Firstly why Dothan, Alabama?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Dothan
• State: Alabama
• Population: 68,507 people
• Dothan’s quick summary would be If you live in Dothan, you’re used to being called the ‘Peanut Capital of the World’ and celebrating at the Peanut Festival.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 4,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 3,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 250

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its peanut industry attracts agricultural professionals and families

Perk #1: Dothan Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $41,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Dothan is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Dothan’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 78 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,049
• Property Tax %: 1.3%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $900
• Rent for an average house: $1,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: downtown Dothan
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Dothan, Whatley, Cowarts, Ashford, and probably could include Midland-City
• Avg. Age of Homes in Dothan: 53 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Dothan’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Dothan are  Healthcare, Agriculture, and Retail
• Dothan Job Scene: limited job market mainly in agriculture and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech activity, primarily in agriculture and healthcare technology ,
• Dothan Resident’s pay $800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Dothan: 4%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 55 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Dothan

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 231 connects Dothan to cities in the northern part of Alabama
• Commute Time: 20 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: rush hour delays at Ross Clark Circle
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Dothan: 62,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Dothan: revenue.alabama.gov/division/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 55 of 100
• Local Airport: Dothan Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Dothan’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Dothan is best described as has hot summers with high humidity and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures
• Winter Weather in Dothan i’d describe as cool and wet
• Spring Weather in Dothan can be described as warm and occasionally rainy
• Summer’s in Dothan are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Dothan is usually warm and mostly dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 40 days in summer
• Days in a row in Dothan below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 54 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality though urban and agricultural activities may affect it
• Dothan Winter Air good air quality with few significant pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Dothan Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Dothan 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Dothans’s city limits are 6
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Dothan Houston County Library System

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Dothan Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Dothan only Doctors is about 45
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Dothan only Police Officers is about 180
• Crime Rate Index: 48/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Dothan’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Dothan’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Dothan’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Dothan

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 9 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: known for its peanut production and friendly small-town charm
• You might enjoy live music at local venues like The KD’s Tap Room
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Dothan  features small-town charm with cozy bars and occasional live music providing a relaxed atmosphere

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Dothan

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes family restaurants BBQ places and some fast food chains
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Dothan
• The Popular Sports Team is Dothan Eagles
• Top Level Political Climate in Dothan can be described as conservative with a focus on agriculture and local business development
• Dothan’s Longer standing religious establishment is Faith Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Dothan Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Dothan has 40 Parks?
• Water World Park is Dothan’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Dothan Farmers Market normally open Tuesday & Saturday 5am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Picnicking, fishing, and walking trails

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Dothan Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Dothan can be described as small-town pace focused on agriculture and local festivals
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Dothan visiting local farms fishing at the lake playing in parks
• The Cities people commute to from Dothan are Montgomery 91 miles away Mobile 174 miles away Ozark 27 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Dothan or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: rush hour delays at Ross Clark Circle. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Dothan’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If downtown Dothan is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Dothan are Montgomery 91 miles away Mobile 174 miles away Ozark 27 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 48 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Dothan has 0 days in a row below freezing and 40 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Dothan people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   250 homeless people living in Dothan. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative with a focus on agriculture and local business development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Dothan.

Retiree & Senior Life in Dothan

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may access property tax exemptions geared toward those over 65
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Terrace at Grove Park
• Dothan City Senior Activities Center provides social gatherings health screenings and hobby classes

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Dothan, Alabama?

If Dothan, Alabama ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Dothan, Alabama, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!