Performance
Score Breakdown
Dothan
Gadsden
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% higher compared to Dothan.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dothan's average rent is
48% higher than Gadsden's.
| Metric | Dothan | Gadsden | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,242 | $839 | +48% |
| Groceries | $375 | $589 | -36% |
| Utilities | $278 | $271 | +3% |
| Transport | $375 | $400 | -6% |
| Healthcare | $256 | $150 | +71% |
| Monthly Total | $2,526 | $2,249 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 87 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gadsden offers 9% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Gadsden delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dothan is estimated at
$64,000 vs $29,004 in Gadsden.
| Metric | Dothan | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,000 | $55,742 |
| Salary Needed | $64,000 | $29,004 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,621 idx | 65,579 idx |
| Household Income | $55,792 | $40,345 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dothan | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Dothan has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Gadsden.
For walkability, Dothan leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dothan | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 25.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dothan is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x the population of Gadsden.
From a growth perspective, Dothan is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dothan has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dothan | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 72,242 | 33,219 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | % |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 38.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 3.50% |
| GDP | $— | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dothan
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.
Gadsden
Advantages
The cost of living in Gadsden is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the U.S. average, with median home values at $167,100 in 2024 and average 1-bedroom rent at $796 in July 2026.
Gadsden boasts natural attractions like Noccalula Falls Park and access to the Coosa River, offering abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Recent major investments, such as Minth Group Limited's $430 million project, are creating over 1,300 new jobs in the automotive manufacturing sector.
Healthcare costs in Gadsden are approximately 23.4% to 24% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Gadsden's population is projected to decline by -0.44% annually in 2026.
The city has a higher crime rate, with overall crime 49% above the national average and violent crime 62% higher.
Gadsden is a car-dependent city with a low walkability score of 25 and limited public transit options.
The median household income of $40,345 in 2024 is considerably lower than the national average.
Utilities, particularly energy bills, are reported to be higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dothan
#85Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,242
Avg Salary
$51,000
Cost Index
87
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
62
Business
68
Gadsden
#95Alabama, USA
59.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$839
Avg Salary
$55,742
Cost Index
85
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
59
Business
60
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