Dothan saw population boom in 2006, 2007

Dothan experienced rapid growth last year, adding more residents than several cities with a greater population.

Census estimates released last week show Dothan grew from 63,822 residents to 65,447 — an increase of 1,625 — from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007. Only two other cities, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa, added more.

“We grew faster than we were projected to grow, and that’s a good thing, as long as the growth doesn’t outpace infrastructure,” said Steve Turkoski, workforce development director with the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Historically, our growth has outpaced the projections,” he said.

Turkoski said several factors could account for the growth. Dothan continues to benefit from Florida residents seeking to relocate to avoid high insurance premiums, property taxes and hurricanes. The city has also gained some businesses from Florida, and some of their employees have relocated. Dothan also continues to attract retirees, he said.

Also, Turkoski said there is a trend of residents moving from more rural areas to more urban areas.

Census counts are taken each decade. Projections and estimates in between are calculated from a variety of data, including birth and death numbers, school enrollment, income tax filings and address changes for Social Security checks.

Enterprise also experienced significant growth during the same time period. Its population is estimated to have grown almost a thousand residents, from 23,494 to 24,420.

Two of the state’s three largest cities are believed to have lost residents. Birmingham’s population is believed to have decreased from 230,914 to 229,800.

Mobile’s population decreased from 191,966 to 191,411. Montgomery grew slightly from 203,762 to 204,086.

Turkoski said conditions are in place for Dothan to continue seeing steady growth.

“I don’t see it slowing down at all,” he said.

Populations of local communities and cities
TOWN 2006 pop 2007 pop
Abbeville 2,929 2,944
Ariton 745 746
Ashford 1,943 2,019
Black 206 206
Brundidge 2,323 2,299
Coffee Springs 253 253
Columbia 824 833
Cottonwood 1,167 1,175
Cowarts 1,597 1,613
Daleville 4,487 4,526
Dothan 63,822 65,447
Enterprise 23,494 24,420
Geneva 4,395 4,401
Gordon 414 416
Grimes 451 452
Haleburg 108 109
Hartford 2,386 2,404
Headland 3,971 4,009
Level Plains 1,505 1,507
Madrid 329 332
Malvern 1,208 1,209
Midland City 1,809 1,847
Napier Field 395 395
New Brockton 1,212 1,229
Newville 539 545
Ozark 14,607 14,639
Newton 1,656 1,654
Pinckard 628 627
Rehobeth 1,197 1,229
Samson 2022 2013
Slocomb 2,032 2,035
Taylor 1,950 1,971
Troy 14,383 14,482
Webb 1,341 1,354
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates