CountyScore

Tuscaloosa County

Alabama · AL

#63 in Alabama
67.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Tuscaloosa County, Alabama

Tuscaloosa County exceeds national livability standard

Tuscaloosa County's composite score of 67.3 is 35% higher than the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the 67th percentile nationally. The county delivers livability comparable to many mid-tier American communities overall.

Below state average but distinctive in profile

Tuscaloosa County scores 67.3 against Alabama's 70.8 state average, placing it slightly below the state middle among 67 counties. The 3.5-point gap reflects a county with a distinct profile shaped by its university presence and regional role.

Low taxes and minimal environmental risk stand out

Tuscaloosa County excels in tax efficiency (93.2 at 0.323% rate) and boasts the lowest environmental risk score among the eight (9.2), indicating exceptional stability and durability. Health outcomes (66.4) also score solidly above midpoint.

Income and housing costs present trade-offs

Income levels are modest (25.1) with median household income of $63,947, limiting wealth accumulation potential. Housing costs climb to $997/month rent and $233,700 median home value, reducing affordability relative to other Alabama counties.

Best for professionals valuing stability and education

Tuscaloosa County suits professionals and families attracted to university-town amenities, strong environmental stability, and tax efficiency who can manage moderate housing costs. The county's distinctive character appeals to those seeking intellectual vitality and low disaster risk.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax93.2Cost73.5SafetyComing SoonHealth66.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.1Risk9.2WaterComing Soon
🏛93.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Tuscaloosa County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Miller County
Arkansas
67.3
Median income: $49,983
Inyo County
California
67.3
Median income: $72,432
Cook County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $50,133
Toombs County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $54,130
Worth County
Georgia
67.3
Median income: $57,201

Deep Dives

Tuscaloosa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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