Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa, Alabama Overview

Tuscaloosa faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (42.7/100) and ranking #15 of 20 cities in Alabama. Even so, the city scores 81/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 7/100.

Income & Employment in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa’s median income of $43,235 is 27% below the state median, but positive population growth of 1.1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%.

Safety in Tuscaloosa

With a violent crime rate of 564.2 per 100,000, Tuscaloosa exceeds the Alabama average of 424. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2969.6 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 90 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $236,600. Median monthly rent is $1,005. The price-to-income ratio of 5.5x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Tuscaloosa

The adult obesity rate in Tuscaloosa is 42.6%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 12%. Residents report an average of 21.3 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Alabama ranks #46 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa has a high school graduation rate of 86.9%. The student-teacher ratio is 17.2:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,440. The city has 23 public schools serving 13,361 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 65.9°F. Summers average 80.7°F. Winters average 52.2°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2 inches. The average commute of 17.4 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions