Tuscaloosa, AL—35404
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Tuscaloosa, AL
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Tuscaloosa, AL is $159,000, with a year-over-year change of -3.0%. This indicates that home prices in Tuscaloosa, AL are decreasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is -0.6%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $159,000 | -3.0% |
| Single Family | $155,000 | -4.9% |
| Condos | $210,000 | 7.7% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $156,000 | 1.3% |
3 Bed | $198,000 | 1.5% |
4 Bed | $267,000 | 1.5% |
| 5 Bed | N/A | N/A |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Tuscaloosa, AL
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Tuscaloosa, AL is $1,300, with a year-over-year rent change of 2.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Tuscaloosa, AL is studios: $845, 1-bedrooms: $1,090, 2-bedrooms: $1,020, 3-bedrooms: $1,590, 4-bedrooms: $1,980. The most common rental property sizes in Tuscaloosa, AL are 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 36.4% and 35.8% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,300 |
| Studio Rent | $845 | $845 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $950 | $1,090 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $950 | $1,020 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,500 | $1,590 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,800 | $1,980 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Tuscaloosa, AL
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Tuscaloosa, AL is 52. This is a decrease of -19.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 14.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $247,000 | -1.0% |
Listing Count | 99 | 10.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.6% | 10.0% |
Days on Market | 52 | -19.0% |
Demographics — Tuscaloosa, AL
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Tuscaloosa, AL has a population of 23,600, which has increased by 3.4% over the past 5 years. Tuscaloosa, AL is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 21.9% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 26.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 5.3% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 23,600 | 3.4% |
% Under 18 | 21.9% | 19.7% |
% Seniors | 11.0% | 10.0% |
% WFH | 5.3% | 231.2% |
% w/ College Degree | 26.7% | 8.5% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Tuscaloosa, AL is a predominantly black area, with 45.5% of the population identifying as black. The black population has grown by 14.6% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Tuscaloosa, AL is white, making up 43.7% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 5.9% of the population in Tuscaloosa, AL, and this percentage has decreased by 37.2% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 43.7% | -4.4% |
% Black | 45.5% | 14.6% |
% Hispanic | 8.4% | -21.5% |
% Asian | 1.3% | -58.1% |
% Foreign Born | 5.9% | -37.2% |
Mortgage and Risk — Tuscaloosa, AL
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 209 mortgage originations in Tuscaloosa, AL, of which 70.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 78.0%, with 40.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Tuscaloosa, AL. Investor activity is low, as 11.0% of loans were by investors. 9.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 209 |
% Conventional Loans | 70.0% |
% Government Loans | 30.0% |
% Investor Loans | 11.0% |
% Second Loans | 8.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 9.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Tuscaloosa, AL
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Tuscaloosa, AL under the Section 8 program is 10.1%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 2-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Tuscaloosa, AL, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 631 |
Total Units Section 8 | 447 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 10.1% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 75.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $0 | $950 | $950 |
| 2 Bedroom | $220 | $950 | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$10 | $1,500 | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$250 | $1,800 | $1,550 |
Affordability — Tuscaloosa, AL
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.4 |
| Median Home Price | $159,000 |
| Median Household Income | $45,500 |