Population189,881 (2025 est.)
Campus Energy Meets Creekside Trails and Towns
Lee County, AlabamaLee County brings Auburn and Opelika together in east central Alabama, combining a university community with the county seat and a wider network of smaller places. Auburn University’s presence gives one part of the county a campus focus, while Opelika offers a different civic center. At Chewacla State Park, the lake, creeks and trails add an outdoor dimension. Begin with the kind of day you want, then explore the connections between these local settings.
Lee County at a Glance
Population189,881 (2025 est.)
County SeatOpelika
Largest CityAuburn
Established1866
ZIP CodesSee postal resources
Total Area, Including Water616 sq mi (total)
Major RoutesInterstate 85; U.S. Highway 29; U.S. Highway 80; U.S. Highway 280; U.S. Highway 431; State Route 14
Area CodesVaries by community
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Discover Lee County
Lee County
Lee County was established in 1866, and Opelika became its county seat. Auburn and Opelika now form the paired urban centers most closely associated with the county, but they offer different ways to understand the area. The university helps define Auburn's identity, while Opelika anchors county government. Chewacla adds another layer: its landscape includes stone cottages built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The county's story can be approached through civic history, education or the development of public recreation.
A visit can combine time around Auburn with a stop in Opelika, or focus on the trails and lake at Chewacla State Park. The park offers hiking and mountain biking alongside picnic areas and camping, so an outdoor day can take several forms. Use the park's own information to choose activities, then explore the county's city and university resources for other stops. Keeping those plans close together leaves more time to enjoy each place.
What Shapes Us
University Life
Auburn University's presence helps distinguish Auburn within the county, adding a recognizable academic setting to the communities linked by the Auburn and Opelika area.
Civic Connections
Opelika serves as the county seat and provides a starting point for county services, while nearby communities add their own settings and local histories.
Creeks and Trails
Chewacla State Park brings a lake, creeks and trail choices together, allowing visitors to combine woodland scenery with several kinds of outdoor recreation.
Make room for campus, community and creekside discovery.
A Closer Look
Lee County
Places and perspectives from Lee County
Lee County headlines via Google News
Write-in campaign launched for longtime Lee County sheriff who was defeated in bitter primary - AL.com
Write-in campaign launched for longtime Lee County sheriff who was defeated in bitter primary AL.com
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Lee County
Stories from every corner of Lee County.
Write-in campaign launched for longtime Lee County sheriff who was defeated in bitter primary - AL.com
Write-in campaign launched for longtime Lee County sheriff who was defeated in bitter primary AL.com
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Lee County Sheriff-elect Cam Hunt vows to terminate Flock camera contract - 1819 News
Lee County Sheriff-elect Cam Hunt vows to terminate Flock camera contract 1819 News
Oct 15, 2026 • 2 min read
Man identified after fatal shootout on Lee Road 379; second victim in critical condition - WTVM.com
Man identified after fatal shootout on Lee Road 379; second victim in critical condition WTVM.com
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
1 dead, 1 wounded in exchange of gunfire on Lee County road - AL.com
1 dead, 1 wounded in exchange of gunfire on Lee County road AL.com
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
UPDATE: One dead, one injured in Lee County shooting; investigators say two men exchanged gunfire - CNAW 2 with Colin Scroggins
UPDATE: One dead, one injured in Lee County shooting; investigators say two men exchanged gunfire CNAW 2 with Colin…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
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Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Auburn University Regional Airport
Southern Union State Community College
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Auburn Early Education Center – Elementary; grades KG-02. 721 E University Dr, Auburn, AL 36830. 334-887-4950.
Loachapoka Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-06. 685 Lee Road 61, Loachapoka, AL 36865. 334-705-6031.
Carver Primary School – Elementary; grades KG-03. 307 Carver Ave, Opelika, AL 36801. 334-745-9712.
Lakewood Elementary School – Elementary; grades 03-05. 24 Explorer Drive, Phenix City, AL 36867. 334-732-1173.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
The East Alabama Healthcare Authority – Acute Care Hospitals. 2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. 334-528-1300.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
Parks & Public Lands
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Trails
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Utilities
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Auburn Public Library – 749 East Thach Ave, Auburn, AL 36830. 334-501-3190.
Opelika Public Library – 200 South 6Th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. 334-705-5380.
Courts
DMV
Alabama — Driver License Offices
Alabama — License and ID Cards
Alabama — Driver Records, Crash Reports, and Driver License Reinstatements
Transportation
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Lee County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Lee County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
189,881 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
615.850 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Lee County Commission, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Probate Court, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Corrections, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Emergency Management Agency, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Solid Waste, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Human Resources, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Auburn University, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Veterans Affairs, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Chewacla offers hiking and mountain biking trails, a lake, picnic areas and camping. Consult the park’s official visitor information for the activities and facilities that fit your visit. Chewacla State Park.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Local Businesses
Businesses Serving Lee CountyExplore the businesses listed for this county.
Businesses serving Lee County
Additional county facts: county overview and references.
Connect with local businesses.Lee County