countyscore
39.7
County Score
Property Tax 97.4Water Quality 67.5Income & Jobs 50.6

County Report Card

About Tuscaloosa County, Alabama

Tuscaloosa County underperforms national average

Tuscaloosa County's composite score of 39.7 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0, placing it among the lower-performing U.S. counties. This 21% gap suggests substantial livability constraints compared to most American communities.

Among Alabama's weakest counties

At 39.7, Tuscaloosa County trails Alabama's state average of 52.9 by a considerable margin, ranking it among the state's least livable communities. The county faces considerable obstacles to overall quality of life.

Tax efficiency and moderate income balance

Tuscaloosa County offers a strong tax score of 97.4 with a 0.323% effective rate and a respectable median household income of $63,947. These financial fundamentals provide a modest foundation for household economics.

Safety, schools, and housing costs create serious gaps

The county's safety score of 17.1 and school score of 25.9 are critical deficiencies, while a cost score of 25.9 reflects expensive housing relative to local incomes. These combined weaknesses make it difficult for families to thrive.

Challenging for families, workable for specialists

Tuscaloosa County suits only those with specific circumstances: university employees, remote workers, or individuals with strong safety awareness who can afford private schools. Families seeking well-rounded communities should look elsewhere in Alabama.

Score breakdown

Tax97.4Cost25.9Safety17.1Health43.3Schools25.9Income50.6Risk9.2Water67.5Weather40.8
🏛97.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Bibb County
Alabama
49.2
Walker County
Alabama
47
Jefferson County
Alabama
34.7
Fayette County
Alabama
54.2
Pickens County
Alabama
66.6
Hale County
Alabama
66.4
Shelby County
Alabama
58.5
Greene County
Alabama
56.6

Deep Dives

Tuscaloosa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tuscaloosa County

via TaxByCounty

Tuscaloosa's tax rate slightly below national median

Tuscaloosa County's effective tax rate of 0.323% sits just above the national median of 0.309%, ranking in the 51st percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $754 on a home valued at $233,700 remains well below the national median of $2,690. Tuscaloosa reflects Alabama's broader advantage as a low-tax state for property owners.

Tuscaloosa ranks 49th among Alabama counties

Tuscaloosa County's 0.323% effective rate places it 49th among Alabama's 67 counties—slightly below the state average. The median annual tax of $754 is 48% above Alabama's state average of $511, reflecting Tuscaloosa's notably higher median home values. Tuscaloosa sits in Alabama's moderate-tax tier.

Tuscaloosa taxes moderate in its region

Tuscaloosa's 0.323% rate sits below Walker County (0.272%) and St. Clair County (0.305%), but above Tallapoosa County (0.311%). Compared to eastern neighbors like Talladega and Russell, Tuscaloosa offers a moderate tax burden. As home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa's higher property values drive its median tax bill despite average rates.

A $233,700 home costs $754 yearly in tax

The median Tuscaloosa County homeowner with a property valued at $233,700 pays $754 annually in property taxes. With mortgage obligations, the amount rises to $799; without a mortgage, it drops to $662. Over 30 years, Tuscaloosa homeowners pay roughly $22,600 in cumulative property taxes.

Tuscaloosa homeowners should challenge overvaluations

Many Tuscaloosa properties, particularly in growing neighborhoods around the university, may be overassessed relative to actual market values. File a free assessment appeal if your home's appraised value exceeds recent comparable sales in your area. Even a modest reduction can save $50–150 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa County

via CostByCounty

Tuscaloosa balances college-town growth

Tuscaloosa County households earn $63,947—14% below the national median of $74,755—and spend 18.7% of income on rent, slightly above the national comfort zone. This university-anchored county experiences price pressures from the University of Alabama presence and regional growth.

Slightly above state affordability average

Tuscaloosa County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio edges above Alabama's 18.0% state average, reflecting higher housing costs tied to educational and economic development. Median rents of $997 exceed the state median by $198, the second-highest in this comparison group.

Premium pricing for educational draw

Tuscaloosa's $997 rent ranks higher than rural Tallapoosa ($734) and Talladega ($772) but below affluent Shelby County ($1,348) and St. Clair ($1,077). Owner costs of $1,109 monthly stand highest in this group, reflecting the county's role as a regional economic hub.

Growth brings housing cost pressures

Tuscaloosa renters commit $997 monthly—18.7% of the $63,947 median income—leaving moderate breathing room for other expenses. Homeowners invest $1,109 monthly at a median home value of $233,700, the university's economic influence evident in both rental and purchase markets.

Tuscaloosa works for service workers

Tuscaloosa County suits households earning $60,000–$80,000 who value educational access and urban amenities alongside affordability. If relocating for university employment or service-sector jobs tied to the institution, verify your salary meets the $63,947 median; below $55,000, budget tightly or explore nearby rural alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tuscaloosa County

via IncomeByCounty

Tuscaloosa County Near National Income

Tuscaloosa County's median household income of $63,947 sits 14% below the U.S. median of $74,755, approaching national income levels. The county demonstrates solid economic performance compared to many American communities.

