Opelika, AL โ€” City Data, Demographics & Statistics

Lee County ยท Alabama

๐Ÿงฌ

City DNA

A unique fingerprint for Opelika based on 8 key metrics โ€” compared to averages.

PopulationIncomeHome ValueSafetyEducationMedian AgeClimateCost of Living
Opelika
National Avg
Alabama Avg
Population: 65Income: 39Home Value: 21Safety: 100Education: 34Median Age: 67Climate: 50Cost of Living: 48

Quick Stats

Population

31,944

2023 ACS

Median Income

$58,763

2023

Median Home Value

$213,700

2023

Median Rent

$947

2023

Median Age

40.2

Unemployment

5.1%

Cost of Living Index

95.7

100 = national avg

Opelika is a city in Lee County, Alabama, with a population of 31,944 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Opelika is one of the communities in Alabama.

The median household income in Opelika is $58,763, and the median home value is $213,700. The cost of living index is 95.7 (where 100 = national average), and the median rent is $947 per month. The unemployment rate is 5.1%, and the median age is 40.2 years.

People & Demographics

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Population

Total Population

31,944

Male

15,791

49.4%

Female

16,153

50.6%

Median Age

40.2

Age Distribution

Education & Household

Bachelor's or Higher

24.0%

High School or Higher

41.5%

Foreign Born

4.9%

Veterans

6.4%

Married

39.8%

Avg Household Size

2.4

Marital Status by Age

Race & Ethnicity

Diversity Index

0.541

Simpson's Index (0-1)

Largest Group

White

55.4%

Foreign Born

4.9%

White
55.4%
Black
37.5%
Asian
1.8%
Native American
0.5%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or More
4.0%
Other
0.6%

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. People of any race can identify as Hispanic. This percentage overlaps with the racial categories above.

Hispanic/Latino

9.7%

3,108 people

Not Hispanic/Latino

90.3%

Hispanic/Latino Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Mexican
1,477 (47.5%)
Puerto Rican
225 (7.2%)
Cuban
329 (10.6%)
Guatemalan
322 (10.4%)
Other Hispanic
754 (24.3%)

Asian Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Asian Indian
51 (8.7%)
Chinese
121 (20.6%)
Filipino
66 (11.2%)
Vietnamese
80 (13.6%)
Korean
168 (28.6%)
Thai
12 (2.0%)
Laotian
54 (9.2%)
Taiwanese
16 (2.7%)
Other Asian
21 (3.6%)

Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Native Hawaiian
36 (102.9%)

American Indian & Alaska Native Detail

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
Other Native American
166 (100.0%)

Languages Spoken

Total Speakers (5+)

29,671

English Only

91.3%

#1 Non-English Language

Spanish

1,926 speakers

Limited English

3.5%

Language Distribution

Spanish
1,926 (6.5%)
Korean
142 (0.5%)
Chinese
130 (0.4%)
Other Asian
114 (0.4%)
German
90 (0.3%)
Vietnamese
80 (0.3%)
French/Haitian/Cajun
39 (0.1%)
Other Indo-European
38 (0.1%)
Tagalog
16 (0.1%)
Slavic Languages
1 (0.0%)

English Proficiency

Speaks English Very Well

96.5%

Limited English Proficiency

3.5%

Spanish
38.8% limited English
Korean
87.3% limited English
Chinese
6.9% limited English
Other Asian
24.6% limited English
German
28.9% limited English
Vietnamese
100.0% limited English
Tagalog
100.0% limited English
Slavic Languages
100.0% limited English

Veterans & Military

Total Veterans

2,032

6.4% of population

Disability Rate

18.6%

378 with disability

Veteran Median Income

$52,716

Period of Service

Gulf War (2001+)
31.0%
Gulf War (1990-2001)
27.8%
Vietnam
33.9%
Korea
7.7%
World War II
0.5%

Veteran Age Distribution

18-34
12.5%
35-54
23.9%
55-64
13.4%
65-74
31.5%
75+
18.7%

Male Veterans

1,832

90.2%

Female Veterans

200

9.8%

Veteran vs Non-Veteran Income

Veteran Income

$52,716

Non-Veteran Income

$35,078

Difference

$17,638

50.3% higher

Disability Status

With Disability

378

Without Disability

1,654

Disability Rate

18.6%

Ancestry & Heritage

Total Reporting Ancestry

15,879

#1 Ancestry

American

12.5% (3,982)

