Where is Opelika, Alabama, USA?

Written and fact-checked by | Reviewed by WhereIG Editorial Team | Last updated: August 14, 2026, 18:45 ET

Where is Opelika Located? - Opelika is a city located in the Lee County of Alabama, United States. Opelika lies between 34.8029 Degrees North latitudes and 86.9717 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Opelika, Alabama

Where is Opelika, Alabama

Opelika Map, Alabama, USA

Where is Opelika?: The Google Map showing the location of Opelika in the U.S. state of Alabama.

Where is Opelika Located?

Opelika is a city located in the Lee County of Alabama, United States. Opelika lies between 34.8029 Degrees North latitudes and 86.9717 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Opelika city is 30995 people and the city has a total area of 59.07 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Opelika, Alabama Quick Facts

AttributeInformation
CityOpelika
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
State CapitalMontgomery
US RegionSouth (East South Central)
Latitude32.6454° N
Longitude85.3783° W
Elevation735 ft (224 m)
Land Area59.21 sq mi
Water Area0.08 sq mi
Total Area59.29 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)30,995
Population DensityApproximately 523 per sq mi
ZIP Codes36801, 36803, 36804
Area Code334
Time Zone StandardCentral Standard Time (CST, UTC−6)
Time Zone DaylightCentral Daylight Time (CDT, UTC−5)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code01-57016
Congressional DistrictAlabama's 3rd Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Opelika

CategoryInformation
Airport NameAuburn University Regional Airport
IATA CodeAUO
Nearest Major AirportHartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Major HighwaysInterstate 85, U.S. Route 280, U.S. Route 431, Alabama Highway 15
Rail ServiceFreight rail service available in the region
Public TransitLee-Russell Public Transit services
Regional ConnectionsAuburn metropolitan area, Columbus, and eastern Alabama access
  • Opelika is a city located in Lee County, Alabama, and serves as the county seat.
  • The city is part of the Auburn metropolitan area and is located near the Alabama–Georgia border.
  • Opelika developed as a railroad and agricultural center during the nineteenth century.
  • The city is known for its historic downtown, manufacturing, education connections, and proximity to Auburn University.

Top Places to Visit in Opelika, Alabama

Landmark NameType
Historic Downtown OpelikaHistoric District
Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics CenterSports and Recreation Facility
Spring Villa Historic SiteHistoric Landmark and Park
Chewacla State ParkState Park and Outdoor Recreation Area
Auburn University CampusEducational and Cultural Attraction
Grand National Golf CourseGolf Course
John Emerald Distilling CompanyBrewery and Distillery Attraction
Opelika Center for the Performing ArtsPerforming Arts Venue
Tiger TownShopping and Entertainment Area
Louise Kreher Forest Ecology PreserveNature Preserve

Driving Distances from Opelika, Alabama to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
AuburnAlabama510 minutes
ColumbusGeorgia3540 minutes
MontgomeryAlabama1001 hour 30 minutes
BirminghamAlabama1202 hours
AtlantaGeorgia1101 hour 45 minutes
TuscaloosaAlabama1502 hours 20 minutes
MobileAlabama3004 hours 30 minutes
HuntsvilleAlabama2203 hours 30 minutes
ChattanoogaTennessee1803 hours
NashvilleTennessee2504 hours

Colleges and Universities Near Opelika, Alabama

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Auburn UniversityPublicUniversityEngineering, agriculture, business, veterinary medicine, and research
Southern Union State Community College – Wadley CampusPublicCommunity CollegeTechnical education, workforce training, and transfer programs
Tuskegee UniversityPrivateUniversityEngineering, agriculture, science, and historical significance
Columbus State UniversityPublicUniversityBusiness, education, arts, and sciences
Chattahoochee Valley Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeCareer programs, technical education, and academic transfer

Waterbodies Near Opelika, Alabama

Saugahatchee Creek, Sougahatchee Creek Reservoir, Chewacla Creek, Lake Martin, and nearby waterways of Lee County.

Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near Opelika

Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics Center, Auburn University athletic facilities including Jordan-Hare Stadium, Grand National Golf Course, and regional sports complexes.

Opelika, Alabama — Key Historical Facts

  • Opelika was incorporated in 1854 and developed as a railroad and trading center in eastern Alabama.
  • The city's name comes from a Muscogee (Creek) word meaning "large swamp" or "great marsh."
  • Rail transportation played an important role in Opelika's early growth and helped establish the city as a regional commercial hub.
  • During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Opelika's economy was influenced by agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing.
  • The preservation of Historic Downtown Opelika reflects the city's railroad-era heritage and architectural character.
  • Today, Opelika is recognized for its historic downtown, industrial growth, recreational facilities, and connection to Auburn University and the Auburn metropolitan area.

References

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