Opelika city, Alabama Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Opelika city, Alabama has a total population of 31,944, the 17th largest city in Alabama, with a median household income of $58,763, which is 5% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.0%.
Opelika city Quick Facts
How Opelika city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 52 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Opelika city Rankings in Alabama
Explore Alabama Rankings
Cities Similar to Opelika city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northport city | 30,991 | $77,781 | $258,800 | 37.1% | 12.6% |
| Enterprise city | 28,990 | $68,306 | $198,500 | 24.6% | 17.4% |
| Athens city | 27,474 | $65,000 | $253,700 | 30.8% | 13.5% |
| Gadsden city | 33,617 | $38,699 | $101,900 | 14.8% | 27.6% |
| Alabaster city | 33,633 | $90,163 | $242,600 | 40.8% | 5.3% |
Population Overview
Opelika city is a mid-sized community located in Alabama. The total population is 31,944. It ranks as the 17th most populous out of 589 cities and towns in Alabama.
Age Demographics
The median age in Opelika city is 40.2 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 39.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Opelika city is $58,763. This is 5% lower than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%. This is 4% lower than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. This is 6% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $213,700. Housing costs are 10% higher than the state median of $195,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% lower than the state average of 69.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Opelika city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 50.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 36.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (9.7% vs 5.4%).
Education
33.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% higher than the state rate of 27.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Opelika city, Alabama is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Alabama state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 589 Census-designated places in Alabama. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Opelika city, Alabama?
Opelika city, Alabama has a population of 31,944 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Opelika city, AL?
The median household income in Opelika city is $58,763, which is 25% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Opelika city, AL?
The poverty rate in Opelika city is 15.0%. This means approximately 4,718 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Opelika city, Alabama?
Opelika city's population is 50.3% White, 36.4% Black, 9.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Opelika city, AL?
The median home value in Opelika city is $213,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
How educated is Opelika city, Alabama?
33.5% of adults (25+) in Opelika city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.