The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 35457 sells for about $289,000, or $158 per square foot.
Prices are up +6.9% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 58 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,700 a month.
ZIP 35457 — Echola
The housing market in 35457 remains stable with steady demand and moderate price appreciation. While inventory levels have seen slight fluctuations, the market is supported by the strong economic foundation of the Tuscaloosa area. Buyers are active, though the pace of sales has normalized compared to previous high-growth periods.
This area is well-suited for families and university-affiliated professionals seeking a balance of affordability and access to regional amenities. It also attracts investors looking for stable rental demand in a growing college-town market.
Median prices moved up 6.9% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 58 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
22% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 0.0% · poverty 0.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.4%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 35457, Tuscaloosa County AL
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in the Tuscaloosa area are generally consistent with regional averages for mid-sized Southern cities, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement maintains active community outreach programs to address neighborhood safety trends.
Schools serving the area are part of the Tuscaloosa County School System, which generally maintains a stable academic reputation. Performance varies by specific campus, with several schools receiving average to above-average ratings in state accountability metrics.
The area is subject to seasonal severe weather, including high winds and occasional tornado risk common to West Alabama. Flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near regional waterways, and standard homeowners insurance typically includes coverage for these regional perils.
Economic momentum is anchored by the University of Alabama and the regional manufacturing sector, including automotive production. Infrastructure improvements continue to focus on expanding highway capacity to support steady population growth.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Alabama) — Standard State Ad Valorem Homestead Exemption: Exempts up to $4,000 in assessed valuation from the 6.5 mill state ad valorem tax levy (providing a maximum direct state tax reduction of $26.00). Formula: Adjusted State Tax = Max(0, (Assessed Value - $4,000)) × 0.0065. State (Alabama) — Statewide Ad Valorem Property Tax and Class III Residential Assessment Ratio: Establishes a baseline 6.5 statewide millage rate ($0.0065 per dollar of assessed value) under Ala. Code § 40-8-1 and the Alabama Constitution.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, with most residents driving to employment hubs in Tuscaloosa or Northport. Traffic congestion is moderate, typically peaking during university academic sessions.
The area offers access to local parks, walking trails, and proximity to Lake Tuscaloosa for water-based recreation. Shopping and dining options are concentrated along major arterial corridors within a short drive.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand driven by the university population and local workforce. Vacancy rates remain low, and rent growth has tracked with broader regional inflation trends.
The economy is heavily influenced by the University of Alabama and the automotive manufacturing sector. These anchors provide a stable employment base and drive consistent demand for housing.
The area is served by a network of state highways and local roads, with limited public transit options. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting.
Development is focused on mixed-use residential and commercial projects near the university and major retail corridors. Planning efforts prioritize infrastructure capacity to accommodate ongoing growth.
The Tuscaloosa County Tax Assessor manages property valuations, utilizing a mass appraisal system to determine fair market value for tax purposes.
Parcels are subject to county and city property taxes, with additional levies for the Tuscaloosa County School System. No major MUDs or PIDs are prevalent in this specific ZIP.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather risks, including wind and hail. Market health is stable, though insurers remain sensitive to severe weather event history.
Alabama is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for relatively efficient processing of defaults. Statutory redemption rights may apply to certain foreclosed properties.
Alabama follows a 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware) doctrine for residential real estate, though sellers must disclose known material defects that pose a health or safety risk.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Major regional reservoir providing boating, fishing, and recreational access.
Anchor institution providing sports, arts, and cultural events.
Scenic walking and biking path along the Black Warrior River.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.