History of Auburn, Alabama in Timeline

Auburn, Alabama, located in Lee County, is the largest city in eastern Alabama, with a population of 76,143 as of the 2020 census. It serves as a principal city within the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area, which had a population of 193,773 in 2020. Together with Columbus, GA-AL MSA and Tuskegee, Alabama, it forms the broader Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL CSA, encompassing a total of 563,967 residents as of 2020. Auburn is a significant urban center in its region.

1910: Auburn population returns to antebellum level

By 1910, Auburn's population had returned to its antebellum level, boosted by the admission of women to the college and interest in scientific agriculture and engineering.

1930: Racial demographics reported

In 1930 when racial demographics were reported, it showed a Black majority.

1940: Racial demographics reported

In 1940 when racial demographics were reported, it showed a Black majority.

1957: Construction of Interstate 85 began

Construction of Interstate 85 began in 1957, connecting Auburn to the major cities of the state.

1960: Auburn University Renamed

In 1960, the college was renamed Auburn University, which allowed for more home football games in Auburn, creating a strong tourism component in Auburn's economy.

1960: Precinct changed to census division

In 1960, the precinct was changed to "census division" as part of a general reorganization of counties.

1971: End of passenger train service in Opelika

Until 1971, neighboring Opelika saw daily passenger train service on the City of Miami.

1973: Village Mall opens

In 1973, Auburn Mall opened as "Village Mall".

1980: Auburn Population Growth

Between 1980 and 2003, Auburn's population grew by 65%, and Auburn's economy expanded by 220%.

1980: Jan Dempsey elected mayor

In 1980, Jan Dempsey was elected mayor, leading to the removal of the previous city government system in favor of a council-manager system.

1980: Consolidation of census divisions

In 1980, the census divisions of Auburn and Opelika, along with parts of Loachapoka-Roxana, Opelika Rural-Pepperell were consolidated into the new division of Auburn-Opelika.

1980: Auburn-Opelika Census Division created

The Auburn-Opelika Census Division was created in 1980 by the merger of Auburn and Opelika census divisions and parts of Loachapoka-Roxana, Opelika Rural-Pepperell divisions.

1990: Fastest growing metro area

Since 1990, Auburn has been Alabama's fastest-growing metropolitan area and the 19th-fastest-growing metro area in the United States.

1995: Hurricane Opal affects Auburn

In 1995, Hurricane Opal brought torrential rains and high winds to the Auburn area.

1996: Auburn Links rated

Auburn Links was rated as one of the top three new courses in the nation when it opened in 1996.

2000: Census Bureau reports Auburn area

According to the United States Census Bureau in 2000, the city has a total area of 39.6 square miles, of which 39.1 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles (1.11%) is water.

2000: Population growth accelerates

From 2000 to 2020, Auburn's population grew over 77%.

2003: Auburn Economy Expanded

Between 1980 and 2003, Auburn's population grew by 65%, and Auburn's economy expanded by 220%.

2004: Hurricane Ivan affects Auburn

In 2004, Hurricane Ivan brought torrential rains and high winds to the Auburn area.

2005: Auburn Metro Area ranked

In 2005, the Auburn Metro Area was ranked number 1 in the United States for golf by Golf Digest.

2006: Auburn High School ranked

Auburn High School was ranked in 2006 by Newsweek as the top non-magnet public high school in Alabama, and one of the top 30 in the United States.

September 2008: Auburn Research Park opened

In September 2008, the 156-acre Auburn Research Park opened, anchored by a firm specializing in high-resolution, dark field optical microscopy research.

2009: Top ten best places to live

In 2009, U.S. News ranked Auburn among its top ten list of best places to live in the United States.

2009: Wrights Mill Road Elementary recognized

Wrights Mill Road Elementary School was recognized as a national Blue Ribbon school in 2009.

2010: Census data for Auburn

As of the census of 2010, there were 53,380 people, 22,111 households, and 9,939 families residing in the city.

2017: New Auburn High School opens

In 2017, a new 350,000 square-foot, $72 million Auburn High School facility opened, housing students in 10th through 12th grade.

2018: Ron Anders elected mayor

Ron Anders was elected mayor of Auburn in 2018.

2020: Auburn population details

As of the 2020 census, Auburn had a population of 76,143 with a median age of 24.6 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18 and 8.9% of residents were 65 years of age or older.