Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Opelika, AL
Thinking of moving to Opelika, AL? With a population of about 31,800, Opelika offers affordable living, with median home prices near $210,000 and average rents around $1,020. The city enjoys a mild climate with 59% sunny days and short commutes of just over 21 minutes. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and Opelika features solid educational options and access to quality healthcare via East Alabama Medical Center. Explore more about cost of living, schools, and lifestyle below to see if Opelika is the right fit for you!
Demographics - Opelika, AL
Demographics - Opelika, AL
Opelika is home to approximately 31,800 residents, with a diverse community that is 56% White and nearly 39% Black. The population has a median age of 38.2, and the city maintains a balanced gender ratio. Around 5.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of cultural diversity.
Population:
31,800
Density:
685 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.3%
Black:
38.9%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Opelika, AL?
Living in Opelika is affordable, with a cost of living index of 85.6, well below the national average. Median home values are around $210,000, and average rents are about $1,020 per month, making it an attractive choice for both homeowners and renters. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare also remain budget-friendly compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$1,020
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
73.5
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
84.8
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
89.9
Crime
Is Opelika, AL a safe place to live?
Opelika experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 349 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,203 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 287, while property crime risk is roughly 1 in 45. Overall, crime levels are manageable and in line with similar-sized communities in the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
349
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,203
Crime Index:
2,552
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 287
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Opelika, AL year-round?
Opelika enjoys a mild climate, with winter lows averaging 35°F and summer highs reaching 91°F. The city sees about 53 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 59% sunny days, making for pleasant outdoor living most of the year. Seasonal transitions are gentle, offering comfortable weather for a variety of activities.
Winter
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Residents in Opelika benefit from a family-friendly atmosphere, with a median household income of $56,800 and a poverty rate of 15.6%. Most adults (89.8%) have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a convenient 22 minutes. The community is stable, with low unemployment and a small percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$67,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,200
Income Male:
$44,700
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,020
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
27.4%
Education
How are the schools in Opelika, AL?
Opelika offers strong educational opportunities, including public schools like Opelika High School and West Forest Intermediate with student-teacher ratios around 16:1. The city is also home to Southern Union State Community College, and Auburn University is just seven miles away, providing higher education options nearby. Families can choose between public, private, and collegiate programs to meet their needs.
Public Schools
Name:
Opelika High School
Street:
1700 Lafayette Pkwy
Phone:
334-745-9715
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Name:
West Forest Intermediate School
Street:
2801 Waverly Pkwy
Phone:
334-745-9731
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Christian School
Street:
1010 India Rd
Phone:
334-745-2464
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Southern Union State Community College
City:
Opelika
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,400
Name:
Auburn University
City:
Auburn
State:
AL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
31,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Opelika is accessible, highlighted by the East Alabama Medical Center providing full emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, most people have reliable access to medical care. The city’s overall healthcare index indicates good quality and availability of health services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
East Alabama Medical Center
Address:
2000 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801
Phone:
(334) 749-3411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Opelika, AL?
Opelika's housing market is affordable and active, with a median home price of $210,000 and a healthy owner-occupied rate of 59%. Renters can expect average rates around $1,020 for a two-bedroom unit, and home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, signaling a stable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,020
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services in Opelika are managed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, conveniently located on Pepperell Parkway. Residents can access licensing, renewals, and other DMV needs locally. Additional information and online resources are available through the Alabama DMV website.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
2020 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801
Phone:
(334) 742-9986
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.