Tuscaloosa, AL

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

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    2024 Population
    278,526
    US Senator
    Tommy Tuberville
    Republican Party
    US Senator
    Katie Britt
    Republican Party
    2024 Median Age
    34
    0.875% 1-year decrease
    2024 Poverty Rate
    18.1%
    0.714% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $61,517
    2.57% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $230,700
    6.26% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    127,848
    1.64% 1-year growth

    About

    None of the households in Tuscaloosa, AL reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    97.3% of the residents in Tuscaloosa, AL are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Tuscaloosa, AL are The University of Alabama (9,807 degrees awarded in 2024), Shelton State Community College (1,075 degrees), and Stillman College (122 degrees).

    In 2024, the median property value in Tuscaloosa, AL was $230,700, and the homeownership rate was 63%.

    Most people in Tuscaloosa, AL drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 24.2 minutes. The average car ownership in Tuscaloosa, AL was 2 cars per household.

    Tuscaloosa, AL borders Birmingham-Hoover, AL and Columbus, MS.

    About the photo: Lake Harris Spillway
    Photo by Richard Nix
    United StatesAlabama

    Population & Diversity

    Tuscaloosa, AL is home to a population of 279k people, from which 97.3% are citizens. As of 2024, 4.22% of Tuscaloosa, AL residents were born outside of the country (11.7k people).

    In 2024, there were 1.65 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (157k people) in Tuscaloosa, AL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 94.9k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 6.83k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    97.3%
    2024 Citizenship
    97.5%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 97.3% of Tuscaloosa, AL residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Tuscaloosa, AL was 97.5%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Tuscaloosa, AL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Tuscaloosa, AL
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      157k ± 325
    2. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
      94.9k ± 971
    3. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
      6.83k ± 904
    5.05%
    Hispanic Population
    14.1k people

    In 2024, there were 1.65 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (157k people) in Tuscaloosa, AL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 94.9k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 6.83k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    5.05% of the people in Tuscaloosa, AL are hispanic (14.1k people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Tuscaloosa, AL as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the MSA level, so we are showing data for Alabama.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      53,867 ± 5,668 people
    2. Guatemala
      18,373 ± 3,322 people
    3. Korea
      11,536 ± 2,634 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Alabama was Mexico, the natal country of 53,867 Alabama residents, followed by Guatemala with 18,373 and Korea with 11,536.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    4.22%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    11.7k people
    3.79%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    10.4k people

    As of 2024, 4.22% of Tuscaloosa, AL residents (11.7k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Tuscaloosa, AL was 3.79%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Tuscaloosa, AL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      4,172 ± 451
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      3,682 ± 609
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      2,615 ± 518

    Tuscaloosa, AL has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.13 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Tuscaloosa, AL.

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    Health

    93.1% of the population of Tuscaloosa, AL has health coverage, with 51.1% on employee plans, 15.1% on Medicaid, 11% on Medicare, 14.1% on non-group plans, and 1.69% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Alabama see 1,571 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,571 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 2016 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 684 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.5% were men and 51.5% were women.

    Coverage

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.
    1,571 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Alabama

    Primary care physicians in Alabama see an average of 1,571 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,571 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Alabama in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

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    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 23.9% under 18 years, 27.6% between 18 and 34 years, 33.6% between 35 and 64 years, and 14.8% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.5% were men and 51.5% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    6.89%
    Uninsured
    51.1%
    Employer Coverage
    15.1%
    Medicaid
    11%
    Medicare
    14.1%
    Non-Group
    1.69%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Tuscaloosa, AL declined by 1.41% from 6.99% to 6.89%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Tuscaloosa, AL changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Economy

    The economy of Tuscaloosa, AL employs 128k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Tuscaloosa, AL were Manufacturing (20,673 people), Educational Services (18,452 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (18,073 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($67,708), Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($63,214), and Public Administration ($62,325).

    Employment

    Occupations

    128k
    2024 Value
    ± 3,434
    1.64%
    1 Year growth
    ± 3.77%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Tuscaloosa, AL grew at a rate of 1.64%, from 126k employees to 128k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Tuscaloosa, AL, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (12,386 people), Management Occupations (11,949 people), and Education Instruction, & Library Occupations (11,134 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Tuscaloosa, AL.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Alabama (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    128k
    2024 Value
    ± 3,434
    1.64%
    1 Year growth
    ± 3.77%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Tuscaloosa, AL grew at a rate of 1.64%, from 126k employees to 128k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Tuscaloosa, AL, are Manufacturing (20,673 people), Educational Services (18,452 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (18,073 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Tuscaloosa, AL, though some of these residents may live in Tuscaloosa, AL and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $50,378
    Median earning men ± $1,639
    $35,260
    Median earning women ± $1,106

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Wholesale Trade ($78,135), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($74,323), and Public Administration ($68,244).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Public Administration ($53,951), Information ($48,235), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($46,682).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.
    Y-Axis
    2.1%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 2.13M people employed in Alabama. This represents a 2.1% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 11.2%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Alabama.

