RANK #187 / 996 · POP 107,040 · AL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.1%
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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| 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 has a Boom Town Index score of 81/100, ranking #187 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $55,064, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Houston County is $164,900 with median rent at $858/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3339, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed +2.6% in the past 12 months.