123 movers in Cottondale

What to know when moving to Cottondale, AL

Cottondale at a Glance

The Vibe:
A community with a median household income of $70,162 and a 15.6% renter rate.
The Major Draw:
Affordable housing with a median gross rent of $969.
The Reality Check:
Only 0% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
Top Tip:
Prepare for about 99 rainy days each year, so invest in good rain gear.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

Cottondale has a population of 12,522, with about 15.6% of residents renting their homes. The community has a relatively low education level, with only 15.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This area experiences approximately 99 rainy days annually, so weather preparedness is essential.

Probably not your spot if you prefer urban amenities and public transport options, since no residents use public transit.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median gross rent is $969, while median home values sit at $190,300, making it relatively affordable.
  • The community has a poverty rate of 13.6%, indicating some economic challenges.
  • With a 0% public transit commute share, most residents rely on cars for transportation.
  • The renter versus owner split shows that 15.6% of residents rent, highlighting a predominantly owner-occupied landscape.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

In Alabama, the crime rates show some concerning figures, particularly in violent crime. The violent crime rate is 350.8 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 325.3. However, property crime is slightly lower than the national average, with a rate of 1490.4 per 100,000 compared to 1546.9 nationally.

  • Violent crime: 350.8 per 100,000 vs. national average 325.3
  • Property crime: 1490.4 per 100,000 vs. national average 1546.9
  • Notable trend: Property crime has decreased by 14% from 2022 to 2025.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Alabama).

Schools & Higher Ed

Cottondale has access to four postsecondary institutions, with three of them providing College Scorecard data.

  • Shelton State Community College
  • The University of Alabama
  • University Academy of Hair Design
  • University of Alabama System Office

Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

Cottondale experiences about 38.9 inches of precipitation annually, with 99 rainy days. This includes wetter seasons, such as spring, which sees 20.2 inches of rain. Be ready for the rain if you're planning outdoor activities.

  • Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
  • Shoppes at Legacy Park - 4.4 stars (1,170 reviews)
  • Park at Manderson Landing - 4.7 stars (814 reviews)
  • Snow Hinton Park - 4.4 stars (714 reviews)
  • Will May Dog Park - 4.6 stars (674 reviews)

Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

The local job market in Tuscaloosa County shows a healthy unemployment rate of 2.3% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 113,497 and 110,891 employed individuals.

  • Unemployment rate: 2.3% (December 2025)
  • Employed: 110,891
  • Labor force: 113,497

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

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Who regulates Cottondale interstate movers?

Cottondale moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of Alabama

Let's see how many people move within Alabama versus those who moved from Heart of Dixie to another state.

Moved Within AL
44%
Moved out of AL
56%

The intrastate moves (44%) and interstate moves (56%) originating in the state of Alabama come relatively close with a difference of around 10%.

Planning and organizing a cross-country move is considered to be more challenging than preparing for a local move. And yet, that fact has not affected the distribution between local and long-distance moves as more Alabamians have chosen to move out of the state.

Who regulates Alabama local movers

Alabama moving companies are required to have an APSC registration number to operate legitimately.

Agency: Public Service Commission, Transportation Division
Address: 100 N Union St, RSA Union, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 242-5980
Website: http://www.psc.alabama.gov/

The Alabama Public Service Commission ensures a regulatory balance between companies and consumers in order to sustain consumers with safe and reliable services.

What do people move within Alabama?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in AL?

Studio (3%)
1 Bedroom (14%)
2 Bedroom (29%)
3 Bedroom (31%)
4 Bedroom (12%)

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How much does it cost to hire movers

As it turns out, the cost to hire professional movers will effectively solve the ever-present dilemma of whether you should hire a mover or do it yourself. The cost depends on a number of important factors, including the type of the move itself (local move or a long distance). See the breakdown.

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