Alabama / Lee County

Moving to Opelika, AL

Thinking of making a move to Opelika, AL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Opelika, AL

Considering a move to Opelika, AL? This welcoming community of 32,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $255,000 and average rents near $1,260. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (61% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Opelika's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Opelika, AL

Opelika has a population of 32,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 34 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 49% White, 42% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
32,900
Density
670 per sq mi
Median Age
34.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
49.0%
Black
42.0%
Asian
2.4%
Others
6.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Opelika, AL?

The cost of living in Opelika is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.4. Median home values are around $255,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,260. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$255,000
Gross Rent
$1,260
Monthly Electricity Charges
$150
Auto Insurance
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$590
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
89.4
Grocery
95.2
Housing
72.8
Utilities
100.8
Transportation
92.1
Health Care
94.0
Miscellaneous
96.3

Crime

Is Opelika, AL a safe place to live?

Opelika is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 360 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 50. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alabama.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
360
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,020
Crime Index
2,380
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 50

Weather

What is the weather like in Opelika, AL year-round?

Opelika experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 53 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 61% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
71°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
53.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
61%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,800 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$61,800
Family Income
$79,500
Per Capita Income
$29,800
Income Male
$44,500
Income Female
$36,900
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
7.8%
Rent
$1,260
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
1.6%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
Bachelors or More
31.2%

Education

How are the schools in Opelika, AL?

Opelika offers quality education options, with public schools like Opelika High School and Opelika Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Opelika High School
Street
1700 Lafayette Pkwy
Phone
334-745-9715
Students
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio
16.2
Name
Opelika Middle School
Street
1209 Frederick Rd
Phone
334-745-9696
Students
820
Student Teacher Ratio
15.8

Private Schools

Name
Opelika Academy
Street
2611 Andrews Rd
Phone
334-749-0777
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Auburn University
City
Auburn
State
AL
Distance
8 miles
Students
33,000
Name
Southern Union State Community College
City
Opelika
State
AL
Distance
0 miles
Students
5,200

Healthcare

Opelika residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like East Alabama Medical Center and Medical Center, East Alabama nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 88.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
East Alabama Medical Center
Address
2000 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801
Phone
(334) 749-3411
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Medical Center, East Alabama
Address
1701 2nd Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
Phone
(334) 528-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
88.6%
Health Care Index
66.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Opelika, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $255,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Opelika offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,260
Owner Occupied Rate
61.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.9%

DMV Information

Residents of Opelika handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, conveniently located in Montgomery. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alabama
Department
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address
301 S. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone
1-334-242-4241

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.

FAQs About Moving to Opelika, AL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Opelika, review the core fields on this page: population 32,900, median home value $255,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,260, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 61%.

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