Opelika, AL
Population 31,944 · Alabama
About Opelika, AL
Opelika is a mid-sized city in Alabama with a population of 31,944 residents. The median household income is $58,763 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Opelika is 40.2 years.
Housing in Opelika has a median home value of $213,700 and median monthly rent of $947. Of the 14,389 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 9,021 owner-occupied and 4,100 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Opelika is 5.1% and the poverty rate is 15.0%. 33.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.1 minutes.
How Opelika Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Opelika, AL
Compared to national averages, Opelika has a median household income of $58,763 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $213,700, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $947 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Opelika's income is 1% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 34% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Opelika, AL?
Opelika offers affordable housing with a median home value of $213,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $947/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,763) that falls below the national average. However, Opelika’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Opelika has a population of 31,944 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Opelika with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Opelika
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northport | 30,991 | $77,781 | $258,800 | Compare |
| Gadsden | 33,617 | $38,699 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Alabaster | 33,633 | $90,163 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Enterprise | 28,990 | $68,306 | $198,500 | Compare |
| Daphne | 28,673 | $86,479 | $309,700 | Compare |
| Homewood | 27,697 | $108,386 | $502,300 | Compare |
| Athens | 27,474 | $65,000 | $253,700 | Compare |
| Trussville | 26,182 | $120,794 | $351,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Opelika
What is the population of Opelika, AL?
The population of Opelika, AL is 31,944 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Opelika?
The median household income in Opelika, AL is $58,763 per year.
What is the median home value in Opelika?
The median home value in Opelika, AL is $213,700.
What is the average rent in Opelika?
The median monthly rent in Opelika, AL is $947.
What is the unemployment rate in Opelika?
The unemployment rate in Opelika, AL is 5.1%.