Tuscaloosa, AL
Population 107,699 · Alabama
About Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa is a major city located in Alabama with a population of 107,699 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,536 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tuscaloosa features a median home value of $236,600, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tuscaloosa in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,005, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 51,197 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (18,117 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (22,076 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tuscaloosa shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tuscaloosa have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
38.1% of Tuscaloosa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Tuscaloosa experiences an annual average temperature of 65.8°F with 45.21" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 93°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 42°F (December–January).
How Tuscaloosa Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa, AL
Compared to national averages, Tuscaloosa has a median household income of $48,536 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $236,600, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,005 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Tuscaloosa's income is 16% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 48% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Tuscaloosa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $236,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,005/month, and a well-educated community where 38.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,536) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Tuscaloosa provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Tuscaloosa has a population of 107,699 with a median age of 28.2 years. Compare Tuscaloosa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Tuscaloosa
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover | 92,401 | $107,822 | $391,300 | Compare |
| Auburn | 78,738 | $56,123 | $342,400 | Compare |
| Dothan | 71,118 | $55,052 | $186,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 58,335 | $131,436 | $367,900 | Compare |
| Decatur | 57,760 | $59,831 | $190,500 | Compare |
| Florence | 41,231 | $50,396 | $174,100 | Compare |
| Prattville | 38,850 | $79,396 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Vestavia Hills | 38,704 | $129,171 | $494,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Tuscaloosa
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 67 | 69 | 73 | 82 | 90 | 93 | 93 | 88 | 76 | 66 | 60 |
| Low °F | 42 | 48 | 48 | 52 | 62 | 69 | 73 | 74 | 68 | 57 | 47 | 41 |
| Rain " | 6.6 | 6.9 | 5.3 | 3.8 | 3.1 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 3.6 | 3.2 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Tuscaloosa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuscaloosa
What is the population of Tuscaloosa, AL?
The population of Tuscaloosa, AL is 107,699 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Tuscaloosa?
The median household income in Tuscaloosa, AL is $48,536 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tuscaloosa?
The median home value in Tuscaloosa, AL is $236,600, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Tuscaloosa?
The median monthly rent in Tuscaloosa, AL is $1,005, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tuscaloosa?
The unemployment rate in Tuscaloosa, AL is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live?
Tuscaloosa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 107,699 and a median age of 28.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Tuscaloosa, AL?
38.1% of residents in Tuscaloosa aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tuscaloosa, AL: median home value is $236,600 (3% below national), median rent is $1,005/month, and median household income is $48,536. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tuscaloosa?
The poverty rate in Tuscaloosa, AL is 23.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Tuscaloosa, AL?
Tuscaloosa's population is 2.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 42.7% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.