Tuscaloosa Zip Code Guide: Complete Breakdown of Every Area (2026)

Understanding each Tuscaloosa zip code can make a big difference when choosing where to live, searching for apartments, or learning how the city is organized. Tuscaloosa is one of Alabama’s most well-known college towns thanks to the University of Alabama, a strong local economy, and steady population growth.

This guide explains every major Tuscaloosa zip code including 35401, 35404, 35405, and 35406, along with nearby communities within roughly 20 miles of the city.

Each Tuscaloosa zip code covers a slightly different part of the city with its own housing market, neighborhoods, and population density.

Main Tuscaloosa Zip Codes Overview

Tuscaloosa sits along the Black Warrior River in west-central Alabama. Over time, residential development spread outward from downtown and the University of Alabama campus, which helped shape the city’s postal code layout.

Tuscaloosa Population Distribution by Zip Code

Population density varies across Tuscaloosa depending on housing patterns and proximity to the University of Alabama.

These population differences reflect how the city developed geographically. Southern Tuscaloosa expanded heavily with suburban housing, while downtown remains heavily influenced by the university.

Because each Tuscaloosa zip code represents a different housing market and population density, understanding these areas can help residents, renters, and investors identify the best neighborhoods for apartments, homes, and real estate opportunities.

How Tuscaloosa Zip Codes Are Organized

Tuscaloosa is geographically shaped by the Black Warrior River and major transportation routes such as McFarland Boulevard, Interstate 20/59, and Highway 69. These corridors helped determine how residential growth spread across the city.

• 35401 covers downtown and much of the University of Alabama.
• 35404 covers eastern Tuscaloosa neighborhoods like Alberta City.
• 35405 includes most of the southern residential sections of the city.
• 35406 contains northern suburbs and Lake Tuscaloosa communities.

35401 Zip Code Tuscaloosa

The 35401 Tuscaloosa zip code covers the downtown core of the city and most of the University of Alabama campus. Because of the university, this area has one of the highest population densities in the region.

Major landmarks located in the 35401 zip code include Bryant-Denny Stadium, the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, Government Plaza, and the downtown entertainment district.

• Primary area: Downtown Tuscaloosa
• Nearby university: University of Alabama
• Common housing: Student apartments, lofts, and condos
• Typical residents: Students and young professionals

The 35401 zip code is one of the most searched areas for student housing because it is close to campus and highly walkable.

35404 Zip Code Tuscaloosa

The 35404 Tuscaloosa zip code covers much of eastern Tuscaloosa including Alberta City and neighborhoods along University Boulevard.

Alberta City is a historic Tuscaloosa community that has seen redevelopment in recent years. This zip code includes a mix of long-established homes, rental properties, and newer residential development.

• Primary area: East Tuscaloosa
• Major neighborhoods: Alberta City, Eastwood
• Common housing: Single-family homes and rentals
• Best for: Affordable housing and investment properties

Because of its proximity to downtown and the University of Alabama, the 35404 zip code remains popular with both homeowners and renters.

35405 Zip Code Tuscaloosa

The 35405 Tuscaloosa zip code covers much of the southern part of the city and contains the largest residential population in Tuscaloosa.

This region expanded significantly during suburban growth and now includes many established neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

• Primary areas: Skyland Boulevard, Woodland Forest, Taylorville
• Housing types: Suburban homes and apartment complexes
• Population: Largest residential zip code in Tuscaloosa
• Popular for: Families and commuters

The Skyland Boulevard corridor inside the 35405 zip code contains many shopping centers, restaurants, and local businesses.

35406 Zip Code Tuscaloosa

The 35406 Tuscaloosa zip code covers the northern part of the city and includes some of the most desirable residential areas.

This region contains many neighborhoods surrounding Lake Tuscaloosa and the NorthRiver community.

• Primary areas: NorthRiver and Lake Tuscaloosa
• Housing types: Larger homes and lake properties
• Typical residents: Families and professionals
• Reputation: Upscale residential area

The 35406 zip code is known for quiet suburban living, scenic neighborhoods, and easy access to outdoor recreation around Lake Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa Neighborhoods by Zip Code

Many people searching for a Tuscaloosa zip code are actually trying to identify neighborhoods within the city. The following list highlights several well-known residential areas organized by zip code.

