AlabamaPop. 111,038Mid-size cities
Is Tuscaloosa a Good Place to Live? Tuscaloosa, Alabama: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tuscaloosa ranks #1082 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (87.7, #6 of 256) and low rents ($1,055/mo, #23 of 256), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #245 of 256) and low household income ($51,464, #243 of 256).
Tuscaloosa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tuscaloosa's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,668, 2% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 87.7#128 of 1,308 | 88.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $245,668#230 of 1,187 | $241,613 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,448/mo#297 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $255,500#404 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,055/mo#273 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.6%#961 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Tuscaloosa housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Tuscaloosa is in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro.
Alabama housing market →Is Tuscaloosa safe?
Tuscaloosa recorded 480 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% above the US rate of 328 and 38% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #813 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #162 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tuscaloosa Police Department. Property crime runs 2,377 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 480#813 of 1,085 | 348 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,377#828 of 1,085 | 1,462 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Tuscaloosa?
The median household in Tuscaloosa earns $51,464, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $51,464#1211 of 1,312 | $66,659 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 25.1%#1239 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Tuscaloosa?
The median resident of Tuscaloosa is 27.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #478 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 27.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 39.4%#478 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 42.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Tuscaloosa's schools and health?
Tuscaloosa's 19 public schools graduate 86.9% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $13,983 spent per pupil. 42.6% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86.9%#627 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.8#712 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,983#709 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 42.6%#1229 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 21.3%#1266 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.5%#827 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,364 students are enrolled in Tuscaloosa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tuscaloosa?
The average commute in Tuscaloosa is 19.6 minutes (Alabama 26); 1.3% of workers take transit and 8.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tuscaloosa scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.8°F and winters 47.8°F, with 53.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | AlabamaAL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.6 min#311 of 1,312 | 26 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 7.2% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.1% | 80.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 0.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.3% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.2% | 8.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Alabama is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55.7 | 35.7 | 5 |
| Feb | 60.2 | 38.9 | 5.4 |
| Mar | 68.3 | 45.5 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 75.5 | 52 | 5 |
| May | 83 | 61.3 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 89.2 | 69 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 72.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 91.2 | 71.7 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 87 | 65.6 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 76.9 | 53.4 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 65.6 | 42.8 | 4.5 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 38.2 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tuscaloosa Airport Asos.
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 64.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 80.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 53.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tuscaloosa Airport Asos.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tuscaloosa County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
| Measure | Tuscaloosa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.15%#652 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Tuscaloosa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Tuscaloosa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.021% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.012% | 81% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0043% | 64% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0015% | 42% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Tuscaloosa compare with similar-size cities?
Tuscaloosa is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #205 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 111,038.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 min |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #1153 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 | 17.9 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
| Downey, CAPop. 110,939 | #901 | 51.7 | $90,699 | $1,937/mo | 300 | 31 min |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #1160 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 | 24.3 min |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #763 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 | 32.5 min |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #466 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 | 24.4 min |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #245 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 | 28 min |
| Sparks, NVPop. 110,024 | #738 | 54.3 | $89,056 | $1,716/mo | 365 | 24 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Tuscaloosa compare with the rest of Alabama?
Tuscaloosa ranks #14 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 48.3 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 23% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Alabama home.
| City | Rank in AL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #1 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 |
| Vestavia Hills, ALPop. 38,616 | #2 | 70.9 | $134,369 | $1,515/mo | 69 |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #3 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 |
| Alabaster, ALPop. 33,917 | #4 | 64.3 | $91,357 | $1,372/mo | 95 |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #5 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #6 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #7 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #8 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #9 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #10 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 |
| Decatur, ALPop. 57,361 | #11 | 52.2 | $61,563 | $896/mo | 634 |
| Enterprise, ALPop. 29,505 | #12 | 51.7 | $73,125 | $1,098/mo | 753 |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #13 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #14 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #15 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #16 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 |
| Montgomery, ALPop. 197,494 | #17 | 46.5 | $56,811 | $1,089/mo | 645 |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #18 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #19 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 |
| Birmingham, ALPop. 198,173 | #20 | 41.1 | $46,051 | $1,107/mo | 1,239 |
All 20 Alabama cities we track, by overall score. Alabama statewide: median income $66,659, violent crime 348.3 per 100,000.
How is Tuscaloosa's score calculated?
Tuscaloosa scores 48.3 out of 100, #1082 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alabama's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Tuscaloosa. Similar-size median 52.9.
46.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tuscaloosa's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
59.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tuscaloosa. Similar-size median 53.8.
33.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tuscaloosa's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
54.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tuscaloosa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tuscaloosa. Similar-size median 51.2.
16.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tuscaloosa. Similar-size median 42.1.
44.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tuscaloosa. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tuscaloosa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
55.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tuscaloosa's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Tuscaloosa has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Tuscaloosa
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live?
Tuscaloosa ranks #1082 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #205 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Alabama. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (87.7, #6 of 256) and low rents ($1,055/mo, #23 of 256), and trails on high poverty (25.1%, #245 of 256) and low household income ($51,464, #243 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,055/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,668, 2% above the typical Alabama home ($241,613).
What is the crime rate in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa recorded 480 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 46% above the US rate of 328 and 38% above Alabama's 348. That ranks #813 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #162 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tuscaloosa Police Department. Property crime runs 2,377 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tuscaloosa?
The median household in Tuscaloosa earns $51,464, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Alabama ($66,659). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Tuscaloosa is $1,055/mo (Census), #273 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,448/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tuscaloosa?
The typical home value in Tuscaloosa is $245,668, up 0.9% in a year, against $241,613 for Alabama and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $255,500.
How are the public schools in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa's 19 public schools graduate 86.9% of students in four years (Alabama 88.2%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $13,983 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tuscaloosa?
The average commute is 19.6 minutes, #311 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26 minutes across Alabama. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa averages 64.5°F over the year, 80.8°F in summer and 47.8°F in winter, with 53.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tuscaloosa walkable?
Tuscaloosa scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Tuscaloosa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tuscaloosa County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 52% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa has 111,038 residents. The median resident of Tuscaloosa is 27.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #478 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tuscaloosa compare with the rest of Alabama?
Tuscaloosa ranks #14 of the 20 Alabama cities we track, with a score of 48.3 against Alabama's statewide 48.5. Its households earn 23% below the Alabama median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Alabama home.
What cities are similar in size to Tuscaloosa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tuscaloosa's population of 111,038 are Peoria, IL (#1153 overall), Everett, WA (#618 overall), Downey, CA (#901 overall), Greeley, CO (#1160 overall), and South Fulton, GA (#763 overall). Tuscaloosa is #1082.