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Auburn-Opelika, AL Metro Area

Auburn-Opelika, AL · Metro Area

199,825Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 2 counties (1 central, 1 outlying), part of the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income
$63,649
Median home value
$247,500
Land area
1,216 sq mi
164 people per sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

CountyRolePopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
Lee County, ALCentral181,134$65,824$262,200
Macon County, ALOutlying18,691$43,707$102,000

Largest cities and towns

8 places in our city pages lie in this area.

PlaceTypePopulationMedian income
Auburn, ALCity80,594$63,668
Opelika, ALCity32,820$65,004
Tuskegee, ALCity8,938$38,000
Smiths Station, ALCity5,496$64,669
Notasulga, ALTown1,050$42,411
Shorter, ALTown404$48,125
Loachapoka, ALTown223$41,985
Franklin, ALTown132$81,103

Also in the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL combined area

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate
19.4%
Unemployment
4%
College Educated
40.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income
$63,649
Mean Household Income
$87,649

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male
49.1%
Female
50.9%

Population Split

Male49.1%
Female50.9%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English12.2%
Irish8.0%
German7.0%
Scottish2.6%
Mexican2.2%
Italian1.8%
African1.2%
Polish1.0%
French0.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

6.5%Foreign Born
93.5%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized30.4%
Non-Citizen69.6%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later56.7%
Before 201043.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units
89,272
Median Rent
$1,026/mo
Median Home Value
$247,500
Median Year Built
1996

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled
66,972
College Enrollment
40.8%
High School
14.9%
College Educated
40.4%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time
22.4 min
Drive Alone Rate
78.3%
Public Transit
0.6%
Work From Home
9.3%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18
20.4%
18-34 Years
30.7%
35-64 Years
34.9%
65+ Years
14.0%

Population Composition

Under 1820.4%
18-3430.7%
35-6434.9%
65+14.0%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples
44.0%
Single Parent
6.7%
Living Alone
32.1%
Avg Size
2.48

Household Types

Married Couples44.0%
Single Parent6.7%
Living Alone32.1%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income
$35,042
SNAP Usage
11.3%
Health Insurance
91.3%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k23.6%
$25k - $50k18.0%
$50k - $100k27.1%
$100k+31.4%

Key Industries

Manufacturing
11.6%
Retail Trade
10.3%
Education & Health Care
30.0%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

13.5%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

91.3%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet
88.0%vs ~90% National Avg
Computer Ownership
95.0%vs ~95% National Avg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better
87.9
0130
Below average< 97
Near average97 - 103
Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better
146.9
0200
Hard to Afford< 80
Moderate80 - 100
Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)