Columbus–Auburn–Opelika combined statistical area facts for kids

The Columbus–Auburn–Opelika, GA–AL Combined Statistical Area is a large region in Georgia and Alabama. Think of it as a big neighborhood where many cities and towns are connected by how people live, work, and shop. This area includes two main parts: the Columbus metropolitan area and the Auburn–Opelika metropolitan area. In 2021, over 500,000 people lived here, making it a busy and important part of the southeastern United States.

This large area is made up of:

• The Columbus metropolitan area, with about 326,491 people.
• The Auburn–Opelika metropolitan area, with about 177,218 people.

Quick facts for kids Greater Columbus, Georgia
Combined Statistical Area
Columbus–Auburn–Opelika, GA–AL Combined Statistical Area
Skyline of Columbus, Georgia
Country	United States
State	Georgia Alabama
Largest city	Columbus, GA
Other cities	- Phenix City, AL  - Auburn, AL  - Opelika, AL  - Tuskegee, AL  - Alexander City, AL
Area
• Land	8,790 km2 (3,392 sq mi)
Population  (2016 est.)
• CSA	501,961 (89th)
Time zones	UTC−5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
	UTC−6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code(s)	706, 762, 334

Counties in the Area

This large area is made up of several counties, which are like smaller regions within a state. Six of these counties are in Georgia, and two are in Alabama.

Georgia Counties

• Chattahoochee County (pop. 9,565)
• Harris County (pop. 34,668)
• Marion County (pop. 7,498)
• Muscogee County (pop. 206,922)
• Stewart County (pop. 5,314)
• Talbot County (pop. 5,733)

Alabama Counties

• Lee County (pop. 163,461)
• Russell County (pop. 57,938)

Cities and Towns

Many different cities and towns are part of this combined area. Some are large, like Columbus, while others are smaller communities.

Cities and Towns in Alabama

Cities and Towns in Georgia

Learning and Education

The Greater Columbus area has many schools and colleges. These places help people of all ages learn new things and prepare for their futures.

Colleges and Universities

Samford Hall at Auburn University. Auburn is the largest university in the Greater Columbus area.

There are several places where students can go for higher education, which means learning after high school.

Public Colleges

• Auburn University
• Columbus State University
• Columbus Technical College
• Chattahoochee Valley Community College (in Phenix City)
• Georgia Military College
• Southern Union State Community College (in Opelika)
• Troy University (with campuses in Columbus, Fort Benning, and Phenix City)

Private Colleges

Some private schools offer special training:

• Christian Life School of Theology (Columbus)
• Miller-Motte Technical College
• Rivertown School of Beauty (Columbus)
• Southeastern Beauty School (Columbus)
• Strayer University

Schools for Kids

Many public and private schools serve younger students in the area. Some of the main school districts include the Muscogee County School District and Auburn City Schools.

Getting Around: Transportation

It's easy to travel in and out of the Greater Columbus area thanks to its airports and major highways.

Airports

Airports allow people to fly to other cities and states. Here are some airports in the area:

Public Airports

• Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport (AUO)
• Columbus Airport (CSG)

Private Airports

• Harris County Airport (PIM)
• Jones Light Aviation Airport (AL56)
• Lawson Army Airfield (LSF)
• Marion County Airport (82A)

Major Roads

Large highways connect the cities and towns in this area to other parts of the country.

Interstate Highways

• Interstate 85
• Interstate 185

U.S. Routes

• U.S. Route 27
• U.S. Route 29
• U.S. Route 80
• U.S. Route 280
• U.S. Route 431

Sports Teams

Sports are a big part of life in the Greater Columbus area! Many teams play here, from college sports to professional leagues.

Shopping Fun

If you love to shop, this area has many places to explore! You can find everything from big malls to smaller shopping centers.

• Columbus Park Crossing (Columbus)
• Peachtree Mall (Columbus)
• The Landings (Columbus)
• The Shoppes at Bradley Park (Columbus)
• TigerTown (Opelika)
• Auburn Mall (Auburn)

Famous People from the Area

Many talented people have come from the Columbus and Auburn areas. You can learn more about them in the articles about Notable Columbusites and Notable Auburnites.