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Retirement community in Dothan, Alabama

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Dothan, Alabama Retirement Guide

57

Retirement Score

Dothan, Alabama at a Glance

Median Home Price
$190,800
State Income Tax
State income tax; Social Security and defined-benefit pensions fully exempt.
Avg January Low
39.2°F
Cost of Living Index
88 (US avg = 100)
RetireCityIQ Score
57 / 100

Overview

Explore the key retirement factors for Dothan, Alabama, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.

Cost of Living

Affordability Metrics

Cost of Living Index
88 (U.S. avg = 100)Medium confidence
BEA Regional Price Parities · Updated May 2026
Median Household Income
$53,704High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Dothan's cost of living is 12% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.

Housing

Real Estate & Housing

Median Home Price
$190,800High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 1-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Monthly Rent
$832High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 1-Year · Updated September 2026
Owner-Occupied Housing
58.7%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)

Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Dothan using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.

Estimated monthly carrying cost

$413

Stress-case monthly carrying cost

$464

Median home price used: $190,800

Median rent reference: $832 / month

Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.

Budget validation

Calculate if your savings last in this city

Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Dothan, Alabama after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.

Open the RetireFree Calculator →

Healthcare

Access & Quality

Healthcare Access Score
33.3 / 100High confidence
CMS Hospital General Information · Updated September 2026
Care Access (Proxy)
33.3 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026
Aging-in-Place Score
40 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026

Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Dothan scores 33.3 out of 100 for healthcare access.

Care planning link

Find local assisted living in Dothan

If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.

Assisted living in Dothan

Taxes

State Tax Climate

Retirement Tax Score
60 / 100High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026
Tax Details
State income tax; Social Security and defined-benefit pensions fully exempt.High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated September 2026

Alabama has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.

Climate

Weather & Environment

Avg July High
Avg January Low
Annual Precipitation
Sunny Days / Year

With 308 sunny days a year and an average January low of 39.2°F, Dothan offers a traditional winter climate.

Safety & Walkability

Community Safety

Safety Score
88.5 / 100Medium confidence
FBI Crime Data Explorer · Updated June 2026

Walkability

Walk Score (proxy)
10.1 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026
Transit Score (proxy)
0.3 / 100Medium confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026

Demographics

Population Profile

Population
70,699High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Median Age
40.4High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Age 65+
18.8%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Veterans
10.2%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Bachelor's Degree+
26.9%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Diversity Breakdown

White
58.4%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Black
34.9%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Hispanic/Latino
3.7%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026
Asian
1.3%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated September 2026

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Dothan

What is the cost of living in Dothan, Alabama for retirees?

The cost-of-living index is 88, roughly 12% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $190,800.

Does Alabama tax Social Security or retirement income?

For Alabama residents: State income tax; Social Security and defined-benefit pensions fully exempt.

What is the climate like in Dothan, Alabama?

Dothan, Alabama has January average low around 39°F, July average high around 91°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

What is healthcare access like in Dothan, Alabama?

Dothan scores 33/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).

Local Professionals

Financial Advisors

MAGNOLIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC

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MAGNOLIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC

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MAGNOLIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC

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