Crime Safety Grade

B-

Tuscaloosa, AL Crime Rate

Higher crime than 85% of U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

Is Tuscaloosa Safe?

With an overall crime index of 144, Tuscaloosa has a 44% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 188. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like The University of Alabama earning an A grade while West Tuscaloosa rates C-.

Crime Index Comparison

Tuscaloosa
144
Alabama Avg
110
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
144
44% above average
Violent Crime
133
33% above average
Property Crime
138
38% above average
Safe Areas
40%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Tuscaloosa

1 in 188

Property crime: 1 in 181

Where Is It Safe in Tuscaloosa?

Tuscaloosa Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Vehicle Theft · 60% above avg
Lowest Risk
Robbery · 5% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 143 ▲ 43%
Assault Violent 152 ▲ 52%
Robbery Violent 105 ▲ 5%
Burglary Property 106 ▲ 6%
Larceny / Theft Property 146 ▲ 46%
Vehicle Theft Property 160 ▲ 60%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Tuscaloosa Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 The University of Alabama A 62
2 Forest Lake B 181
3 Greater Alberta C 150
4 Downtown Tuscaloosa C- 183
5 West Tuscaloosa C- 144

Tuscaloosa Crime by Zip Code

Tuscaloosa Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
149,302
Median Income
$44,507
Home Value
$192,920
Median Rent
$858
Home Ownership
48%

Racial Demographics

White
48%
Black
45.8%
Hispanic
4.1%
Asian
2.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa has an overall crime index of 144, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 40% of neighborhoods in Tuscaloosa are rated A or B for safety.
Is Tuscaloosa safe to live in?
Tuscaloosa has a crime safety grade of B-. Average crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Tuscaloosa?
The safest neighborhoods in Tuscaloosa based on crime data include The University of Alabama, Forest Lake, Greater Alberta, Downtown Tuscaloosa, and West Tuscaloosa. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Tuscaloosa crime compare to the national average?
Tuscaloosa's overall crime index is 144 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 44% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Crime Statistics by State