Opelika, AL
Population 31,944 · Alabama
About Opelika, AL
Opelika is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 31,944 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,763 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Opelika features a median home value of $213,700, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Opelika in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $947, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,389 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (9,021 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (4,100 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Opelika shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Opelika have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.5% of Opelika residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 4.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Opelika experiences an annual average temperature of 65°F with 50.15" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 92°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 42°F (December–January).
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
Climate & Weather in Opelika
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 67 | 69 | 74 | 80 | 86 | 91 | 92 | 86 | 74 | 65 | 58 |
| Low °F | 43 | 49 | 49 | 54 | 61 | 67 | 72 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 47 | 41 |
| Rain " | 7.5 | 4.6 | 7.2 | 6.2 | 3.5 | 5.9 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.2 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Opelika With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Opelika
What is the population of Opelika, AL?
The population of Opelika, AL is 31,944 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Opelika?
The median household income in Opelika, AL is $58,763 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Opelika?
The median home value in Opelika, AL is $213,700, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Opelika?
The median monthly rent in Opelika, AL is $947, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Opelika?
The unemployment rate in Opelika, AL is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Opelika, AL a good place to live?
Opelika offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,944 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Opelika, AL?
33.5% of residents in Opelika aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Opelika?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Opelika, AL: median home value is $213,700 (13% below national), median rent is $947/month, and median household income is $58,763. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Opelika?
The poverty rate in Opelika, AL is 15.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Opelika, AL?
Opelika's population is 4.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 36.4% two or more races. 4.9% of residents are foreign-born.