Third-Best Income in Alabama

Tuscaloosa County ranks third in Alabama with a median household income 18% above the state average of $54,196, trailing only Shelby and St. Clair counties. The county's strong university presence and diverse economy drive this advantage.

Tuscaloosa Leads West-Central Region

Tuscaloosa County's $63,947 income significantly exceeds Walker County ($54,509) and other neighboring counties, establishing it as the region's economic leader. The university presence and regional commercial hub status drive this income advantage.

Solid Housing Affordability Margin

Tuscaloosa County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio maintains comfortable housing affordability, allowing households to build savings and manage expenses. A median home value of $233,700 remains accessible for area earners.

University Town Wealth-Building Edge

Tuscaloosa County residents earning $63,947 should harness the county's educated workforce and university resources by maximizing retirement contributions and exploring investment opportunities. The stable economic base supports consistent wealth accumulation through disciplined savings and diversified portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tuscaloosa County

via CrimeByCounty

Tuscaloosa Crime Rates Mirror National Trends

Tuscaloosa County reports 2,236.2 crimes per 100K, remaining just below the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a safety score of 96.5.

Evaluating Safety in Tuscaloosa County

The county's safety score of 96.5 falls slightly below the state average of 97.3. With seven reporting agencies, the data reflects a crime rate higher than the Alabama average of 1,731.0.

Comparing Tuscaloosa with Western Neighbors

Tuscaloosa's rate of 2,236.2 per 100K is significantly higher than Sumter County's 664.2. It shares a similar crime profile with other populous counties like Walker.

Higher Violent Crime Rates Reported

Violent crime is reported at 409.4 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent, reaching 1,826.8 incidents per 100K residents.

Prioritize Quality Locks and Surveillance

High-quality locks and security cameras are recommended to combat property crime rates. Community vigilance plays a key role in keeping Tuscaloosa neighborhoods secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tuscaloosa County

via HealthByCounty

Tuscaloosa County approaches national health average

At 74.5 years, Tuscaloosa County's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the U.S. average of 77.2 years but stands among the healthier counties in this region. The 21.3% poor/fair health rate is below national averages, indicating relatively well-managed chronic conditions.

Top performer in Alabama's health rankings

Tuscaloosa County's 74.5-year life expectancy exceeds Alabama's 72.1-year state average by 2.4 years, placing it among the state's best. The 21.3% poor/fair health rate also ranks below state norms, reflecting strong population health management.

Tuscaloosa leads with robust healthcare infrastructure

Tuscaloosa's 63 primary care providers per 100K are among the region's highest, and its 169 mental health providers—second only to Shelby County—create exceptional behavioral health capacity. This dense provider network supports comprehensive, accessible healthcare across the population.

Strong coverage and provider access enable preventive care

At 8.8% uninsured, Tuscaloosa County sits well below Alabama's 11.1% state average, ensuring most residents maintain continuous coverage. High primary care and mental health provider density, combined with strong insurance uptake, allows residents to pursue preventive care and early intervention.

Keep your coverage strong and current

Tuscaloosa County's strong health outcomes reflect high insurance enrollment; review your plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure it remains affordable and comprehensive. If you're uninsured, the Alabama Marketplace and local employers offer multiple options to get covered.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tuscaloosa County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban-Rural School System

Tuscaloosa County manages 56 public schools and 30,563 total students across two large districts. The system is heavily elementary-focused, with 31 primary campuses supported by 13 middle and 11 high schools.

Large Enrollment with Competitive Spending

The county’s graduation rate is 86.9%, nearly matching the national 87.0% average. Spending remains consistent with the state at $6,265 per pupil, helping the county manage one of Alabama's largest student populations.

Tuscaloosa County and City District Dynamics

The Tuscaloosa County district is the larger of the two with 19,377 students, while Tuscaloosa City serves 11,186. No charter schools are currently part of the public education mix in this region.

A True Mix of City, Suburb, and Rural

The locale mix is remarkably balanced with 19 city, 19 rural, and 18 suburban schools. Large high schools define the landscape, with Tuscaloosa County High leading the way at 1,545 students.

Find Your Home in a Growing Hub

Whether you prefer an urban center or a rural retreat, Tuscaloosa County offers a school setting for every lifestyle. Research local high schools like Hillcrest and Northridge as you explore real estate in this vibrant county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tuscaloosa County

via RiskByCounty

Tuscaloosa County Among State's Highest Risk

Tuscaloosa County scores 90.81, the highest among the eight counties examined, placing it firmly in the relatively moderate risk category and nearly 30 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This composite reflects severe exposure across nearly all hazard types.