Neighborhoods in the 35401 Zip Code

• Downtown Tuscaloosa
• University Area
• Riverwalk District
• Historic downtown neighborhoods

Neighborhoods in the 35404 Zip Code

• Alberta City
• Eastwood
• University Boulevard corridor
• East Tuscaloosa residential areas

Neighborhoods in the 35405 Zip Code

• Woodland Forest
• Taylorville
• Skyland Park
• South Tuscaloosa communities

Neighborhoods in the 35406 Zip Code

• NorthRiver
• Forest Lake
• Hidden Meadows
• Lake Tuscaloosa communities

Each Tuscaloosa zip code contains multiple neighborhoods with different housing styles, property values, and community amenities.

Tuscaloosa ZIP Code Data Dashboard

Population estimates vary slightly depending on the source and census updates, but the table above provides a strong overview of how Tuscaloosa’s population is distributed geographically.

How Tuscaloosa Zip Codes Compare Geographically

The city of Tuscaloosa is shaped by the Black Warrior River and major highways. Because of this, each zip code developed with a different mix of housing, businesses, and population density.

• Downtown (35401) developed around the University of Alabama and the historic city center.
• East Tuscaloosa (35404) includes older neighborhoods and growing residential areas.
• South Tuscaloosa (35405) expanded with suburban housing developments and retail corridors.
• North Tuscaloosa (35406) contains lakefront communities and newer suburban neighborhoods.

Zip Codes Within 20 Miles of Tuscaloosa

Several nearby towns also have their own postal codes and residential communities tied to the greater Tuscaloosa area.

Best Tuscaloosa Zip Codes for Different Lifestyles

Best Zip Codes for Students

• 35401 – Downtown near the University of Alabama
• 35404 – East Tuscaloosa rental areas

Best Zip Codes for Families

• 35406 – NorthRiver
• 35473 – Northport

Best Zip Codes for Affordable Housing

• 35405 – South Tuscaloosa
• 35453 – Cottondale

Complete List of Tuscaloosa Zip Codes

The city of Tuscaloosa primarily uses the following postal codes:

• 35401 – Downtown Tuscaloosa
• 35404 – East Tuscaloosa
• 35405 – South Tuscaloosa
• 35406 – North Tuscaloosa
• 35487 – University of Alabama campus mail

Additional zip codes in the surrounding Tuscaloosa area include Northport, Cottondale, Vance, Brookwood, and other nearby communities.

Tuscaloosa Area Code vs Zip Code

Many people confuse the Tuscaloosa area code with the city’s zip codes.

Tuscaloosa uses the 205 area code for phone numbers, which covers a large part of central and western Alabama. Zip codes, on the other hand, are used by the United States Postal Service to organize mail delivery and identify geographic sections of the city.

How to Find Your Tuscaloosa Zip Code

If you are moving to the city or searching for housing, identifying the correct Tuscaloosa zip code can help you narrow down neighborhoods and school zones.

The easiest way to determine a Tuscaloosa zip code is by using the USPS ZIP code lookup tool or checking property listings that include the postal code for each address.

Why Tuscaloosa Zip Codes Matter When Searching for Housing

Many real estate websites organize listings by postal code, which means understanding Tuscaloosa zip codes can help you quickly identify which neighborhoods match your lifestyle and budget.

• Students often focus on apartments within the 35401 zip code because it is closest to the University of Alabama.
• Families frequently choose homes in 35406 because of larger properties and quieter neighborhoods.
• Renters looking for affordable housing often explore communities within 35404 and 35405.

If you are searching for apartments in the area, you can also browse our Tuscaloosa apartment directory to compare rental communities across these zip codes.

Related Housing Resources

If you are searching for rental housing in the area, browse our Complete Tuscaloosa Apartment Directory to compare apartment communities across the city.

Sources

• Zip-Codes.com – Tuscaloosa Zip Codes
• Zip-Codes.com – Tuscaloosa County Zip Codes
• Wikipedia – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
• Wikipedia – Northport, Alabama
• Localistica – Most Populated ZIP Codes in Tuscaloosa

Final Thoughts

Each Tuscaloosa zip code offers something different, from downtown student housing near the University of Alabama to quiet suburban neighborhoods around NorthRiver and Northport.

Understanding how these areas differ can help you choose the right neighborhood whether you are renting an apartment, buying a home, or relocating to the Tuscaloosa area.

If you want to see all the zip codes laid out with maps, you can check out this simple Tuscaloosa zip code guide.