#2 Ancestry

English

11.5% (3,664)

#3 Ancestry

German

5.3% (1,693)

Top 20 Ancestries

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)
American
12.5%
English
11.5%
German
5.3%
Irish
5.0%
Sub-Saharan African
3.0%
Scottish
2.9%
Italian
1.7%
European
1.6%
Scotch-Irish
1.6%
French
0.8%
Slovak
0.7%
Welsh
0.6%
Polish
0.5%
Swedish
0.4%
West Indian
0.4%
Jamaican
0.3%
Greek
0.2%
British
0.2%
Norwegian
0.2%
Dutch
0.1%

Families & Households

Total Households

13,121

Family Households

8,343

63.6%

Married Couples

5,738

43.7%

Non-Family Households

4,778

36.4%

Single Mother Households

2,002

15.3%

Single Father Households

603

4.6%

Living Alone

4,388

33.4%

Children Under 18

Total Children

5,982

In Married Couple

3,810

63.7%

With Single Mother

1,772

29.6%

With Single Father

400

6.7%

Family Income

Median Family Income

$79,927

Married Couple Income

$102,391

Single Mother Income

$36,740

Single Father Income

$41,734

Avg Family Size

2.4

Avg Non-Family Size

2.1

Grandparents w/ Grandchildren

678

Grandparents Responsible

395

Economy

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023)

Income Overview

Median Household Income

$58,763

-20% vs national

Per Capita Income

$33,595

-10% vs national

Poverty Rate

15.0%

+10% vs national

Gini Index

0.4526

0 = perfect equality

Unemployment

5.1%

-2% vs national

SNAP Recipients

15.5%

of households

How Opelika Compares

Opelika vs Similar Cities

Compared to cities with 25,000 - 50,000 residents. Opelika is highlighted.

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Poverty Rate

Unemployment Rate

๐Ÿ“Š

Where Do You Stack Up?

Enter your household income to see how you compare to other households in Opelika. The median household income here is $58,763.

$

Income Distribution

<$25K
21.4%
$25-50K
23.8%
$50-75K
14.2%
$75-100K
12.4%
$100-150K
15.6%
$150-200K
7.8%
$200K+
4.8%

Employment Snapshot

Unemployment Rate

5.1%

-12% vs AL avg

Labor Force

15,700

Employed

14,849

Mean Commute

20 min

How People Get to Work

Employment by Sector

Education & Workforce

Bachelor's Degree+

24.0%

of adults 25+

High School Diploma+

41.5%

of adults 25+

Median Age

40.2

Work from Home

5.9%

of workers

Cost of Living

Overall Index

95.7

100 = national avg

-4.3 vs national average

Living Wage (1 Adult)

$42,110

per year

Living Wage (Family of 4)

$99,532

per year

Cost Index by Category

Housing
100.7
Food
94.9
Transportation
89.7
Healthcare
95.9
Utilities
97.1

100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.

Fair Market Rent

Source: HUD

1 Bedroom

$1,077

per month

2 Bedroom

$1,181

per month

The median household income in Opelika, AL is $58,763, which is 19.7% below the national average of $73,224. Per capita income is $33,595. The poverty rate of 15.0% is lower than the AL state average of 17.3%. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.4526, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality. The unemployment rate is 5.1%, compared to the state average of 5.8%. The labor force is 15,700. 24.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20 minutes, with 5.9% working from home. About 82.4% of workers drive alone to work. The overall cost of living index is 95.7, which is 4.3% below the national average. Housing costs are above the national average at an index of 100.7. A single adult needs to earn approximately $42,110 per year to cover basic expenses.

