Alabama · Metropolitan Area
Opelika is a mid-size city in Alabama with a population of 31,944. Residents earn $58,763 per year, which is 22% below the national average.
Based on current data, Opelika receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Opelika offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Opelika is $58,763, 22% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Opelika is $213,700, 24% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $947 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
With 644 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,555 per 100,000, 183% above the national average.
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Opelika enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 92.2% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 7.8% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $58,763 |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $33,595 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,027 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,658 |
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 4,362 |
| County GDP | $9,275M |
| Restaurants | 421 |
| Healthcare | 307 |
| Retail | 535 |
| Manufacturing | 141 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,789 |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.31% |
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
| Census Median | $213,700 |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $302,635 |
| Median List Price | $324,900 |
| Median List Price | $324,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $164 |
| Homes Sold | 41 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 11.9% |
| Inventory | 211 |
| Census Median Rent | $947 |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,527 |
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,789 |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.31% |
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 14.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.2% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 80.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,894/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 307 |
| Total Violent | 643.8/100K |
| 69% above US avg | |
| Murder | 3.4/100K |
| 46% below US avg | |
| Rape | 37.7/100K |
| Robbery | 116.4/100K |
| Assault | 486.3/100K |
| Total Property | 5,554.6/100K |
| 183% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 989.7/100K |
| Theft | 4,263.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 301.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 62.3°F |
| 15% above US avg | |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 55.2 inches |
| 45% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 814 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 61.5 sq mi (159.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 520/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.6607°N, 85.3789°W |
| County FIPS | 01081 |
Winner: Republican by 27.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 33.5% |
| 1% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 88.2% |
| School Test Score | 4.40 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 520/sq mi |
| Total Area | 61.5 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 17 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 20 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 307 |
| Restaurants | 421 |
| Retail Stores | 535 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 21.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |