C+

Overall78.7kPopulation

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C+

ReloScore

78.7kPopulation

Photo: Wikipedia

Auburn, AL

Summary

Auburn, Alabama, is a dynamic college town anchored by Auburn University, blending a youthful, energetic atmosphere with strong conservative values and a deep sense of community. With a population of 78,738, the city is defined by its low violent crime rate of 95.9 per 100,000 residents, a robust economy driven by education and research, and a cost of living that remains attractive compared to national averages. The typical resident is a single individual or young family drawn by the university's influence, the area's family-friendly reputation, and a lifestyle that prioritizes safety, education, and outdoor recreation.

Who Lives in Auburn: A Young, Educated, and Growing Community

Auburn's population is notably young, with a median age of just 25.6, reflecting the massive presence of Auburn University's student body and recent graduates who stay to build careers. The city is highly educated, with 62.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, a figure that far exceeds state and national averages and underscores the area's knowledge-based economy. The population is predominantly White, with a growing diversity driven by the university's international draw; 6.9% of residents are foreign-born, a share that has risen steadily as the university recruits globally. The community is overwhelmingly conservative, with Lee County consistently voting Republican in state and national elections, and local culture reflects traditional Southern values of hospitality, faith, and civic engagement. The population has grown substantially over the past decade, fueled by university expansion, new housing developments, and an influx of families seeking a safe, high-quality school system. Notable communities include the historic downtown district, the sprawling master-planned neighborhoods of the Ogletree Road area, and the student-heavy zones near campus, each offering a distinct slice of Auburn life.

Auburn's Economy and Cost of Living: Stable, Affordable, and University-Led

The local economy is dominated by Auburn University, the city's largest employer, which drives a stable job market in education, research, and administration. Major employers also include the Auburn-Opelika Hospital system, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing plant in nearby Montgomery, and a growing cluster of engineering and technology firms drawn by the university's research output. The median household income of $56,123 is below the national median, but the cost of living remains manageable, with a median home value of $342,400 and a median rent of $1,034. Homeownership sits at 52%, a rate that reflects the transient student population but also a healthy market for families and professionals. Housing costs have risen noticeably in recent years, driven by demand from new residents and limited inventory, but Auburn remains more affordable than comparable college towns like Athens, GA, or Columbia, SC. For renters, the market is competitive near campus but offers more options in the expanding northern and western corridors. The economic trajectory is positive, with steady job growth tied to the university's expansion and a low unemployment rate that consistently undercuts the national figure.

Daily Life and Quality of Life in Auburn: Safety, Schools, and Southern Charm

Daily life in Auburn is defined by its walkable, tree-lined downtown, where residents gather at local coffee shops, restaurants like The Hound, and the iconic Toomer's Drugs for lemonade. The city's violent crime rate of 95.9 per 100,000 is dramatically lower than the national average, making it one of the safest cities of its size in Alabama, a key draw for families and single women. The Auburn City School System is highly rated, with schools like Auburn High School and Ogletree Elementary consistently earning top marks for academics and extracurriculars. Outdoor amenities are abundant, including the 1,200-acre Chewacla State Park for hiking and mountain biking, the Auburn University Arboretum, and the 7-mile paved trail system along the Saugahatchee Creek. Walkability is concentrated downtown and near campus, but most residents rely on cars for errands and commuting. The social scene revolves around university events—football Saturdays in the fall are a citywide ritual—and community gatherings like the Auburn CityFest. For families, the combination of excellent schools, low crime, and a tight-knit community creates a safe, nurturing environment, while singles find a vibrant social calendar tied to the university's cultural and athletic offerings.

Looking ahead, Auburn is poised for continued steady growth, driven by university expansion and a reputation as a safe, affordable haven in the Southeast. It is an ideal fit for conservative families and young professionals who prioritize education, safety, and a strong sense of community, but may feel limiting for those seeking urban nightlife or significant ethnic diversity. What truly distinguishes Auburn is its seamless blend of small-town Southern charm and the intellectual energy of a top-tier research university—a combination that creates a uniquely stable and appealing quality of life.

