AlabamaPop. 32,820Small cities
Is Opelika a Good Place to Live? Opelika, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Opelika ranks #709 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.7%, #16 of 184) and fast population growth (+2.1%, #19 of 182), and trails on high violent crime (458 per 100,000, #133 of 174).
Opelika by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Opelika's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Opelika?
Opelika's cost of living index is 87.9, 12% below the US level of 100 and #133 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $950/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $308,650, 28% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Opelika | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 87.9#133 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $308,650#401 of 1,187 | $241,613 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,485/mo#325 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $241,800#367 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $950/mo#155 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.5%#197 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Opelika housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Opelika is in the Auburn-Opelika, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Opelika safe?
Opelika recorded 458 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% above the US rate of 328 and 31% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #793 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #133 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Opelika Police Department. Property crime runs 2,005 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Opelika | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 458#793 of 1,085 | 348 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,005#713 of 1,085 | 1,462 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Opelika?
The median household in Opelika earns $65,004, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Opelika | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $65,004#926 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.7%#47 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16%#922 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.1%#93 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Opelika?
The median resident of Opelika is 39.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 36.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #569 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Opelika | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 39.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 36.4%#569 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 69.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Opelika's schools and health?
Opelika's 9 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $12,232 spent per pupil. 42.6% of adults are obese and 16.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Opelika | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,232#911 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 42.6%#1229 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.1%#1225 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.3%#811 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,204 students are enrolled in Opelika's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Opelika?
The average commute in Opelika is 22.1 minutes (Alabama 26); 1.1% of workers take transit and 7.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Opelika scores 7.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78°F and winters 46.2°F, with 55.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Opelika | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.1 min#514 of 1,312 | 26 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.6%#667 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 82.7% | 80.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.5% | 8.3% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.2#1216 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55.6 | 33 | 5.1 |
| Feb | 59.5 | 36.1 | 5.3 |
| Mar | 67 | 42.1 | 5.5 |
| Apr | 74.1 | 48.5 | 4.8 |
| May | 81.1 | 57.7 | 4 |
| Jun | 86.8 | 65.4 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 89.5 | 69.1 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 88.5 | 68.6 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 84.2 | 62.9 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 75.1 | 50.6 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 65.8 | 40.2 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 57.8 | 35.4 | 5.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Opelika.
| Measure | Opelika | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 78°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 46.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 55.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Opelika.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Opelika?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Opelika's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Opelika | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#244 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0069% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0041% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 42% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0038% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Opelika compare with similar-size cities?
Opelika is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #129 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 32,820.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #709 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 | 22.1 min |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #395 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 | 26.1 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 min |
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #24 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 | 26.5 min |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #279 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data | 23.7 min |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #374 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 | 23.3 min |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #1311 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #641 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 | 24.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Opelika compare with the rest of Alabama?
Opelika ranks #10 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 2% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 31% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% above the typical Alabama home.
| City | Rank in AL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #1 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 |
| Vestavia Hills, ALPop. 38,616 | #2 | 70.9 | $134,369 | $1,515/mo | 69 |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #3 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #4 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #5 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #6 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #7 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #8 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #9 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #10 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #11 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #12 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #13 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #14 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #15 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #16 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #17 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #18 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #19 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 |
| Birmingham, ALPop. 198,173 | #20 | 41.1 | $46,051 | $1,107/mo | 1,239 |
All 20 Alabama cities we track, by overall score. Alabama statewide: median income $66,659, violent crime 348.3 per 100,000.
How is Opelika's score calculated?
Opelika scores 54.8 out of 100, #709 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alabama's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Opelika. Similar-size median 52.9.
56.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Opelika's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
63.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Opelika. Similar-size median 52.2.
33.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Opelika's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Opelika's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
83.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Opelika. Similar-size median 46.7.
39.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Opelika. Similar-size median 44.2.
66.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Opelika. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Opelika's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
32.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
84.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Opelika's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Opelika has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Opelika
Is Opelika, AL a good place to live?
Opelika ranks #709 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #129 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.7%, #16 of 184) and fast population growth (+2.1%, #19 of 182), and trails on high violent crime (458 per 100,000, #133 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Opelika?
Opelika's cost of living index is 87.9, 12% below the US level of 100 and #133 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $950/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $308,650, 28% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Opelika?
Opelika recorded 458 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% above the US rate of 328 and 31% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #793 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #133 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Opelika Police Department. Property crime runs 2,005 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Opelika?
The median household in Opelika earns $65,004, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 2.7% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Opelika?
Median rent in Opelika is $950/mo (Census), #155 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,485/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Opelika?
The typical home value in Opelika is $308,650, up 3.4% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $241,800.
How are the public schools in Opelika?
Opelika's 9 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $12,232 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Opelika?
The average commute is 22.1 minutes, #514 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 5.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Opelika?
Opelika averages 62.3°F over the year, 78°F in summer and 46.2°F in winter, with 55.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Opelika walkable?
Opelika scores 7.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Opelika at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
Who lives in Opelika?
Opelika has 32,820 residents. The median resident of Opelika is 39.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 36.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #569 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Opelika compare with the rest of Alabama?
Opelika ranks #10 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 2% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 31% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Opelika?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Opelika's population of 32,820 are Rochester, NH (#395 overall), Bethany, OR (#9 overall), Sherwood, AR (#743 overall), Bethel Park, PA (#24 overall), and Eagle, ID (#279 overall). Opelika is #709.