Housing & Real Estate

Market SnapshotRedfin โ€” January 2026

Median Sale Price

$320,000

Median List Price

$330,024

Price Per Sq Ft

$167

Days on Market

88

Active Inventory

203

Months of Supply

5.1

Balanced market

Zillow Home Value

$296,921

ZHVI โ€” January 2026

Zillow Rent Index

$1,451

ZORI โ€” January 2026

Market CompetitivenessRedfin

Sold Above List

17.5%

Off Market in 2 Weeks

17.4%

Sale-to-List Ratio

98.3%

Buyer's market

Sold Above Asking
17.5%
Under Contract in 2 Wks
17.4%
Listings with Price Drops
23.1%

Price TrendsRedfin

Sale Price โ†‘ 5.4%List Price โ†‘ 12.1%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Market ActivityRedfin

Homes Sold

40

New Listings

95

Pending Sales

46

Homes Sold โ†“ 45.9%New Listings โ†‘ 66.7%Pending โ†“ 31.3%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

Price Per Square FootRedfin

Median Sale $/SF

$167

Median List $/SF

$186

Sale $/SF โ†‘ 1.2%List $/SF โ†‘ 5.1%Mar 24 โ†’ Jan 26

House Price IndexFHFA

How much have housing prices increased in Opelika, AL? According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index for the Auburn-Opelika, AL metro area, home prices have risen 98.3% over the past 20 years. The 10-year growth rate is 97.9%. Over the last 5 years, prices increased 55.0%. In the most recent 2-year period, the index rose 12.4%. The FHFA HPI tracks average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings of single-family properties with conforming mortgages. Because this is a metro-level index, it reflects the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL housing market rather than Opelika alone.

20yr โ†‘ 98.3%10yr โ†‘ 97.9%5yr โ†‘ 55%2yr โ†‘ 12.4%Q3 1987 โ†’ Q4 2025

Metro area: Auburn-Opelika, AL

Opelika vs Similar CitiesCensus ACS / Redfin

Compared to cities with 25,000 - 50,000 residents. Opelika is highlighted.

Median Home Value

Median Rent

Median Price Per Sq Ft

Rent Burden

Census Housing DataU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Home Value

$213,700

Median Rent

$947

Total Housing Units

14,389

Vacancy Rate

8.8%

Owner Occupied

68.8%

Renter Occupied

31.3%

Median Property Tax

$1,093

per year

Monthly Cost (w/ Mortgage)

$922

Housing Types

Single Family
70.3%
Multi-Family
17.2%
Mobile Home
12.5%

Property TaxU.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023

Median Property Tax

$1,093

per year

Effective Tax Rate

0.51%

of home value

Median Home Value

$213,700

Estimated Mean Tax

$917

The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax ($1,093) by the median home value ($213,700). In Opelika, AL, this works out to an effective rate of 0.51%. This is below the national average of approximately 1.1%.

The current median sale price in Opelika, AL is $320,000 according to Redfin data. Homes spend a median of 88 days on the market. 17.5% of homes sold above asking price. The market has 5.1 months of supply. The median price per square foot is $167. Zillow's observed rent index is $1,451/month. About 68.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. The median year homes were built is 1990. There are 14,389 total housing units. Homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $1,093. The effective tax rate is 0.51%, below the national average.

Crime Overview

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)

Violent Crime Rate

5.60

per 1,000 residents

+115% vs national

Property Crime Rate

26.24

per 1,000 residents

+53% vs national

Total Crimes

1,097

2024

Violent Clearance

44%

cases solved

Property Clearance

19%

cases solved

YoY Change

-19.7%

violent crime rate

improving vs 2023

How Opelika Compares

Source: FBI (2024)

Opelika vs Similar Cities

Source: FBI (2024)

Compared to cities with 25,000 - 50,000 residents. Opelika is highlighted in green.

Violent Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Property Crime Rate (per 1,000)

Murder Rate (per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trends

Source: FBI
Violent โ†“ 18.7%Property โ†“ 47.8%2015 โ†’ 2024

Crime Composition

Source: FBI (2024)

Violent Crime Breakdown

Property Crime Breakdown

Crime Clearance (Solve) Rates

Source: FBI (2024)

Opelika police solve 100% of murder cases but only 11% of burglary cases.

