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.