Opelika, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Opelika, Alabama is 31,944 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $58,763, the median home value is $213,700, and the median age is 40.2.
The population has grown 31.9% since 2010 (26,535 → 35,005).
31,944
Population
519
People / sq mi
$58,763
Median Income
$213,700
Median Home Value
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Opelika covers 61.5 sq mi of land at 519 people per square mile.
About Opelika, AL
Opelika stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 519 people per square mile. Opelika is a city in Alabama with a population of 31,944. It ranks #17 among cities in Alabama by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $58,763, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.2%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $213,700, with typical rent around $947.
Roughly 33.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, near the national 35.0%. Just 5.9% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Opelika city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Opelika city had a population of 26,535 in 2010 and 35,005 in 2024, a 31.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 35,005 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.00%.
35,005
Population (2024)
26,535
Population (2010)
35,005
Peak (2024)
2.00%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,535 |
| 2011 | 27,488 |
| 2012 | 28,141 |
| 2013 | 28,715 |
| 2014 | 29,133 |
| 2015 | 29,487 |
| 2016 | 29,864 |
| 2017 | 30,309 |
| 2018 | 30,626 |
| 2019 | 30,908 |
| 2020 | 31,071 |
| 2021 | 31,534 |
| 2022 | 32,762 |
| 2023 | 33,692 |
| 2024 | 35,005 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.4% |
| Black or African American | 37.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$58,763
Median Household Income
$33,595
Per Capita Income
12.2%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$213,700
Median Home Value
$947
Median Rent
68.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.2%
High School+
33.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.3%
Drive Alone
82.4%
Public Transit
5.9%
Work From Home
21.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
25.0%
Foreign Born
91.3%
Non-English at Home
8.2%
Veterans
15.4%
With Disability
90.8%
Health Insurance
92.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.4% |
| Manufacturing | 16.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.5% |
| Information | 6.3% |
| Construction | 3.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.5% |
| Retail Trade | 3.2% |
| Public Administration | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Opelika, Alabama has a population of 31,944 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Opelika, Alabama is $58,763, with 12.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Opelika, Alabama is $213,700, with median monthly rent at $947 and a homeownership rate of 68.8%.
The median age in Opelika, Alabama is 40.2 years. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The population has grown 31.9% since 2010 (26,535 → 35,005).
Where to stay in Opelika
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Alabama
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.