Weapon Used in Violent Crime

Source: FBI (2024)

Crime Breakdown

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024)
Crime TypeCategoryCountRate per 1KClearance %
MurderViolent30.09100.0%
RapeViolent170.4941.2%
RobberyViolent190.5552.6%
Aggravated AssaultViolent1544.4741.6%
BurglaryProperty712.0611.3%
Larceny/TheftProperty76422.1819.5%
Motor Vehicle TheftProperty692.0023.2%

Opelika, AL reported 193 violent crimes and 904 property crimes in 2024. The violent crime rate of 5.60 per 1,000 residents is 115.5% above the national average of 2.60 per 1,000. Law enforcement cleared 44% of violent crimes. Larceny/theft accounts for 764 of the property crime reports. Firearms were involved in 44.8% of aggravated assaults. Violent crime has been trending downward.

Crime History

Source: FBI
YearViolentPropertyViolent RateProperty Rate
20241939045.6026.24
20232359566.9828.38
20222728898.5027.77
20212269607.1430.34
20201115993.5319.05
20181681,2145.4539.39
20172231,3997.3245.90
20162211,4767.3248.91
20152061,5026.8950.25

Natural Hazard Risk

Source: FEMA National Risk Index

Risk Score

79.7

Relatively Low

Expected Annual Loss

80.0

Score (0-100)

Social Vulnerability

42.7

Score (0-100)

Community Resilience

52.0

Score (0-100)

Scores range from 0 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk) relative to all U.S. communities. Data from FEMA National Risk Index.

Disaster History & Federal Spending

Source: FEMA

Total Declarations

20

Public Assistance

$10.3M

Individual Assistance

$2.9M

Most Common Type

Hurricane

7 declarations

Public Assistance by Category

Total: $10.9M
DisasterTypeDatePA $IA $
Hurricane Sally โ†’HurricaneSep 2020โ€”โ€”
Covid-19 Pandemic โ†’BiologicalMar 2020$5.5M$1.8M
Covid-19 โ†’BiologicalMar 2020โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and โ€ฆ โ†’TornadoMar 2019$3.0M$810K
Hurricane Irma โ†’HurricaneSep 2017$27Kโ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line โ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormJan 2016$499Kโ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line โ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormMay 2014$637Kโ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line โ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormApr 2011โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Straight-lโ€ฆ โ†’Severe StormApr 2011โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Gustav โ†’HurricaneAug 2008โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Katrina Evacuation โ†’HurricaneSep 2005โ€”โ€”
Hurricane Dennis โ†’HurricaneJul 2005$58Kโ€”
Hurricane Ivan โ†’HurricaneSep 2004$495K$260K
Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding โ†’Severe StormMay 2003โ€”$633
Hurricane Opal โ†’HurricaneOct 1995โ€”โ€”
Severe Snowfall, Winter Storm โ†’SnowstormMar 1993โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding โ†’Severe StormApr 1980โ€”โ€”
Drought โ†’DroughtJul 1977โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding โ†’Severe StormOct 1975โ€”โ€”
Severe Storms & Flooding โ†’FloodMar 1975โ€”โ€”

Showing 20 of 22 disasters

PA = FEMA Public Assistance (infrastructure recovery). IA = Individual Assistance (homeowner/renter aid).

Flood Insurance (NFIP)

Source: FEMA NFIP

Total Claims

61

Total Claims Paid

$501,287

Avg Claim Payout

$8,218

County-level NFIP data from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.

Hazard Mitigation

Source: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance

Mitigation Projects

233

Federal Funding

$3,345,955

Properties Protected

167

Avg Benefit-Cost Ratio

0.59

BCR

Top Mitigation Project Types

Project TypeProjectsFederal $
206.1: Safe Room (Tornado and Severe Wind Shelter) - Private Structures209$841,725
200.1: Acquisition of Private Real Property (Structures and Land) - Riverine5$450,000
206.2: Safe Room (Tornado and Severe Wind Shelter) - Public Structures5$1,149,824
403.4: Stormwater Management - Detention/Retention Basins4$287,176
403.1: Stormwater Management - Culverts; 403.2: Stormwater Management - Diversions2$0

Federally funded projects to reduce future disaster risk. Only includes completed or obligated projects.

Opelika has a relatively low overall natural hazard risk rating according to FEMA's National Risk Index. The top hazard risks are heat wave, lightning, hurricane. The area has had 20 federal disaster declarations. The most common disaster type is hurricane (7 declarations). 61 flood insurance claims have been filed in the area. FEMA has obligated $10,294,755 in public assistance recovery funding. $2,905,472 has been distributed in individual assistance to disaster-affected residents. 233 hazard mitigation projects have been funded to reduce future risk.

