| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Dothan/100k people | Alabama/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,623 | n/a (estimate) | 3,678 | 1,925 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 5 | n/a | 7.0 | 8.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 49 | n/a | 68.7 | 25.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 38 | n/a | 53.3 | 34.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 559 | n/a | 783.8 | 291.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 651 | n/a (estimate) | 913 | 360 | 359 |
| Burglary | 260 | n/a | 364.6 | 243.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,618 | n/a | 2,268.7 | 1,148.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 94 | n/a | 131.8 | 173.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,972 | n/a (estimate) | 2,765 | 1,565 | 1,760 |

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Dothan is 73.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 651 violent crimes reported in Dothan, equivalent to 913 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 154.2%. Additionally, Dothan recorded 1972 property crimes, amounting to 2765 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 57.1%.
Dothan has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 913 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Dothan falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 110 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
AreaVibes surveyed 94 local residents in Dothan to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 37% of people answered that there was very little crime in Dothan and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 63% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Dothan is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Dothan has a total crime rate that is 74% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 7.19 daily crimes (1.78 violent daily crimes and 5.4 daily property crimes) in Dothan.
Year-over-year crime rates in Dothan has increased by 653.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Dothan is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 857.4%, while property crime has increased by 604.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Dothan.
Dothan has a poverty rate that stands at 18, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Dothan crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Dothan crime rates. Dothan registers a population density of 791.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Dothan, the average rental rates are $1,141 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Dothan | Alabama | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 223 | 9,968 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 4.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Alabama /100K | National /100K |
| Alabama | 10,698 | 231 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Slocomb, AL | 2,011 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Taylor, AL | 2,840 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Newville, AL | 428 | 178 | 0 | 178 |
| Kinsey, AL | 2,554 | 132 | 175 | 307 |
| Ashford, AL | 2,485 | 85 | 467 | 552 |
| Rehobeth, AL | 1,989 | 112 | 486 | 598 |
| Midland City, AL | 1,990 | 173 | 519 | 693 |
| Dothan, AL | 70,979 | 913 | 2,765 | 3,678 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rockville, MD | 70,839 | 150 | 1,523 | 1,673 |
| Daytona Beach, FL | 70,799 | 328 | 1,743 | 2,070 |
| Delray Beach, FL | 70,778 | 422 | 2,631 | 3,053 |
| Greenville, SC | 71,185 | 644 | 3,468 | 4,113 |
| Poinciana, FL | 70,767 | 311 | 1,651 | 1,962 |
| Dothan, AL | 70,979 | 913 | 2,765 | 3,678 |