Tuscaloosa, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
111,038
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,464/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
52,122
1.8% year-over-year change

Tuscaloosa population

How many people live in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is home to 111,038 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Tuscaloosa locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
111,038
3.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
52,831
Female
52.4%
58,207
Value Percent YoY change
Male 52,831 47.6% 1.9%
Female 58,207 52.4% 4.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Tuscaloosa is 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.8% are children under 15, then 32% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 16.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
32%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
16.5%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,446 14.8% 1.0%
15 to 24 35,556 32% 8.9%
25 to 44 26,316 23.7% 0.6%
45 to 64 18,289 16.5% -0.2%
Over 65 14,431 13% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Tuscaloosa, 93.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.4% of locals are Caucasian, 40.5% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 103,534 93.2% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,255 2.9% 14.7%
Non-citizens 4,249 3.8% 33.0%
Racial breakdown
White
50.4%
Black or African American
40.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 55,986 50.4%
Black or African American 44,997 40.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 228 0.2%
Asian 3,000 2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 17 0%
Two or more races 4,901 4.4%
Other 1,909 1.7%

Households in Tuscaloosa

A peek inside Tuscaloosa households

Tuscaloosa has 42,257 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.7% are families, while the remaining 52.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
42,257
5.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
22,088
Family households
20,169
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 22,088 52.3% 11.0%
Family households 20,169 47.7% -0.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Tuscaloosa

The housing landscape of Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa's housing consists of 52,122 units, with 49.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
52,122
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 25,687 49.3%
1 unit, attached 1,388 2.7%
2 units 1,772 3.4%
3 or 4 units 3,372 6.5%
5 to 9 units 4,413 8.5%
10 to 19 units 6,000 11.5%
20 to 49 units 4,456 8.6%
50 or more units 4,363 8.4%
Mobile home 671 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
516
40.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tuscaloosa

In Tuscaloosa, the median construction year is 1988. About 4.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,159 4.1% 21.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,841 3.5% -10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,775 7.2% 6.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,350 10.3% 1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,895 17.1% 3.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,370 10.3% -1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,960 11.4% -7.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,149 15.6% -1.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10,107 19.4% 6.7%
Built in 2020 or later 516 1% 40.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Tuscaloosa occupancy rates

Out of the 42,257 occupied housing units in Tuscaloosa, 42.9% are owner-occupied, while 57.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
42,257
5.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
24,139
Owner occupied
18,118
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 24,139 57.1% 9.3%
Owner occupied 18,118 42.9% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
18.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Tuscaloosa housing costs

Housing costs in Tuscaloosa come to a median of $1,084 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,055.

Median housing costs per month
$1,084/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Tuscaloosa
$1,055/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa education at a glance

About 29.6% of the population in Tuscaloosa went to high school, while 34% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 16% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,665 1.8% -0.2%
High school diploma 27,111 29.6% -0.7%
College diploma 31,172 34% 7.2%
Associate degree 5,916 6.4% 7.0%
Bachelor's degree 14,730 16% -1.3%
Graduate degree 11,154 12.2% 9.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Tuscaloosa

How much people earn in Tuscaloosa

The average annual household income in Tuscaloosa was $78,633 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,464, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tuscaloosa
$78,633/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tuscaloosa
$51,464/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Tuscaloosa income by age

In Tuscaloosa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,795. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,750 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $22,549, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,075 in earnings. Overall, 75% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $22,549 34.4%
25 - 44 $56,795 8.1%
45 - 64 $78,750 3.5%
Over 65 $46,075 -2.6%
Above poverty level
72,403
Below poverty level
24,082
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 72,403 75% 1.0%
Below poverty level 24,082 25% 8.4%

Average renter income in Tuscaloosa

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tuscaloosa, their median household income was $30,578 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,578
Rent-to-income ratio
41.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Tuscaloosa

Workforce and job types in Tuscaloosa

The job market in Tuscaloosa is powered by 50,466 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 21.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
50,466
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
39,165
Blue collar
11,301
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 39,165 77.6% 3.9%
Blue collar 11,301 22.4% 1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
21.7%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,909 7.8% 13.0%
Private companies 31,647 62.7% 0.8%
Governmental workers 10,961 21.7% 7.6%
Not for profit companies 3,949 7.8% 4.4%
Unemployment rate
7.7%
14.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tuscaloosa stands at 7.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Tuscaloosa

How people get around in Tuscaloosa

Commuting methods vary: 84.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 41,483 84.2% 1.0%
Taxicab 84 0.2% -20.0%
Bus or trolleybus 619 1.3% -15.9%
Ferryboat 37 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 103 0.2% -11.2%
Bicycle 246 0.5% -12.5%
Walk 2,132 4.3% 46.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Tuscaloosa by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35401 43,459 14,212 $29,152 $46,543
35404 22,445 8,639 $48,932 $69,895
35405 49,420 20,701 $62,301 $81,534
35406 18,904 7,865 $119,250 $158,939

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FAQs about Tuscaloosa demographics 

What is the total population of Tuscaloosa?

Tuscaloosa has a total population of 111,038 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tuscaloosa?

The gender ratio in Tuscaloosa is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (52,831 residents)
  • 52.4% females (58,207 residents)

What is the median age in Tuscaloosa?

The median age in Tuscaloosa is 27.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tuscaloosa?

The age distribution in Tuscaloosa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.8% (16,446 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 32% (35,556 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (26,316 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.5% (18,289 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (14,431 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tuscaloosa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tuscaloosa is as follows:
  • White: 50.4% (55,986 residents)
  • Black or African American: 40.5% (44,997 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (228 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (3,000 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (17 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (4,901 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (1,909 residents)

What percentage of the population in Tuscaloosa are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.2% of the population in Tuscaloosa.

How many housing units are there in Tuscaloosa?

There are 52,122 housing units in Tuscaloosa, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Tuscaloosa and what is the average household size?

Tuscaloosa has a total of 42,257 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tuscaloosa?

Tuscaloosa has a median household income of $51,464, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Tuscaloosa?

The employment rate is 92.3% in Tuscaloosa, with a workforce of 50,466 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.6% (39,165 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.4% (11,301 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (3,909 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (31,647 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.7% (10,961 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (3,949 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025