Highest Risk in This Analysis

Tuscaloosa County ranks first among the eight counties, narrowly exceeding Shelby (90.27) and substantially outscoring all others. Its composite score signals that residents face the most diverse and intense natural disaster threats within this peer group.

Most Hazard-Prone Community Analyzed

Tuscaloosa County's 90.81 composite score exceeds all regional peers, with the next-highest (Shelby, 90.27) just barely trailing and communities like Russell (54.74) and Sumter (53.02) facing substantially lower risk. This places Tuscaloosa in a uniquely vulnerable position.

Tornadoes, Floods, and Earthquakes

Tornado risk scores 97.52, flood risk scores 91.63, and earthquake risk scores 92.56—three of the highest hazard exposures in the state. Residents face layered threats from convective weather, river systems, and seismic activity.

Urgent: Fortify Your Insurance Bundle

Tuscaloosa residents face the highest combined risk in this analysis—tornado (97.52), flood (91.63), and earthquake (92.56)—demanding comprehensive insurance across all three categories. Consult an insurance professional immediately about coverage gaps, including earthquake and flood riders that standard homeowners policies exclude.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tuscaloosa County

via WeatherByCounty

Tuscaloosa County Experiences Significant National Heat

The county's average temperature of 64.6°F is roughly 10 degrees higher than the national median. It also records 55.4 inches of annual rain, which is far wetter than the typical U.S. county.

One of the Warmest Counties in Alabama

Tuscaloosa is over a degree warmer than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. This warmth is driven by 83 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher each year.

Tuscaloosa Outpaces Neighbors in Average Heat

At 64.6°F, Tuscaloosa is much warmer than Walker County at 61.1°F and slightly warmer than Sumter. It receives slightly less rain than the state average of 57.4 inches.

Intense Summers and Mild, Wet Winters

July is very hot with an average of 82.1°F, contributing to 83 total days of extreme heat. January averages 45.5°F and the county sees only a trace of snow at 0.2 inches.

Prepare for a Long Cooling Season

With 83 days of heat over 90°F, robust air conditioning is a primary requirement for any home. Outdoor activities should be planned for early morning to avoid the 81.0°F summer average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tuscaloosa County

via SoilByCounty

Very acidic soils require lime amendments

Tuscaloosa County features a pH of 5.04, placing it among the more acidic soils in the state relative to the 5.21 average. This acidic environment is over a point lower than the 6.5 national median, often requiring lime for vegetable gardening.

Porous structure allows easy root penetration

The soil contains 44.5% sand, 38.8% silt, and 13.5% clay. This texture provides a good balance for root penetration, though the low clay content means it may not hold onto fertilizers as well as heavier soils.

Reliable moisture despite lower organic levels

At 1.37%, organic matter is notably lower than the state average of 1.74%. However, the soil holds moisture well, with an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.138.

Balanced texture prevents seasonal waterlogging

The 13.5% clay suggests a relatively porous structure that typically prevents waterlogging during Alabama's heavy rain events. While specific drainage classes are not provided, this composition usually ensures good drainage.

Long seasons for camellias and collards

Hardiness Zone 8b provides a long window for growing everything from camellias to collard greens. To maximize your productivity, focus on adding composted manure to increase nutrient levels and organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tuscaloosa County

via LawnByCounty

The Hardest Lawns in Alabama

Tuscaloosa County is the most challenging area in this group, with a low lawn difficulty score of 22.1. This 8b zone requires expert-level care to combat extreme heat and very acidic soil compared to national benchmarks.

The Most Extreme Heat

Lawns must survive 83 days of extreme heat above 90°F, far exceeding the state average of 64 days. Coupled with 55.4 inches of rain, this creates a high-humidity environment that can encourage fungal diseases if not managed carefully.

Managing Low-Nutrient Soils

A low pH of 5.04 and a sand-heavy composition (44.5%) make it difficult for grass to hold onto essential nutrients. Regular soil testing is vital to ensure your lawn gets the minerals it needs to survive the intense summer stress.

Recovering from Long Droughts

The county faced 25 weeks of drought over the past year, highlighting the need for drought-tolerant grass varieties. While current severe drought levels are low, those 83 heat days can dry out the soil surface in just a few hours.

A Long Growing Season

Your growing season begins early after the March 16 frost, offering a long runway before the November 12 cold sets in. Hybrid Bermuda or Zoysia are the best bets for standing up to the local heat and heavy foot traffic.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tuscaloosa County's county score?
Tuscaloosa County, Alabama has a composite county score of 39.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Tuscaloosa County rank among counties in Alabama?
Tuscaloosa County ranks #65 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Tuscaloosa County is $754, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Tuscaloosa County a tax score of 97.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tuscaloosa County?
The median household income in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama is $63,947 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tuscaloosa County earns an income score of 50.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tuscaloosa County, Alabama a good place to live?
Tuscaloosa County scores 39.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Tuscaloosa County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Tuscaloosa County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.