Dothan, AL Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Dothan, AL

What is Dothan's overall crime grade and what does it mean?

Dothan, AL receives an overall crime grade of C for 2026, placing it in the middle tier of safety among U.S. cities. A C grade means residents face a moderate level of crime risk — neither among the safest communities nor among the most dangerous. For context, Dothan's 18% poverty rate and 5.9% unemployment rate are economic factors that researchers consistently link to elevated property crime activity. The C grade reflects a city where staying informed and taking reasonable precautions makes a meaningful difference in personal safety.

What types of crime are most common in Dothan?

Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft — account for the large majority of reported incidents in Dothan, consistent with national patterns for cities of similar size and density (294 residents per square mile). Violent crimes such as assault and robbery do occur but are disproportionately concentrated in a smaller number of higher-risk corridors rather than spread evenly across the city. With a median household income of $48,377 and a poverty rate of 18%, economic stress is a recognized driver of property crime in particular. Monitoring the crime map by category and time filter gives the clearest picture of which offense types are trending up or down in any given quarter.

Which neighborhoods in Dothan tend to have higher or lower crime rates?

While Dothan's overall grade is a C, crime is not distributed evenly across the city. Areas closer to the urban core and commercial corridors along Ross Clark Circle have historically seen higher concentrations of property crime incidents, reflecting heavier foot traffic and retail density. Neighborhoods in the northern and western suburban fringes — including parts of Westgate and communities near Northside — generally report lower incident rates and stronger neighborhood-watch participation. The crime map's heat-map layer is the most efficient way to compare relative risk across ZIP codes and districts, since conditions can shift from one reporting period to the next.

Is Dothan safe compared to other Alabama cities?

With a C grade, Dothan sits in the moderate range relative to other Alabama municipalities. Larger Alabama cities with higher population densities and greater income inequality tend to post worse grades, while smaller, more affluent towns often score higher. Dothan's median home value of $150,680 and median rent of $767 suggest a relatively affordable market, but the 18% poverty rate is above the national average and contributes to the city's mid-tier safety standing. Residents who concentrate their activity in lower-crime districts and stay current with the crime map can experience day-to-day safety well above what the city-wide C grade might initially suggest.

Is Dothan a good place to live given its crime statistics?

For many households, Dothan remains an attractive option despite its C crime grade. The median home value of $150,680 and median rent of $767 make it one of the more affordable mid-sized cities in the Southeast, and the local economy spans healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors that help keep the unemployment rate at 5.9%. The poverty rate of 18% is a genuine challenge the community continues to address through social programs and economic development. Families and retirees who research neighborhood-level crime data, choose lower-risk areas such as those near Northside or the western suburbs, and engage with local safety initiatives typically report a quality of life that outpaces what the city-wide grade alone would imply. The C grade is a call for informed awareness, not avoidance.