City Profile
Dothan, Alabama
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Community Q&A
Questions about Dothan
What people ask about living in and moving to Dothan, Alabama.
What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Dothan?
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?
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...
What are popular recreational activities in Dothan?
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...
How does Dothan's cost of living compare to the national average?
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 industries dominate the job market in Dothan?
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,...
Is Dothan a safe place to live?
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 public transportation options exist in Dothan?
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?
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...
What utilities should I set up before moving to Dothan?
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...
How does the average salary in Dothan compare to the cost of living?
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...
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