Dothan
RANK #40 / 996 NAT · #1 / 27 AL · POP 107,040
1YR FORECAST: +3.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +40%
Houston County, Alabama, is often recognized as the "Peanut Capital of the World," a nod to its significant agricultural roots and the annual National Peanut Festival held in Dothan, the county seat. Located in the southeastern corner of Alabama, the county sits near the borders of both Florida and Georgia. Dothan, the largest city, serves as a regional hub. Commutes within Houston County are generally short, with an average travel time of around 22 minutes. The community offers a blend of rural charm and urban conveniences, with a strong sense of local pride. Outdoor recreation opportunities include parks like Omussee Creek Park, which offers hiking trails and water access, and the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens.
Life in Houston County appeals to families and young professionals, with a majority of residents owning their homes. The public school system is considered above average, and the Houston County Career Academy provides vocational training options. The local economy is diverse, with significant employment in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Recent economic developments include investments in temperature-controlled warehousing and distribution, as well as projects focused on agricultural technology and public safety training.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.9x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Dothan Solar Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$105M | Planned |
|
Wiregrass Innovation Center
City of Dothan
|
$30M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Houston County ranks #40 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 96/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +0.6% and a median household income of $55,064 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Houston County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $164,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $858/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Houston County's population is growing — up +0.6% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.6%). Home values shifted +2.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.99% of Houston County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.