Opelika, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
32,820
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,004/yr
10.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,020
4.4% year-over-year change

Opelika population

How many people live in Opelika

Opelika is home to 32,820 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Opelika locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
32,820
2.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
16,248
Female
50.5%
16,572
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,248 49.5% 2.9%
Female 16,572 50.5% 2.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Opelika is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.6% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
28.6%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
18.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,353 19.4% 11.7%
15 to 24 3,046 9.3% -9.9%
25 to 44 9,377 28.6% 6.2%
45 to 64 7,995 24.4% -3.6%
Over 65 6,049 18.4% 5.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Opelika, 93.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 52.9% of locals are Caucasian, 39% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
3.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 30,786 93.8% 2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 829 2.5% -13.4%
Non-citizens 1,205 3.7% 11.5%
Racial breakdown
White
52.9%
Black or African American
39%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 17,365 52.9%
Black or African American 12,812 39%
American Indian and Alaska Native 230 0.7%
Asian 607 1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 29 0.1%
Two or more races 1,524 4.6%
Other 253 0.8%

Households in Opelika

A peek inside Opelika households

Opelika has 13,467 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.2% are families, while the remaining 36.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,467
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,953
Family households
8,514
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,953 36.8% 3.7%
Family households 8,514 63.2% 2.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Opelika

The housing landscape of Opelika

Opelika's housing consists of 15,020 units, with 68.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,020
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,337 68.8%
1 unit, attached 487 3.2%
2 units 729 4.8%
3 or 4 units 511 3.4%
5 to 9 units 449 3%
10 to 19 units 254 1.7%
20 to 49 units 302 2%
50 or more units 428 2.8%
Mobile home 1,514 10.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
958
91.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Opelika

In Opelika, the median construction year is 1992. About 4.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19% between 2010 and 2019, and 6.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 735 4.9% 18.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 399 2.7% 4.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 868 5.8% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,552 10.3% 5.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,811 12.1% -13.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,815 12.1% -0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,815 12.1% 4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,208 14.7% -1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,859 19% 8.9%
Built in 2020 or later 958 6.4% 91.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Opelika occupancy rates

Out of the 13,467 occupied housing units in Opelika, 69.1% are owner-occupied, while 30.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,467
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,167
Owner occupied
9,300
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,167 30.9% 1.6%
Owner occupied 9,300 69.1% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
10.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Opelika housing costs

Housing costs in Opelika come to a median of $989 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $950.

Median housing costs per month
$989/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Opelika
$950/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Opelika

Opelika education at a glance

About 30.4% of the population in Opelika went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 21.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,256 5% -15.0%
High school diploma 7,577 30.4% -6.5%
College diploma 5,126 20.5% -3.4%
Associate degree 2,213 8.9% 5.3%
Bachelor's degree 5,460 21.9% 11.7%
Graduate degree 3,332 13.4% 11.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Opelika

How much people earn in Opelika

The average annual household income in Opelika was $82,687 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,004, reflecting a +10.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Opelika
$82,687/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Opelika
$65,004/year
10.6% year-over-year change

Opelika income by age

In Opelika, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,375. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,333 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,757, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,578 in earnings. Overall, 84.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,757 -0.3%
25 - 44 $74,375 21.6%
45 - 64 $68,333 2.4%
Over 65 $52,578 6.1%
Above poverty level
26,642
Below poverty level
5,035
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 26,642 84.1% 1.4%
Below poverty level 5,035 15.9% 8.3%

Average renter income in Opelika

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Opelika, their median household income was $29,866 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,866
Rent-to-income ratio
38.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Opelika

Workforce and job types in Opelika

The job market in Opelika is powered by 14,832 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,832
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
11,410
Blue collar
3,422
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,410 76.9% 0.8%
Blue collar 3,422 23.1% -2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,215 8.2% 1.1%
Private companies 9,854 66.4% -2.7%
Governmental workers 2,465 16.6% 10.5%
Not for profit companies 1,298 8.8% 1.1%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
10.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Opelika stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Opelika

How people get around in Opelika

In Opelika, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
4.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,056 89% -1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 158 1.1% -20.2%
Motorcycle 16 0.1% N/A
Walk 166 1.1% -7.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Opelika by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36801 25,438 10,651 $62,414 $80,037
36804 20,535 7,849 $61,880 $83,982

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Opelika demographics 

What is the total population of Opelika?

Opelika has a total population of 32,820 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Opelika?

The gender ratio in Opelika is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (16,248 residents)
  • 50.5% females (16,572 residents)

What is the median age in Opelika?

The median age in Opelika is 39.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Opelika?

The age distribution in Opelika is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (6,353 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (3,046 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.6% (9,377 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (7,995 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.4% (6,049 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Opelika?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Opelika is as follows:
  • White: 52.9% (17,365 residents)
  • Black or African American: 39% (12,812 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (230 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (607 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (29 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (1,524 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (253 residents)

What percentage of the population in Opelika are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.8% of the population in Opelika.

How many housing units are there in Opelika?

There are 15,020 housing units in Opelika, reflecting a +4.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Opelika and what is the average household size?

Opelika has a total of 13,467 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Opelika?

Opelika has a median household income of $65,004, representing a +10.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Opelika?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Opelika, with a workforce of 14,832 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.9% (11,410 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.1% (3,422 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (1,215 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (9,854 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (2,465 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (1,298 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025