Health

Community Health

Source: CDC PLACES

Obesity Rate

42.6%

6.5pp above the national average

Depression Rate

22.1%

1.4pp below the national average

Diabetes Rate

16.1%

4.2pp above the national average

Uninsured Rate

11.3%

0.7pp above the national average

Health Scorecard

Higher scores indicate better health outcomes relative to the national average (50 = average)

Health Outcomes

Age-adjusted prevalence rates. Green bars indicate rates below the national average; red indicates above.

High Cholesterol

39.4%

Arthritis

29.3%

Cancer (excl. skin)

7.5%

Teeth Lost (65+)

17.6%

Health Risk Behaviors

Prevention & Screening

Green bars indicate rates above the national average (more preventive care); red indicates below.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Frequent Mental Distress

17.3%

14+ days in past month

Depression

22.1%

Loneliness

34.5%

Lack of Support

25.6%

Disability Prevalence

Any Disability

36.4%

Mobility

17.7%

Cognitive

16.4%

Hearing

7.6%

Vision

6.9%

Self-Care

5.2%

Independent Living

10.5%

Health-Related Social Needs

Prevalence of social risk factors affecting community health

Opelika has an obesity rate of 42.6%, which is 6.5pp above the national average. The depression rate is 22.1%, 1.4pp below the national average. About 11.3% of adults lack health insurance. 81.2% of residents had an annual checkup in the past year.

Nearby Hospitals

Source: CMS Hospital Compare

Nearest Hospitals

5

With Emergency Services

5

Avg CMS Rating

2.0 / 5

Nearest Hospital

2.9 mi

The East Alabama Healthcare Au...

Loading mapโ€ฆ
HospitalDistanceTypeRatingER
The East Alabama Healthcare Authority2.9 miAcute Care Hospitals3/5Yes
Eamc - Lanier12.7 miRural Emergency Hospitalโ€”Yes
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital23.5 miAcute Care Hospitalsโ€”Yes
Lake Martin Community Hospital24.7 miAcute Care Hospitalsโ€”Yes
Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown26.9 miAcute Care Hospitals1/5Yes

Climate & Environment

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

2

Pop. Served

57,891

Violations (5yr)

0

No violations

System NamePop. ServedViolations (5yr)
OPELIKA, WW BD. OF THE CITY OF45,6210
BEAUREGARD WATER AUTHORITY12,2700

Greenhouse Gas Emitters

Source: EPA GHGRP (2023)

Facilities Reporting

1

Total COโ‚‚e

66.7K MT

Top Emitter

SALEM LANDFILL

66.7K MT COโ‚‚e

Total COโ‚‚e vs Similar Cities (25,000 - 50,000)

FacilitySectorCOโ‚‚e (MT)
SALEM LANDFILL
Waste Management Inc
Waste66,730

Data from EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Includes facilities emitting 25,000+ metric tons COโ‚‚e/year.

There are 2 water systems serving the area. 1 industrial facility reports greenhouse gas emissions totaling 66.7K metric tons of COโ‚‚e.

Infrastructure

Commute Overview2023 ACS

Mean Commute

20 min

-15% vs national

Drive Alone

82.4%

+5% vs national

Public Transit

1.4%

+50% vs national

Work From Home

5.9%

-36% vs national

Carpool

7.9%

Walk / Bike

1.4%

combined

How Opelika's Commute ComparesCensus ACS 2023

How People Get to WorkCensus ACS 2023

Commute Mode BreakdownCensus ACS 2023

Traffic Fatalities

Source: NHTSA FARS (2023)

Fatalities

6

2023

6-Year Avg

5

fatalities/yr

Pedestrian

1

Nighttime

3

dark conditions

YearCrashesFatalitiesAlcoholPedestrianCyclist
202366010
202244021
202144020
202056100
201933100
201855200

Data from NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Includes only crashes involving at least one fatality.

