Tuscaloosa, AL Rental Market
Tuscaloosa is a vibrant college city anchored by the University of Alabama, one of the flagship SEC universities with over 38,000 students. The Mercedes-Benz U.S. International manufacturing plant — the company's largest U.S. facility — is the area's largest private employer, creating a significant professional workforce alongside the university community. The rental market is seasonally active but maintains strong year-round occupancy driven by UA enrollment and manufacturing employment.
Get a rent estimate for an address in TuscaloosaAverage Rent in Tuscaloosa, AL
$1,050
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Tuscaloosa, AL Rental Market
- Average rent in Tuscaloosa, AL:$1,050/mo
- Median rent:$966/mo
- Rent range:$525 – $2,300/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$925/mo
- Active listings:480
- Avg days to lease:34 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.0%
- Median home value:$175,000
- Est. gross annual yield:7.2%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Tuscaloosa, AL
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Tuscaloosa.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $750/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $925/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,175/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,450/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $1,650/mo |
Tuscaloosa Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Tuscaloosa, AL rental market.
480
Available now in Tuscaloosa
34
From list to lease
$0.84
Average across listings
1,250 sq ft
Typical rental size
$525 – $2,300
Min to max active listings
+3.0%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Tuscaloosa, AL Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$175,000
Typical purchase price in Tuscaloosa
Est. Gross Annual Yield
7.2%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,050
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Tuscaloosa for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Tuscaloosa, AL Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Tuscaloosa, AL.
What is the average rent in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The average rent in Tuscaloosa, AL is $1,050 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $750/mo, two-bedrooms $925/mo, and three-bedroom homes $1,175/mo. Neighborhoods near the University of Alabama campus and along University Boulevard see higher demand and faster lease-up than outlying areas.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to invest in rental property?
Tuscaloosa offers a 7.2% estimated gross annual yield, supported by dual demand from UA students and Mercedes-Benz plant employees. College rental markets provide predictable annual leasing cycles and high occupancy when managed well. The key risk is the concentration of student tenants, which requires careful screening and property management.
How does the University of Alabama affect the Tuscaloosa rental market?
UA Tuscaloosa's 38,000+ enrollment makes it the single largest driver of Tuscaloosa's rental market. Off-campus demand peaks each spring as students sign leases for the following fall semester. Properties within 1–2 miles of campus lease fastest and command the highest rents per bedroom. Year-round occupancy is supported by graduate students and university staff who sign 12-month leases.
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