Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Tuscaloosa County, AL has a population of approximately 227,000. The county's population is 53% White, 39% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian, and 3% identifying as two or more races. About 51% are female and 49% male. The median age is around 33 years, with 21% under 18, 66% aged 18–64, and 13% aged 65 or older, reflecting a relatively young population due to the presence of the University of Alabama.
Education, Employment and Housing
Tuscaloosa County, AL, has over 33 public schools, including 7 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while 27% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores in the county are close to the state average, with schools scoring about 5/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education programs are available through the Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. The district offers diverse educational programs, including Advanced Placement and career-technical education, to support student achievement and workforce readiness.
As of 2022, Tuscaloosa County, AL has an employment rate of approximately 58.3%. Leading industries include manufacturing (22%), health care/social assistance (14%), and educational services (13%). Most employed residents work in office/administrative (12%), production (11%), and sales roles (10%). Around 83% of workers commute by car, with 28 minutes as the average commute time. Many are employed locally—over 68% work within the county—while others commute to Birmingham and surrounding areas for work.
Tuscaloosa County, AL, features a homeownership rate of around 59%, with median home values near $210,000 and median rents about $1,100 per month. Property values have increased by approximately 6% year-over-year. Housing types range from single-family homes to student-oriented apartments, particularly near the University of Alabama. Notable neighborhoods include Northport, Forest Lake, and The Highlands. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging about 0.4% of assessed value. The market remains favorable for both buyers and renters, with steady development and diverse housing options.
County Crime & Safety
Tuscaloosa County, AL, reported a crime rate of approximately 32.8 per 1,000 residents in 2023. According to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, there were about 2,100 property crimes and 350 violent crimes, including 8 homicides, in the year. The county’s violent crime rate (3.7 per 1,000 people) remains above the national average, while property crime is also a concern. Regular updates and crime statistics are published on local law enforcement websites to encourage community awareness and safety initiatives.
Elections
Tuscaloosa County, AL, had 134,235 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 60.9% voted Republican, 37.4% Democrat. There are over 40 polling locations, managed by the Board of Registrars and Probate Judge’s Office. Common issues include absentee ballot access and polling place changes. The county’s administration provides party registration (primarily Republican and Democrat), and voter turnout in recent elections averaged about 62%. Both parties are active, with frequent debates on voting rights and redistricting.
Popular names
- James Jones
- James Smith
- Christopher Williams
- Christopher Johnson
- David Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- John Smith
- James Williams
- Jennifer Jones
- John Williams
- Mary Williams
- William Smith
- James Johnson
- James Wilson
- Robert Smith
- Christopher Jones
- Mary Smith
- Michael Jones
- Robert Jones
- Robert Williams
- Michael Harris
- Ashley Williams
- Christopher Davis
- James Brown
- James Davis
- Jason Smith
- Robert Davis
- Anthony Williams
- Ashley Johnson
- Christopher Smith
- James Hall
- James Harris
- John Jones
- Joshua Smith
- Justin Williams
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Thomas
- Sarah Jones
- David Brown
- James Adams
- Michael Davis
- Thomas Smith
- William Jones
- Amanda Smith
- James Moore
- Michael Smith
- Robert Johnson
- William Davis
- Ashley Jones
- David Johnson
- John Johnson
- Kimberly Smith
- Michael Williams
- Patricia Williams
- Amber Smith
- Charles Davis
- David Jones
- Jessica Moore
- John Davis
- Mary Brown
Other Counties in Alabama
- Autauga
- Baldwin
- Barbour
- Bibb
- Blount
- Bullock
- Butler
- Calhoun
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Chilton
- Choctaw
- Clarke
- Clay
- Cleburne
- Coffee
- Colbert
- Conecuh
- Coosa
- Covington
- Crenshaw
- Cullman
- Dale
- Dallas
- De Kalb
- Elmore
- Escambia
- Etowah
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Geneva
- Greene
- Hale
- Henry
- Houston
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Lamar
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lee
- Limestone
- Lowndes
- Macon
- Madison
- Marengo
- Marion
- Marshall
- Mobile
- Monroe
- Montgomery