The average commute in Opelika, AL is 20 minutes, which is 15.0% below the national average of 23 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone, compared to the national average of 78.7%. 5.9% work from home, which is above the AL state average of 5.2%. Public transit is used by 1.4% of commuters, compared to the national average of 0.9%. 7.9% of workers carpool. 1.2% walk to work. In 2023, there were 6 traffic fatalities from 6 fatal crashes. 1 was a pedestrian.

Internet & Broadband Access

Source: Census ACS

Broadband Access

83.5%

of households

Cable / Fiber / DSL

76.4%

of households

No Internet

10.9%

of households

Total Households

13,121

Internet Subscription Types

Cable, Fiber, or DSL
76.4%
Cellular Data Plan
76.5%
Satellite
6.1%
Cellular Only (no wired)
4.0%
No Internet Access
10.9%

Device Ownership

Source: Census ACS

Has Computer

92.5%

of households

Smartphone

86.3%

of households

Desktop / Laptop

73.2%

of households

Tablet

57.8%

of households

Any Computing Device
92.5%
Smartphone
86.3%
Desktop / Laptop
73.2%
Tablet
57.8%
Smartphone Only
13.1%
No Computer
7.5%

Percentage of households with each device type. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2023 5-year estimates, tables B28001 & B28002).

Electricity Rates

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2024)

Residential Rate

15.2ยข

per kWh

-20% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

Commercial Rate

13.6ยข

per kWh

-12% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

Industrial Rate

7.3ยข

per kWh

-39% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

Avg Monthly Bill

$174

residential

+18% vs 25,000 - 50,000 avg

11% below the national average of 17.1ยข/kWh

Residential electricity in Alabama averages 15.2ยข per kWh, compared to the national average of 17.1ยข. The average monthly electric bill is $174. State-level averages from EIA Electric Sales & Revenue data (2024).

Opelika vs Similar Cities

Source: EIA (2024)

Comparing electricity rates with randomly selected cities of similar population (25,000 - 50,000). Each city represents its state's average rate.

Residential Rate (ยข/kWh)

Commercial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Industrial Rate (ยข/kWh)

Average Monthly Bill

Water Systems

Source: EPA SDWIS

Water Systems

2

Population Served

57,891

Violations (5yr)

0

System NameTypeSourcePop. ServedViolations
OPELIKA, WW BD. OF THE CITY OFCommunitySurface water45,6210
BEAUREGARD WATER AUTHORITYCommunityGround water12,2700

83.5% of households in Opelika have broadband internet access. 76.4% have cable, fiber, or DSL service. 10.9% of households have no internet access. 13.1% use only a smartphone without a desktop or laptop. The area is served by 2 water systems, providing water to 57,891 people. No water quality violations have been reported in the past 5 years.

Politics & Government

County-level data: Election results are reported at the county level. Opelika is located in Lee County, AL. Results reflect all voters in the county, not just those in Opelika.

Election Overview

Source: Lee County (2024)

2024 Winner

Republican

Dem Votes

25,798

35.5%

GOP Votes

46,020

63.3%

Total Votes

72,695

Margin

R+27.8%

Shift from 2020

R+7.7pp

vs prior election

๐Ÿ“ŠElection Results by Year
2016โ€“2024
๐Ÿ“ˆPartisan Lean Trend
R+27.8%

Election History

Source: County-Level Election Results
YearDem VotesGOP VotesTotalDem %GOP %Margin
202425,79846,02072,69535.5%63.3%R+27.8
202027,86042,22171,44939.0%59.1%R+20.1
201620,98734,32157,66836.4%59.5%R+23.1

In the 2024 presidential election, Lee County recorded 72,695 total votes. Republicans won the county with 63.3% of the vote compared to 35.5% for Democrats, a margin of R+27.8%. Compared to 2020, the margin shifted R+7.7pp from the previous election. Since 2016, Lee County has shifted 4.7 percentage points toward Republicans.

