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Opelika, AL

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Opelika, AL

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Demographics

Majority WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 60
Population31,944
Foreign Born3.4%
Population Density515people per mi²
Median Age40.2 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
GrowingSince 2010, this city's population has grown with relatively minor shifts in racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

79/100

21% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Opelika, Alabama

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $15k$28k
Comfortable $42k$61k
Luxury $103k+$160k+
Elite (Top 5%) $121k+$188k+
Affordability Ratio

96%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A-
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean80%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
40
Poor
15
Negative
7

Groceries

4 within 10 miles

2.6mi

Gas

0 within 10 miles

Hospital

3 within 20 miles

1.6mi

Airport

Auburn University Regional Airport

3.8mi

Post Office

USPS — Auburn, AL

6.2mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

1 private club within 10 miles.

Golf1Nearest 3.9 mi
Camping20Nearest 8.5 mi
Marina0Nearest 13.7 mi
Winery0 
Ice Rink0Nearest 26.4 mi
Gun Range1Nearest 1.8 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
C-
Average

A middle-class area roughly in line with national averages across income, home values, education, and employment.

Median HHI
$59k+6.4%
22% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$262k
60% below US avg
College Educated
33.5%
4% below US avg
WFH
5.9%
59% below US avg
Homeownership
68.8%
5% above US avg
Median Home
$214k
24% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
C-
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 60% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
24.4
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−36.0%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−38.2%
Homicide
0.14 / 1k Residents64% above state avg
Robbery
0.42 / 1k Residents38% above state avg
Aggravated Assault
3.30 / 1k Residents19% above state avg

Property Crime

5yr−33.9%
Burglary
2.38 / 1k Residents11% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
15.94 / 1k Residents47% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
1.50 / 1k Residents6% below state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+23Solidly Conservative

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Opelika, Alabama
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%200020042008

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B-
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C+
Weak9.8% of income
Property Rights
D
WeakIJ Grade D
Firearm Rights
A-
GreatFPC Grade A-
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (45% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
F
ProhibitedIllegal
Gambling Laws
F
ProhibitedTribal · Poker · Betting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season269 days346 frost-free
Annual Rainfall56.8"
Elevation810 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
C+
Exposed

Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
A-
Good840 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
C-
Weak515/sq mi
Fallout Danger
D-
Poor3 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
D-
PoorInland Flooding
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 733 mi · coast 168 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$40.4M/yrfor the county

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-19T19:03:01.000Z

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