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 $245,000 and average rents near $1,190. Commute times average 20 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 30 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 51% White, 43% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
101,129
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
29.5
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
51.0%
Black
43.0%
Asian
3.0%
Others
3.0%

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 89.7. Median home values are around $245,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,190. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$245,000
Gross Rent
$1,190
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,560
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
89.7
Grocery
96.5
Housing
74.2
Utilities
102.8
Transportation
94.8
Health Care
94.1
Miscellaneous
92.3

Crime

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a safe place to live?

Tuscaloosa is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 620 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 27. 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
620
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,750
Crime Index
4,370
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 161
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 27

Weather

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

Tuscaloosa experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 55 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
34°F
Max
56°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
55.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,500 and a low poverty rate of 21.0%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 32% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$37,500
Household Income
$63,500
Family Income
$78,000
Per Capita Income
$29,800
Income Male
$43,500
Income Female
$35,500
Poverty Rate
21.0%
Non English Speakers
7.5%
Rent
$1,190
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.0%
Bachelors or More
31.5%

Education

How are the schools in Tuscaloosa, AL?

Tuscaloosa offers quality education options, with public schools like Paul W. Bryant High School and Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools - Middle 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
Paul W. Bryant High School
Street
2014 Paul W Bryant Dr
Phone
205-759-3700
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0
Name
Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools - Middle
Street
1000 24th Ave
Phone
205-759-3654
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
15.5

Private Schools

Name
Tuscaloosa Academy
Street
2800 8th St
Phone
205-759-4106
Students
700
Name
Holy Spirit Catholic School
Street
1336 James I Harrison Jr Pkwy
Phone
205-553-9251
Students
350

Colleges

Name
The University of Alabama
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Distance
0 miles
Students
38,000
Name
Stillman College
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Distance
2 miles
Students
900
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 2.0 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) 333-4500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage
88.5%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Tuscaloosa, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $245,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 3.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.0%. Tuscaloosa offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,190
Owner Occupied Rate
52.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.8%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Tuscaloosa handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - 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 - Driver License Division
Address
301 S. Ripley St., Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone
1-334-242-4400

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 $245,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,190, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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