Nonprofits Overview

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Total Nonprofits

220

Total Assets

$134.6M

Total Income

$61.2M

Per 10K Residents

68.9

nonprofits

-19.8% vs peers avg

Orgs with >$1M Assets

18

Median Assets

$215K

Oldest Active

1945

ruling year

Newest Org

2026

ruling year

Nonprofits by Category

Source: IRS / NTEE Classification
Religion
49
Human Services
27
Education
20
Philanthropy
15
Arts & Culture
10
Community Improvement
9
Recreation & Sports
7
Housing & Shelter
6
Youth Development
6
Mental Health
5
Animal-Related
4
Public Safety
4
Environment
3
Crime & Legal
3
Food & Agriculture
3
Public Benefit
3
Health Care
1
Civil Rights
1
Mutual Benefit
1
85.5%of all nonprofit assets are held by the 10 largest organizations

Top 10 hold $115.1M of $134.6M total

Nonprofit Size Distribution

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF

Number of nonprofits by total asset size

When Were Nonprofits Founded?

Source: IRS Ruling Date

Number of currently active nonprofits by founding decade

Nonprofits per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: IRS BMF + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 25,000 - 50,000

Largest Nonprofits in Opelika

Source: IRS Exempt Organizations BMF
OrganizationCategoryAssetsIncomeEst.IRS
EAST ALABAMA MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATIONโ€”$34.0M$5.4M1988
OPELIKA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT INCHousing & Shelter$23.8M$6.1M2003
LEE COUNTY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER INCCrime & Legal$18.2M$10.6M1970
SCOTT FOUNDATION INCPhilanthropy$12.4M$8.2M2007
W JAMES SAMFORD JR FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$9.3M$1.4M2004
FOUR CORNERS MINISTRIESReligion$5.6M$3.5M2007
EASTER SEALS ALABAMA INCโ€”$4.2M$4.9M1967
OPELIKA CHAMBER FOUNDATIONCommunity Improvement$3.6M$611K2015
UNITED WAY OF LEE COUNTY INCโ€”$2.4M$804K1971
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONALโ€”$1.8M$391K1987
ENVISION OPELIKA FOUNDATION INCCommunity Improvement$1.6M$894K2003
HENRY J STERN FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$1.5M$43K2012
CHRISTIAN SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY INCโ€”$1.4M$623K1984
BIGHOUSE INCHuman Services$1.3M$438K2009
STORYBOOK FARM INCRecreation & Sports$1.3M$1.0M2002
CHRIST SERV INCHousing & Shelter$1.1M$655K1983
MISION VIDA NUEVAHuman Services$1.0M$354K2012
HARVEST EVANGELISM INCMental Health$1.0M$1.8M1992
BEAUREGARD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT INCโ€”$978K$224K1981
GREATER PEACE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONHousing & Shelter$816K$1.0M2019
ALABAMA CASA NETWORK INCCivil Rights$772K$2.1M1997
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION CENTERHuman Services$683K$759K1982
MUSEUM OF EAST ALABAMAArts & Culture$631K$160K1990
OPELIKA MAIN STREET INCCommunity Improvement$588K$143K1996
THE WAY 2 SERVE INCHuman Services$536K$379K2009
ONE VOICE SHELTER COALITIONHousing & Shelter$450K$90K2019
BETHESDA FAMILY & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTER INCHuman Services$383K$733K2018
CHILD CARE RESORCE CENTER INCHuman Services$321K$1.5M1990
AUBURN CLASSICAL ACADEMY INCEducation$316K$630K2015
EXODUS RANCHHousing & Shelter$263K$82K2012
BRIDGE TO LIFE MINISTRYReligion$252K$296K2024
ALABAMA SPORTS OFFICIALS FOUNDATION INCโ€”$248K$78K2016
J W DARDEN FOUNDATIONArts & Culture$215K$54K2001
INTERNAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATES SCHOLARSHIP FUNDโ€”$177K$11K1989
EAST ALABAMA GROUP HOME INCโ€”$157K$71K1984
OPELIKA ROTARY CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$155K$65K2019
ALABAMA CHRISTIAN RADIO INCReligion$145K$325K2007
TAMING MUSTANGS INCReligion$144K$539K2018
COUNCIL ON AVIATION ACCREDITATION INCPublic Benefit$139K$62K1993
OPELIKA KIWANIS FOUNDATION INCPhilanthropy$137K$97K2014
ARTS ASSOCIATION OF EAST ALABAMAโ€”$135K$393K1969
AUBURN AREA COMMUNITY THEATREArts & Culture$123K$164K2014
THE@ANN WASHINGTON HILLYER FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$118K$73K1998
KEEP OPELIKA BEAUTIFUL INCEnvironment$87K$56K1998
ANZ FAMILY FOUNDATIONโ€”$76K$72K1991
SARA SCHWARZAUER JESUS LOVES YOU FAMILY FOUNDATIONPhilanthropy$63K$86K2004
ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERSEducation$53K$330K2016
NEW HOPE RESCUE INCHuman Services$44K$211K2020
SOUND WALL MUSIC INITIATIVEArts & Culture$15K$280K2020
HASHEM MINISTRIESReligion$14K$15K2010

