uscaloosa County is a thriving, growing community with a population of approximately 178,000 people, serving a regional market of over 350,000 people. Strategically located, Tuscaloosa County encompasses an area of 1,340 miles, making the county the second largest in Alabama.
Tuscaloosa County is a community that provides its citizens with a rich menu of choices of where and how to live... that provides public services geared to their health, safety and enjoyment... that offers a multitude of activities, opportunities and experiences which expand and enrich their lives.

LOCATION

Tuscaloosa County is located in West Alabama where the Appalachian range tapers and meets the coastal plain of Alabama, with the Black Warrior River flowing right through. Because of our geography, Tuscaloosa County is a physically diverse area. It has hills and mountains to the North, flat and fertile land to the South, glistening lakes and rivers throughout and an abundance of rich natural resources.
The area enjoys a moderate climate with an average temperature of 63.4-F and an average growing season of 210 days.
Tuscaloosa County is strategically located and accessible to key, major markets in the Southeast. The area is 50 miles southwest of Birmingham and 95 miles to the west of Montgomery. Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville are within a 200-mile radius, with Mobile, New Orleans and the Alabama Gulf Coast only a few hours to the south.

AREA COMMUNITIES

There are six incorporated cities in Tuscaloosa County: Tuscaloosa , Northport, Brookwood, Vance, Coaling and Coker. Tuscaloosa, the seat of county government, has a population of approximately 89,000; and the neighboring community of Northport, one of Alabama's fastest growing, has a population of approximately 23,000. Brookwood, Vance and Coaling are located in eastern Tuscaloosa County 10 to 15 miles from the metropolitan area, while Coker is located in the western part of the county.

HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS

Whatever your idea of "home, sweet home", Tuscaloosa County offers a wide range of choices for living. Revitalized, tree-lined historic areas where young and old alike have restored the atmosphere of earlier times…..quaint, tucked-away neighborhoods…. .its all available in Tuscaloosa County. Tuscaloosa County offers prestigious, planned developments with the elegance of the English countryside…..quiet, secluded settings…..small neighborhoods with tree-lined streets where neighbors chat across backyard fences and children play along peaceful clu-de-sacs. Waterfront living at its best can be found in Tuscaloosa County, as well as homes along golf courses providing special amenities. And if you're looking for alternatives that require less upkeep than a house, Tuscaloosa County has an abundance of affordable, diverse offerings of condominiums, garden homes and apartments. There has been consistent expansion of the area's housing market over the past several years, with new residential construction at all levels and prices. Housing prices are competitive and affordable in all categories.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Tuscaloosa County , and the six incorporated cities, each have their own governmental units. Members of the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the Tuscaloosa and Northport City Councils are elected from districts, while the Tuscaloosa County Commission Chairman, who also serves as Probate Judge, and the Mayors of Tuscaloosa and Northport are elected at-large. In addition, the towns of Brookwood, Vance, Coaling and Coker have local mayor-council forms of government.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

Caring for each other and our citizens is a tradition in Tuscaloosa County, and hand-in-hand with that heritage is the deep sense of worship and faith of our people. This faith extends into many facets of working and living. More than 250 churches and synagogues representing approximately 35 denominations and faiths fill the area each weekend with the sounds and experiences of praise and worship. While on weekdays, their members reach out into the community, offering a hand and heart to those in physical and spiritual need.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Tuscaloosa County's law enforcement and public safety agencies work in cooperation with each other as well as in partnership with the area's citizens striving to provide a high level of public safety and security. There are more than 600 law enforcement officers in Tuscaloosa County, which includes the police departments of the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport and the Sheriff's Department. The area's crime rate falls below the national average for comparably sized cities. There are more than 270 full-time fire department personnel are in the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport. In addition, the area has excellent programs such as Crime Stoppers and Neighborhood Watch that continue to have a positive impact.

HISTORY

The area was first visited by Hernando DeSoto and his Spanish Warriors, who waged a battle in 1540 in Mauvila about 100 miles to the South. It was there that DeSoto's men killed over 7,000 Indians, including the great Chief Tuskaloosa. It was from this famous chief that the county and city, as well as the Black Warrior River, derived their names. The first explorers to reach the immediate Tuscaloosa vicinity came about 1810-1813. On February 7,1818, Tuscaloosa was created by an act of the Alabama Territorial Legislature, and by 1819, Tuscaloosa was an incorporated town. Northport was settled about 1813 and was a central point of navigation on the Warrior River. First known as Kentuck of Canetuck, Northport was incorporated February 7, 1871. Originally known as Trion and supposedly once campsite for Davy Crockett, Vance has existed as a small community for over 170 years. Brookwood, long known for extensive coal deposits, was incorporated in 1977. Coaling, the newest municipality was incorporated in 1997.

AREA WEBSITES