Performance
Score Breakdown
Dothan
Northport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dothan is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% lower compared to Northport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dothan's average rent is
26% lower than Northport's.
| Metric | Dothan | Northport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,242 | $1,684 | -26% |
| Groceries | $375 | $450 | -17% |
| Utilities | $278 | $250 | +11% |
| Transport | $375 | $150 | +150% |
| Healthcare | $256 | $250 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,526 | $2,784 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 87 | 87 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dothan offers 15% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dothan delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dothan is estimated at
$64,000 vs $45,000 in Northport.
| Metric | Dothan | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,000 | $44,414 |
| Salary Needed | $64,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,621 idx | 51,051 idx |
| Household Income | $55,792 | $80,913 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dothan | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 67.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Dothan scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dothan leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dothan | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dothan is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Northport.
From a growth perspective, Dothan is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Northport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dothan | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 72,242 | 31,714 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.21% |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 2.10% |
| GDP | $— | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dothan
Advantages
The cost of living in Dothan is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Dothan is a regional healthcare hub with major hospitals and a medical college, ensuring good access to medical services.
The city offers diverse industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, providing varied employment opportunities.
Residents have access to numerous outdoor activities and cultural attractions, such as the Forever Wild Trails, Botanical Gardens, and the Wiregrass Museum of Art.
The population has shown consistent growth, indicating a dynamic and developing community.
Drawbacks
Dothan has a high crime rate, particularly violent crime, which is significantly above the national average.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transportation and low walkability scores in many areas.
Remote work opportunities are more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Summers in Dothan are characterized by oppressive heat and high humidity.
The housing market can be competitive, with homes selling in an average of 60 days.
Northport
Advantages
The cost of living in Northport is 13% less than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Northport ranks in the 68th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of U.S. cities.
The city boasts a strong sense of community and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Residents have access to numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
The historic downtown district offers a vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and diverse dining experiences.
Drawbacks
Northport exhibits high car dependency, with limited public transportation options.
The city experienced a slight decline in overall employment at a rate of -0.243% from 2023 to 2024.
While generally safe, Northport's crime rate is higher than average when compared to other communities of similar population sizes.
Specific data for certain cost breakdowns, like monthly transit passes and home purchase price per square foot, are not readily available for recent years.
The walkability score of 27 indicates that most daily errands require a car.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dothan
#94Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,242
Avg Salary
$51,000
Cost Index
87
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
62
Business
68
Northport
#23Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,684
Avg Salary
$44,414
Cost Index
87
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.21%
Unemployment
2.10%
Livability
76
Business
60
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