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Opelika, Alabama

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

55
Overall Score

Opelika, Alabama, is a city in Lee County known for its rich railroad history and a vibrant, revitalized downtown. It offers a blend of small-town charm with growing economic opportunities, attracting residents seeking a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle. The city's identity is deeply rooted in its past, with historic brick sidewalks and a downtown that serves as a central gathering place for dining and boutiques. Opelika's proximity to Auburn University also contributes to its dynamic atmosphere and economic stability, making it an appealing location for both families and professionals.

About Alabama

Alabama, located in the southeastern United States, is characterized by its Southern charm, rich history, and diverse natural beauty, ranging from the Appalachian foothills to Gulf Coast beaches. The state's economy has diversified beyond its agricultural roots, with major industries now including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, banking, and steel production. Living in Alabama generally offers a low cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly below the national average. The climate is humid subtropical, featuring hot, humid summers and mild winters with ample sunshine for much of the year, supporting an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

33,944
Population
$47K
Avg Salary
92
Cost Index
55.4
Quality Score
How this 55/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 55 / 100 55.0 30% 16.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 92.0 53.8 25% 13.4
Economy & jobs Median household income: $65,004 Income needed to live here: $72,000 Unemployment rate: 2.3% 54.6 20% 10.9
Growth Population growth rate: 1.7% Job growth rate: 1% 53.8 15% 8.1
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 65.0 10% 6.5
Overall score 55.4

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=84), last refreshed 2 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Opelika

Featured local businesses in Opelika.

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Quality Scores

Business
65
Livability
65
Affordability
80
Growth
65

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Opelika is notably more affordable than the national average, standing at 8% lower overall. Housing expenses are a significant factor in this affordability, with costs being considerably lower than the national benchmark. While groceries are also generally less expensive, utility costs in Opelika can be slightly higher than the national average, which is a consideration for residents. Transportation expenses are also below the national average, contributing to the city's overall cost-effectiveness.

Average Rent
$1,800/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$300/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$200/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$160.00

Salary Insights

Opelika's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers in the area include East Alabama Health, which is a significant healthcare provider, and various automotive manufacturing companies like HL Mando America and Hanwha Advanced Materials America. The presence of educational institutions such as Lee County School Systems and Southern Union State Community College also provides substantial employment opportunities. While the employed population saw a slight decline in 2024, the city's unemployment rate remains low, suggesting a stable job market.

The average salary in Opelika is $47,102 per year. You would need approximately $72,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Manufacturing +2.00% Education +1.80% Healthcare +2.50% Construction +1.20% Retail & Logistics +1.50%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
70.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Opelika is largely car-dependent, with a walkability score of 0 out of 100, indicating that most errands require a vehicle. The average commute time for workers is 22.1 minutes, which is slightly below the national average. While public transit exists through Lee-Russell Public Transit, offering free on-demand service, it is not as widely utilized as personal vehicles. Approximately 82.7% of workers drove alone to work in 2024, and car ownership is around two cars per household, similar to the national average.

22 min
Avg Commute
20.00/10
Transit Score
/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The overall cost of living in Opelika is 8% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with the median home price at $330,000 as of May 2026.
The average commute time is 22.1 minutes, which is shorter than the national average, contributing to a more relaxed daily life.
East Alabama Medical Center provides comprehensive and award-winning healthcare services, ensuring good access to quality medical care.
Opelika has a low unemployment rate of 2.3% as of April 2026, indicating a strong job market.
Drawbacks
Opelika is a car-dependent city with a walkability score of 0, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
Public transportation options are limited, primarily consisting of on-demand services, which may not suit all residents.
Some sources indicate elevated crime rates, particularly property crime, which can be a concern for residents.
Utility costs can be slightly higher than the national average, impacting monthly budgets.
Despite a growing population, the employed population saw a slight decline in 2024, suggesting potential challenges in job growth in some sectors.

Questions about Opelika

What people ask about living in and moving to Opelika, Alabama.

What’s the overall vibe of Opelika for families? General 1 answer

Opelika is known for its small‑town feel with a growing population, offering a blend of suburban and rural characteristics. Families often appreciate the local parks, community events, and the presence of schools and healthcare facilities. The city’s cost of living is lower than many larger metros, and the average rent aligns with the national average for similar‑sized towns. While the safety score is moderate, many...

Is Opelika a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Opelika’s safety score is 55 out of 100, which is roughly average for U.S. cities. Crime data indicate that property crimes are somewhat higher than the national average, while violent crime rates are lower. Neighborhood safety can vary, so it’s wise to review local crime statistics available through the city’s public safety office or community crime maps. Visiting neighborhoods, speaking with residents, and observin...

What healthcare facilities are available in Opelika? Healthcare 1 answer

The city hosts several healthcare facilities, including a regional hospital, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices that cover cardiology, orthopedics, and primary care. These centers offer diagnostic services, emergency care, and long‑term management programs. For specific provider lists, insurance directories, and facility ratings, refer to the state health department’s resources or the city’s health services...

How are the public schools in Opelika rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Opelika are overseen by the local school district, which provides comprehensive K‑12 education. The district offers a mix of traditional, magnet, and special‑education programs. Performance metrics such as graduation rates, test scores, and college readiness are published annually on the district’s website. Parents often find the schools to be well‑equipped with extracurricular activities, though sp...

How reliable is public transportation in Opelika? Getting Around 1 answer

Opelika offers a modest public transit system that includes bus routes covering key residential and commercial areas. Service frequency is generally lower during off‑peak hours, and coverage outside the city center can be limited. Many residents rely on ride‑share apps or car‑pooling for longer commutes. For detailed schedules and route maps, consult the city’s transit authority website or local transportation office...

How does Opelika’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Opelika’s cost of living index is 92, which is 8% below the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are slightly cheaper than in the broader U.S. market. Housing costs, with an average rent of $1,800 per month, are also modest compared to larger metropolitan areas. Overall, your salary of $47,102 per year should go a bit further in Opelika, though you’ll...

What kinds of jobs are most common in Opelika? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Opelika’s employment landscape is diverse, with strong representation in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. The city hosts a range of positions from clinical staff and administrative roles to manufacturing engineers and retail managers. Many employers are medium‑sized companies or regional branches of larger firms. Job seekers can explore opportunities through the city’s career portal, local job fairs,...

What are some popular local events or attractions in Opelika? Things to Do 1 answer

Opelika offers a variety of cultural and recreational options, such as seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor parks. The city also hosts art exhibitions, live music performances, and community theater productions throughout the year. Local museums and historical sites provide insights into the region’s heritage. Checking the city’s events calendar or community bulletin board can help you find upcoming activ...

What should I know about moving into Opelika? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Opelika, consider the city’s moderate housing costs and the need to secure a reliable transportation option if you don’t own a car. It’s advisable to research local utility providers, set up mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service, and register with the local DMV for vehicle registration and driver’s license transfer. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the city’s public services, such as wa...

What’s the average rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Opelika? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Opelika is about $1,800 per month. This figure typically represents a two‑bedroom or larger unit; a one‑bedroom apartment may cost slightly less, often in the $1,400–$1,600 range, depending on location, age of the building, and included amenities. You can find current listings on local real‑estate portals or through the city’s housing department, which also provides information on rental assistanc...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Opelika? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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