Tuscaloosa
Investment Analysis

Tuscaloosa, AL
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

Share:
55
Investment Score
Buy
Cap Rate (Est.)
2.3%
Gross Yield
3.8%
P/R Ratio
16.5x
YoY Growth
+0.8%
Median Home Price
$286,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$909/mo
Median Income
$43,235
Population
111,339

Investment Breakdown

51
Value Score
58
Growth Score
55
Safety Score
60
Afford Score

Tuscaloosa has a price-to-rent ratio of 16.5x, which indicates buying is moderately favorable.

The estimated cap rate of 2.3% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of +0.8% indicates stable market conditions.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $909
Annual Gross $10,908

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$358
Insurance (~0.5%) -$119
Maintenance (~1%) -$238
Est. Net Cash Flow $194/mo

Price Forecast 2026–2028

🔮 Tuscaloosa Price Forecast 20262028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis · Statistical projection
📈 Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$223K2027$240K 7.7%2028$250K 11.8%20232024Now
$262K$199K
Current
$286K
2026
Projected
$240K
7.7% by 2027
Projected
$250K
11.8% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+4.8%
Confidence:High
R²:0.90

For anyone asking will Tuscaloosa home prices drop, the current data suggests a plateau rather than a correction. A median price of $223,348 and a slim YoY gain of 0.7% indicate a market losing steam after a strong run. The Price-to-Rent Ratio at 18.3x is nearly identical to the national average, signaling that buying and renting are financially comparable, which typically tempers speculative activity. This dynamic supports a NEUTRAL verdict for the next few years; while the 5-year CAGR of 4.8% is healthy, the recent slowdown points to more modest appreciation ahead.

This Tuscaloosa housing market forecast through 2028 is anchored by the city's unique economic drivers. The University of Alabama remains a powerful stabilizer, providing consistent rental demand and employment, but the broader Alabama economy is growing at a steady, not spectacular, pace. Affordability remains a relative strength compared to larger metros, but local wage growth will need to keep up with inflation to sustain buyer activity. With a market temperature of 65/100 and a low-risk grade of A, the area is unlikely to see sharp volatility. Days on Market at 33 confirm a balanced environment where sellers must price realistically.

Looking ahead to Tuscaloosa real estate Tuscaloosa 2027, the outlook is one of stability over explosive growth. The tight price range over the last five years, from $175,621 to $223,365, demonstrates a market with a firm floor, limiting downside risk. While a surge in prices is unlikely without a major economic catalyst, the area's fundamentals—especially its educational base and affordable entry point—should support steady, incremental gains. For buyers and investors, the forecast implies a market where patience and careful selection matter more than timing a downturn.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
2.8%
5yr CAGR
+4.8%

Job Market

Unemployment 3.1%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +1.8%

Healthcare

72
Score
Good

Risk Factors

Low Risk Profile

Market Activity

Source: Redfin · 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 96.7%
Months Supply 5.5
Price Drops 13%
Gone in 2 Wks 43%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Average

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Tuscaloosa.

Total ROI
-113%
on $57,200 invested
Annual ROI
NaN%
compounded
Total Return
-$64,842
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$1,343
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y162kY266kY371kY476kY581k
Appreciation
$10,887
Cash Flow
-$75,729
Final Equity
$81,495

* Estimates based on 0.8% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Tuscaloosa

Property

Purchase Price$286,000
Monthly Rent$909
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$1,232
Monthly Cash Flow
-$14,783/ year
-25.8%
Cash-on-Cash
0.9%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$909
− Mortgage (P&I)$1,446
− Property Tax$286
− Insurance$125
− Maintenance$238
− Vacancy Loss$45
= Net Cash Flow-$1,232

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$57,200
Loan Amount
$228,800
Total Monthly Expenses
$2,141
Gross Yield
3.8%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026