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 322
      Retail Trade
    2. 278
      Other Services (except Public Administration)
    3. 263
      Construction

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $1.52M
      Manufacturing
    2. $702k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    3. $326k
      Retail Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Alabama went to Donald J. Trump with 64.6% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (34.1%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.533%).

    Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are the senators currently representing the state of Alabama. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Alabama is currently represented by 7 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Tuscaloosa, AL. Showing the available data for Alabama.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Donald J. Trump (64.6%)
      Republican Party
    2. Kamala Harris (34.1%)
      Democratic Party
    3. Robert Kennedy (0.533%)
      Independent Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Alabama went to Donald J. Trump with 64.6% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (34.1%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.533%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in Alabama for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Senator Elections

    US Senators from Alabama

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.
    Tommy Tuberville
    Senator from Alabama2
    Assumed office on January 3, 2021
    Katie Britt
    Senator from Alabama3
    Assumed office on January 3, 2023

    Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are the senators currently representing Alabama.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Alabama over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Tuscaloosa, AL awarded 11,021 degrees. The student population of Tuscaloosa, AL in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 19,514 male students and 26,702 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Tuscaloosa, AL are White (8,280 and 77.1%), Black or African American (1,352 and 12.6%), Hispanic or Latino (518 and 4.82%), and Two or More Races (305 and 2.84%).

    The largest universities in Tuscaloosa, AL by number of degrees awarded are The University of Alabama (9,807 and 89%), Shelton State Community College (1,075 and 9.75%), and Stillman College (122 and 1.11%).

    The most popular majors in Tuscaloosa, AL are General Marketing & Marketing Management (582 and 5.28%), General Finance (571 and 5.18%), and Registered Nursing (553 and 5.02%).

    The median tuition costs are $10,026 for private four year colleges, and $11,380 and $33,372 respectively, for public four year colleges for in-state students and out-of-state students.

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

    University
    Measure

    In 2024 in Tuscaloosa, AL, the percentage of applicants admitted was 75.9%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 18%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 46,216 (42.2% men and 57.8% women).

    The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    Universities

    In 2024 there were 46,216 students enrolled in Tuscaloosa, AL, 42.2% men and 57.8% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 30,739 records, of which 56.5% were women and 43.5% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. General Finance
      549 degrees awarded
    2. General Marketing & Marketing Management
      515 degrees awarded
    3. General Psychology
      379 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Tuscaloosa, AL was General Finance with 549 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Tuscaloosa, AL according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    1. The University of Alabama
      9,807 degrees awarded
    2. Shelton State Community College
      1,075 degrees awarded
    3. Stillman College
      122 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was The University of Alabama with 9,807 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    University

    In 2024, 4,479 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Tuscaloosa, AL, which is 0.685 times less than the 6,542 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 8,280 degrees mean that there were 6.12 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 1,352 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Tuition

    Average Net Price by Sector

    Universities

    Public, 4-year or above ($11,380) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($2,100) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Public, 2-year ($4,500) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Tuscaloosa, AL was $230,700 in 2024, which is 0.693 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $217,100 to $230,700, a 6.26% increase. The homeownership rate in Tuscaloosa, AL is 63%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Tuscaloosa, AL have an average commute time of 24.2 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Tuscaloosa, AL is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    Housing

    Property

    $230,700
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$5,073
    $66,609
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$2,036

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Tuscaloosa, AL the largest share of households pay taxes in the < $800 range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Tuscaloosa, AL compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    63%
    Homeownership
    2024
    67.7%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 63% of the housing units in Tuscaloosa, AL were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 64.1%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Tuscaloosa, AL compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $61,517
    Median Household Income
    ± $1,998
    106k
    Number of Households
    ± 2,797

    In 2024, the median household income of the 106k households in Tuscaloosa, AL grew to $61,517 from the previous year's value of $59,975.

    The following chart displays the households in Tuscaloosa, AL distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Tuscaloosa, AL is from Alabama.
    0.454
    2024 Wage GINI in Alabama
    0.456
    2023 Wage GINI in Alabama

    In 2024, the income inequality in Alabama was 0.454 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.411% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Alabama was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Alabama in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Alabama across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (79.7%)
    2. Carpooled (9.6%)
    3. Worked At Home (7.03%)

    In 2024, 79.7% of workers in Tuscaloosa, AL drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (9.6%) and those who worked at home (7.03%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    24.2 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Tuscaloosa, AL have a shorter commute time (24.2 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 1.99% of the workforce in Tuscaloosa, AL have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Tuscaloosa, AL compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Tuscaloosa, AL distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Tuscaloosa, AL have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Poverty & Diversity

    18.1% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Tuscaloosa, AL (47.4k out of 262k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 18 - 24, followed by Males 18 - 24 and then Females 25 - 34.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Tuscaloosa, AL is Black, followed by White and Two Or More.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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