Auburn-Opelika
RANK #132 / 996 NAT · #4 / 27 AL · POP 175,126
1YR FORECAST: +3.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
Lee County, Alabama, is often recognized for Auburn, a city that blends a dynamic university atmosphere with a strong community feel. Located in east-central Alabama, near the Georgia border, Lee County offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The county also provides curb-to-curb public transit services. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Chewacla State Park, which features a 26-acre lake for fishing, hiking, and biking, or visit the 130-acre Lee County Public Fishing Lake. Life in Lee County appeals to a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, drawn by its quality of life. The public school systems in the county are well-regarded, particularly Auburn City Schools. The economy benefits from a diverse base, including higher education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Recent economic activity has seen investment in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, biotechnology, and high-tech manufacturing. The presence of Auburn University contributes to job opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Miele Manufacturing Plant
Miele
|
$400M | Under Construction |
|
Auburn City Schools 2035 Facilities Master Plan
Auburn City Schools
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Faith Technologies Manufacturing Project
Faith Technologies Incorporated
|
$79M | Planned |
|
Waste Management Renewable Natural Gas Facility
Waste Management Renewable Energy
|
$57M | Under Construction |
|
Core Scientific Data Center Expansion (AUBix Auburn 1)
Core Scientific
|
$55M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lee County ranks #132 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 87/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +2.0% and a median household income of $59,288 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Lee County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $224,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.26, with rents averaging $953/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Lee County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.0% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +4.0% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.52% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lee County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.