Alabama / Tuscaloosa County

Moving to Tuscaloosa, AL

Thinking of making a move to Tuscaloosa, AL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tuscaloosa, AL

Considering a move to Tuscaloosa, AL? This welcoming community of 101,129 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Tuscaloosa's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Tuscaloosa, AL

Tuscaloosa has a population of 101,129 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 28 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 49% White, 44% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
101,129
Density
1,480 per sq mi
Median Age
27.5
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
49.0%
Black
44.0%
Asian
2.8%
Others
4.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL?

The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.4. Median home values are around $235,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$235,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$530
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
89.4
Grocery
95.0
Housing
78.5
Utilities
101.8
Transportation
88.7
Health Care
93.8
Miscellaneous
91.2

Crime

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a safe place to live?

Tuscaloosa is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 465 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alabama.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
465
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,820
Crime Index
3,285
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 215
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Tuscaloosa, AL year-round?

Tuscaloosa experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 35°F. The area receives about 56 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
35°F
Max
57°F

Summer

Min
71°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
52°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches
56.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,900 and a low poverty rate of 24.0%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$58,900
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$29,800
Income Male
$41,500
Income Female
$34,000
Poverty Rate
24.0%
Non English Speakers
8.5%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Public Transport Usage
2.1%
Commute Time
20.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.0%
Bachelors or More
33.5%

Education

How are the schools in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Tuscaloosa offers quality education options, with public schools like Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools - Middle and Verner Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including The University of Alabama, Stillman College, and Shelton State Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools - Middle
Street
315 Cedar St
Phone
205-759-3589
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Verner Elementary School
Street
6131 Colvard Rd
Phone
205-759-3636
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
13.7

Private Schools

Name
Montessori School of Tuscaloosa
Street
633 Hargrove Rd E
Phone
205-759-2540
Students
260
Name
Tuscaloosa Academy
Street
1215 Camellia Dr
Phone
205-759-0818
Students
500

Colleges

Name
The University of Alabama
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Distance
0 miles
Students
39,000
Name
Stillman College
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,000
Name
Shelton State Community College
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Distance
4 miles
Students
5,000

Healthcare

Tuscaloosa residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like DCH Regional Medical Center and Northport Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 88.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
DCH Regional Medical Center
Address
809 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone
(205) 759-7111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Northport Medical Center
Address
2700 Hospital Dr, Northport, AL 35476
Phone
(205) 339-3174
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
88.5%
Health Care Index
62.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Tuscaloosa, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $235,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 49%. The market has seen a 3.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Tuscaloosa offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
48.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.8%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Tuscaloosa handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division, conveniently located in Montgomery. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alabama
Department
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Division
Address
2545 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone
1-334-353-1470

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Tuscaloosa, AL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Tuscaloosa, review the core fields on this page: population 101,129, median home value $235,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 20.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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