Opelika, AL has 220 registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with combined assets of $134.6M. The most common category is Religion-Related, with 49 organizations. 18 nonprofits have assets exceeding $1 million. That works out to 68.9 nonprofits per 10,000 residents. The oldest active nonprofit dates back to 1945.

SBA Lending Overview

Source: SBA FOIA Loan-Level Data

Total SBA Loans

189

Total Approved

$78.4M

Jobs Supported

1,574

Per 10K Residents

59.2

SBA loans

-20.7% vs peers avg

Unique Lenders

71

Top Lender

PNC Bank, National Association

23 loans

Top Industry

Accommodation & Food Services

Data Span

1992โ€“2026

Loan Program Breakdown

Source: SBA FOIA
7(a)81% of all loans

Loans

153

Total Amount

$58.9M

Avg Loan

$385,153

Median Loan

$150,000

SBA Guaranteed

$44.9M(76%)

Jobs Supported

1,220

50419% of all loans

Loans

36

Total Amount

$19.4M

Avg Loan

$540,250

Median Loan

$410,500

7(a) โ€” 81%504 โ€” 19%

Recent Activity (Last 5 Years)

Source: SBA FOIA

Recent Loans

55

29% of all-time total

Recent Amount

$27.7M

35% of all-time total

Avg Recent Loan

$503,322

Top Industries Funded

Source: SBA FOIA / NAICS Codes
Accommodation & Food Services37 loans
NAICS 72
$23.8M
Professional & Technical Services17 loans
NAICS 54
$2.0M
Retail Trade16 loans
NAICS 45
$3.7M
Retail Trade15 loans
NAICS 44
$8.3M
Health Care & Social Assistance13 loans
NAICS 62
$10.1M

SBA Loans per 10K Residents vs Similar Cities

Source: SBA FOIA + Census ACS

Compared to cities with population 25,000 - 50,000

Top SBA Borrowers

Source: SBA FOIA
BusinessLoansAmount
Vn2a Hotels Llc1$4.0M
Premier Eye Associates Opelika Llc2$3.8M
Lark Associates Inc.1$2.8M
To Properties Llc1$2.5M
Rcs Industrial & Environmental Llc1$2.3M
Sm America Llc2$2.1M
Wika Holdings Llc1$2.1M
Knights Inn2$2.0M
Matador Holdings Inc D/b/a Davis-dyar Supply Co. of Opelika1$1.9M
Country Inn & Suites Opelika1$1.8M

Opelika, AL has received 189 SBA loans totaling $78.4M in approved funding between 1992 and 2026. The 7(a) program accounts for 153 loans (81% of the total), supporting 1,220 jobs. The 504 program, focused on real estate and large equipment, has funded 36 loans totaling $19.4M. The most common industry receiving SBA funding is Accommodation & Food Services. The most active SBA lender in Opelika is PNC Bank, National Association with 23 loans. That works out to 59.2 SBA loans per 10,000 residents.

ZIP Code Overview

Source: Census ACS

ZIP Codes

4

Total Population

51,529

Avg Median Income

-$166,618,443

Avg Home Value

-$166,528,091

ZIP Code Details

Source: Census ACS
ZIP CodePopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueMedian RentArea (sq mi)
3680124,504$58,256$211,400$92678.3
3680419,469$57,842$178,100$802197.2
368495,224N/AN/AN/A0.7
368522,332$76,794$164,800$85229.3

Opelika, AL has 4 ZIP codes with a combined population of 51,529. The average median household income across all ZIP codes is -$166,618,443. The average median home value is -$166,528,091. The average median monthly rent is -$166,666,021.

Similar Cities

Cities with similar population, income, housing, crime, education, and demographic profiles.

County Data

Advertisement