Dothan, AL Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Dothan, AL

The Dothan crime rates are 107.6% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 749 violent crimes in Dothan (1052 per 100,000 people), which is 184.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2686 property crimes (3773 per 100,000 residents) which is 93% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 4825 per 100,000 residents, Dothan experiences a crime rate that is 107.59% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Dothan contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

With a violent crime rate of 1052 crimes per 100,000 residents, Dothan is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Dothan ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 96 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Dothan is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 14 murders in Dothan, which equates to 20 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Dothan being a very dangerous place to live.

With a property crime rate of 3773 crimes per 100,000 people, Dothan unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Dothan is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 27, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Dothan?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Dothan residents. Out of the respondents (83 in total), 39% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Dothan were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 61% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Dothan a Safe Place to Live?

Is Dothan a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Dothan has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 108%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 9.41 daily incidents, encompassing 2.05 violent crimes and 7.36 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Dothan as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Dothan Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Dothan has increased by 887.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Dothan, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 1001.5%, while property crime has increased by 859.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Dothan is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Dothan

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Dothan, the cost of living is 8.23% lower than the national average.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Dothan, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 3.36 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

In Dothan, the average rental rates are $767 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Dothan crime map