastern Alabama, southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. Manufacturing is also significant, with companies like Wayne Farms (poultry processing) and Michelin North America (tire manufacturing) contributing to the job market. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of major U.S. highways also makes it a logistics and distribution hub, with companies like AAA Cooper Transportation. While remote work opportunities may be more limited compared to larger cities, Dothan offers stable employment across these established industries.

The average salary in Dothan is $51,000 per year. You would need approximately $64,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.80% Manufacturing +2.00% Healthcare and Social Services +2.50% Transportation and Material Moving +1.50% Government and Education +1.20%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
73.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Dothan primarily requires a car, as the city is largely car-dependent. The average commute time for residents was 20.4 minutes in 2024. While some areas may be considered somewhat walkable, the overall walkability score for Dothan is low, with many errands requiring a vehicle. Public transportation options are limited, reinforcing the reliance on personal vehicles for daily commuting and activities.

20 min
Avg Commute
20.00/10
Transit Score
30.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The cost of living in Dothan is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Dothan is a regional healthcare hub with major hospitals and a medical college, ensuring good access to medical services.
The city offers diverse industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, providing varied employment opportunities.
Residents have access to numerous outdoor activities and cultural attractions, such as the Forever Wild Trails, Botanical Gardens, and the Wiregrass Museum of Art.
The population has shown consistent growth, indicating a dynamic and developing community.
Drawbacks
Dothan has a high crime rate, particularly violent crime, which is significantly above the national average.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transportation and low walkability scores in many areas.
Remote work opportunities are more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Summers in Dothan are characterized by oppressive heat and high humidity.
The housing market can be competitive, with homes selling in an average of 60 days.

Questions about Dothan

What people ask about living in and moving to Dothan, Alabama.

How does the average salary in Dothan compare to the cost of living? General 1 answer

The average annual salary in Dothan is $51,000, which aligns well with the city’s lower cost‑of‑living index of 87. With housing costs averaging $1,242 per month, a typical household can afford rent while still covering other expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare, especially since many of these categories are priced below the national average. To gauge personal affordability, you can use budgetin...

How does Dothan's cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Dothan’s cost‑of‑living index is 87, meaning expenses are about 13 % lower than the national average of 100. Housing, groceries, and utilities tend to be cheaper, while healthcare and transportation costs are close to the national norm. With the average local salary of $51,000 per year, many residents find their disposable income comparable to larger metros, especially when factoring in the lower rent. To get a perso...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Dothan? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Dothan is $1,242 per month, which includes a range of options from modest apartments to larger units. One‑bedroom apartments in most neighborhoods fall near this average, though prices can vary based on proximity to downtown, amenities, and age of the building. To find current listings, check regional rental websites, local classifieds, or contact property management firms that operate in the area...

How are the public schools rated in Dothan? Schools & Education 1 answer

Dothan is served by a public school district that includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. State assessment scores and graduation rates are publicly available on the state department of education’s website, where you can compare individual schools. Many families also consider factors such as teacher‑to‑student ratios, extracurricular programs, and school safety reports. For a more detailed view, review...

Is Dothan a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Dothan’s safety score is 11.0 out of 100, indicating higher crime levels than many U.S. cities. While certain neighborhoods experience more incidents, the city’s police department runs community outreach and crime‑prevention programs. When evaluating safety, look at recent crime statistics on the city’s official website or the state’s public safety portal, which break down offenses by type and area. Visiting neighbor...

What utilities should I set up before moving to Dothan? Moving Here 1 answer

Before arriving in Dothan, arrange for electricity, water, natural gas (if applicable), internet, and trash collection. The city’s utility providers are listed on the municipal website, where you can find contact numbers, service plans, and online setup forms. It’s advisable to schedule activation at least a week before your move-in date to ensure continuous service. If you’re renting, confirm with your landlord whic...

What are popular recreational activities in Dothan? Things to Do 1 answer

Dothan offers a variety of outdoor and cultural attractions, including parks with walking trails, community festivals, and seasonal farmers’ markets. The city’s parks department maintains several green spaces that host concerts, art shows, and sports leagues throughout the year. Cultural events often celebrate local heritage and are advertised on the city’s events calendar. For more specific activities, consult the t...

What industries dominate the job market in Dothan? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Dothan’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. The presence of several medical centers and clinics makes healthcare one of the largest employers, offering roles ranging from clinical staff to administrative positions. Retail and service sectors also provide many entry‑level and management jobs, while manufacturing plants contribute skilled labor opportunities. For current openings,...

What public transportation options exist in Dothan? Getting Around 1 answer

Dothan’s public transit is managed by the city’s transit authority, which operates a network of bus routes covering most of the city and surrounding suburbs. Service typically runs on weekdays with reduced weekend hours. Schedules, route maps, and fare information are available on the city’s official website or at transit centers. For areas not served by the bus system, ride‑share services and regional taxi companies...

Where can I find hospitals and clinics in Dothan? Healthcare 1 answer

Dothan hosts several hospitals, urgent‑care centers, and specialty clinics, many of which are part of larger health systems. The city’s health department website lists licensed facilities, their service lines, and contact information. For primary care, you can search the state medical board’s provider directory, which allows you to filter by specialty, insurance acceptance, and location. Emergency services are availa...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Dothan? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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