Dothan, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
71,514
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,792/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
33,734
0.5% year-over-year change

Dothan population

How many people live in Dothan

Dothan is home to 71,514 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Dothan locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
71,514
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
33,834
Female
52.7%
37,680
Value Percent YoY change
Male 33,834 47.3% -0.2%
Female 37,680 52.7% 1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Dothan is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,322 18.6% 0.9%
15 to 24 8,532 11.9% 0.7%
25 to 44 18,167 25.4% 1.1%
45 to 64 18,057 25.2% -0.3%
Over 65 13,436 18.8% 0.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Dothan, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.7% of locals are Caucasian, 35.9% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 67,963 95% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,961 2.7% -6.3%
Non-citizens 1,590 2.2% 11.9%
Racial breakdown
White
55.7%
Black or African American
35.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 39,832 55.7%
Black or African American 25,644 35.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 251 0.4%
Asian 1,057 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 22 0%
Two or more races 3,626 5.1%
Other 1,082 1.5%

Households in Dothan

A peek inside Dothan households

Dothan has 29,351 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.2% are families, while the remaining 38.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
29,351
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,388
Family households
17,963
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,388 38.8% 2.9%
Family households 17,963 61.2% 0.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Dothan

The housing landscape of Dothan

Dothan's housing consists of 33,734 units, with 70.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
33,734
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 23,876 70.8%
1 unit, attached 642 1.9%
2 units 1,301 3.9%
3 or 4 units 1,977 5.9%
5 to 9 units 2,359 7%
10 to 19 units 1,116 3.3%
20 to 49 units 422 1.2%
50 or more units 561 1.7%
Mobile home 1,442 4.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 38 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
444
46.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dothan

In Dothan, the median construction year is 1982. About 2.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 982 2.9% 7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,331 4% -11.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,148 9.3% 0.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,064 12% -5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,359 18.8% 0.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,960 14.7% 1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,334 12.8% 3.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,922 14.6% -3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,190 9.5% 8.5%
Built in 2020 or later 444 1.3% 46.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Dothan occupancy rates

Out of the 29,351 occupied housing units in Dothan, 57.1% are owner-occupied, while 42.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
29,351
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,599
Owner occupied
16,752
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,599 42.9% 1.2%
Owner occupied 16,752 57.1% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
13.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Dothan housing costs

Housing costs in Dothan come to a median of $951 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $960.

Median housing costs per month
$951/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Dothan
$960/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Dothan

Dothan education at a glance

About 39.6% of the population in Dothan went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.5% earned an associate degree and 15.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,561 2.8% -8.2%
High school diploma 21,940 39.6% 1.0%
College diploma 12,598 22.8% -0.7%
Associate degree 5,243 9.5% 1.6%
Bachelor's degree 8,560 15.5% 1.5%
Graduate degree 5,472 9.9% 2.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Dothan

How much people earn in Dothan

The average annual household income in Dothan was $82,541 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,792, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dothan
$82,541/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dothan
$55,792/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Dothan income by age

In Dothan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $54,404. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,261 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,422 in earnings. Overall, 80.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,250 10.0%
25 - 44 $54,404 1.0%
45 - 64 $71,261 4.2%
Over 65 $48,422 0.6%
Above poverty level
56,528
Below poverty level
13,360
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 56,528 80.9% 0.5%
Below poverty level 13,360 19.1% 1.3%

Average renter income in Dothan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dothan, their median household income was $35,582 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,582
Rent-to-income ratio
32.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Dothan

Workforce and job types in Dothan

The job market in Dothan is powered by 31,354 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 68.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
31,354
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
23,654
Blue collar
7,700
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,654 75.4% -0.3%
Blue collar 7,700 24.6% 6.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
68.6%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,250 10.4% 3.1%
Private companies 21,509 68.6% 0.3%
Governmental workers 4,466 14.2% 6.1%
Not for profit companies 2,129 6.8% -2.0%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-3.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dothan stands at 4.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Dothan

How people get around in Dothan

Commuting methods vary: 92.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 28,815 92.6% 1.2%
Taxicab 61 0.2% 13.0%
Bus or trolleybus 66 0.2% 0.0%
Ferryboat 11 0% 120.0%
Motorcycle 57 0.2% 0.0%
Bicycle 77 0.2% -28.0%
Walk 238 0.8% -16.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Dothan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36301 39,452 15,907 $50,125 $70,852
36303 30,173 12,216 $54,147 $81,072
36305 17,610 6,920 $84,302 $111,419

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FAQs about Dothan demographics 

What is the total population of Dothan?

Dothan has a total population of 71,514 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dothan?

The gender ratio in Dothan is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (33,834 residents)
  • 52.7% females (37,680 residents)

What is the median age in Dothan?

The median age in Dothan is 40.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dothan?

The age distribution in Dothan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (13,322 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (8,532 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (18,167 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (18,057 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.8% (13,436 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dothan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dothan is as follows:
  • White: 55.7% (39,832 residents)
  • Black or African American: 35.9% (25,644 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (251 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (1,057 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (22 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (3,626 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (1,082 residents)

What percentage of the population in Dothan are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in Dothan.

How many housing units are there in Dothan?

There are 33,734 housing units in Dothan, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Dothan and what is the average household size?

Dothan has a total of 29,351 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dothan?

Dothan has a median household income of $55,792, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dothan?

The employment rate is 95.7% in Dothan, with a workforce of 31,354 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.4% (23,654 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.6% (7,700 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (3,250 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.6% (21,509 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (4,466 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (2,129 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025