ReloMaps Score5/10

C+

HousingHousing Affordability4/10

Stretched: 6.1x income

Population Density7/10

Suburban: 1,228/sq mi

HumidityClimate Comfort3/10

Sweaty: 71°F dew pt

HealthcareHealthcare Access6/10

Strong

StabilityPopulation Stability7/10

Growing

CostCost of Living8/10

Affordable: 102 index

Economic Opportunity4/10

Stable: $56k median

Job Market9/10

Strong: 2.8% unemployment

Wealth Floor3/10

Struggling

Taxes6/10

Moderate: 9.8% burden

Crime & Safety8/10

Very Safe

TrafficTraffic Safety8/10

Very Safe

Education9/10

Strong

DegreedPopulation Education Level8/10

High: 63% degreed

HomesteadingHomesteading Potential10/10

Prime

WaterTap Water9/10

Clean

National DisasterNational Disaster Risk2/10

High-Risk

Power Grid9/10

Reliable: ~121 min/yr

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What It's Like Living in Auburn, AL

Living in Auburn, Alabama, feels like being part of a small town that happens to have a major university at its center. The energy is driven by Auburn University, but the day-to-day rhythm is slower and more neighborly than you’d expect from a city of nearly 79,000 people. You’ll find a mix of students, young families, and retirees who all share a deep pride in the orange and blue, but the lifestyle here is less about hustle and more about finding your routine—whether that’s a Saturday morning at the farmers market or a weeknight dinner at a local spot like The Hound.

Daily Rhythm and Who Fits In

Most people here live within a 19-minute commute of work, school, or campus, which means you actually have time for things like a quick coffee at Coffee Cat or a walk through the arboretum. The median age is just 25.6, so you’ll see a lot of young professionals and graduate students, but the city also attracts conservative-leaning families who value the strong school system and the relative safety—violent crime sits at 95.9 per 100,000, well below the national average. The median household income is $56,123, which is modest, but the cost of living index is 102, just a hair above the US average, so your money goes further here than in many college towns. The kind of person who fits in best is someone who doesn’t mind a slower pace, enjoys being outdoors, and is comfortable with a community where church, football, and family are the main pillars of social life.

Sports, Community, and the Auburn Identity

Sports aren’t just entertainment here—they’re the cultural backbone. Auburn University football dominates the fall, with game days transforming the entire town into a sea of tailgates, traffic, and tradition. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, you’ll feel the energy. High school sports are also a big deal; Auburn High School’s football games draw huge crowds, and the local youth leagues are well-supported. Beyond the field, the community identity is wrapped up in traditions like rolling Toomer’s Corner after a win, the annual Auburn CityFest, and the Christmas parade that shuts down downtown. There’s a strong sense of “Auburn family” that extends beyond the university—people look out for each other, and newcomers are welcomed quickly if they show genuine interest in the place.

What’s There to Do: Eats, Outdoors, and Nightlife

Weekends here are built around a few key things: eating, hiking, and hanging out. You’ll find locals at Amsterdam Café for brunch, Hamilton’s on Magnolia for a nicer dinner, or Mama Mocha’s for coffee and conversation. The bar scene is split between student-heavy spots like SkyBar and more laid-back places like The Hound or Avondale Brewing (a Birmingham transplant that’s popular with older crowds). Outdoorsy types head to Chewacla State Park for hiking and mountain biking, or to Lake Martin (about 30 minutes away) for boating and swimming. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art offers a quiet cultural escape, and the Davis Arboretum is a free, peaceful walk that’s popular with families. The biggest annual events are Auburn CityFest in the spring and the Southern Makers Festival in the fall, both of which bring live music, local art, and food vendors downtown.

Honest Pros and Cons of Living Here

What residents love: The strong sense of community and safety—you can leave your door unlocked in many neighborhoods. The schools are excellent, with a 62.8% college-educated population driving high academic standards. The low commute times mean you actually have time for hobbies and family. Game days are electric, even if you’re not a fan.
What frustrates them: Traffic on game weekends is genuinely bad—plan to stay home or walk. The job market is heavily tied to the university and a few large employers like East Alabama Medical Center and Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in nearby Lincoln, so career options can feel limited for specialized fields. The weather is humid and hot from May through September, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Some locals find the social scene a bit insular—if you’re not connected to the university or a church, it can take effort to build a circle.

One quirk you’ll notice: people here take their coffee and sweet tea very seriously, and you’ll hear “War Eagle” as a greeting year-round, not just on Saturdays. The median home value is $342,400, which is steep for a small city but reflects the desirability of the school district and the limited housing stock. If you’re looking for a place where you can raise kids, walk to a game, and actually know your neighbors, Auburn delivers—just be ready for the humidity and the occasional traffic jam caused by a tractor or a tailgate.