Tuscaloosa Zip Code Map & Complete Area Guide
Tuscaloosa Zip Codes: Complete Breakdown of Every Area (2026)
Quick answer: Tuscaloosa, Alabama has nine ZIP codes. The four you will see on an actual street address are 35401 (downtown and the University of Alabama), 35404 (east Tuscaloosa), 35405 (south Tuscaloosa) and 35406 (north Tuscaloosa). 35487 is a unique ZIP code used only for University of Alabama campus mail, and 35402, 35403, 35407 and 35486 are P.O. Box–only codes. Every one of them sits in Tuscaloosa County, and the phone area codes for the city are 205 and 659.
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| ZIP Code | Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 35401 | Standard | Downtown Tuscaloosa, the Strip, and most of the University of Alabama area |
| 35402 | P.O. Box only | Post office boxes, no street delivery |
| 35403 | P.O. Box only | Post office boxes, no street delivery |
| 35404 | Standard | East Tuscaloosa, Alberta City, University Boulevard corridor |
| 35405 | Standard | South Tuscaloosa, Skyland Boulevard, Woodland Forest, Taylorville |
| 35406 | Standard | North Tuscaloosa, NorthRiver, Lake Tuscaloosa |
| 35407 | P.O. Box only | Post office boxes, no street delivery |
| 35486 | P.O. Box only | Post office boxes, no street delivery |
| 35487 | Unique | University of Alabama campus mail |
What Zip Code Is the University of Alabama?
Quick answer: The University of Alabama campus sits inside 35401, the same ZIP code as downtown Tuscaloosa and the Strip. UA also has a unique ZIP code of its own, 35487, but that one is assigned to campus mail rather than to a residential delivery area. You will see 35487 on university correspondence. You will not see it on an off-campus apartment lease.
That distinction is the one most students get wrong, and it matters if you are searching for somewhere to live rather than looking up an address.
| ZIP Code | Relationship to campus | What it means for your apartment search |
|---|---|---|
| 35487 | UA campus mail only | Not a housing ZIP code. No off-campus apartment has a 35487 address. |
| 35401 | Contains the campus itself | The closest thing to a “walk to class” filter. Most walkable student apartments carry a 35401 address. |
| 35404 | East, next to campus | Off campus. More rental houses and single-family homes than purpose-built student complexes. |
| 35405 | South, not adjacent | Off campus. Usually a drive or a bus ride to class rather than a walk. |
| 35406 | North, not adjacent | Off campus and largely non-student. Quieter and more residential. |
The practical takeaway: when an apartment search tool lets you filter by ZIP code, filtering to 35401 is the closest available proxy for “walking distance to campus.” It is only a proxy — 35401 is a large ZIP code, and its outer edges are well beyond walking range — but it narrows the map far better than searching the city as a whole.
If you want proximity measured complex by complex rather than approximated by postal zone, start with our guide to the best apartments near the University of Alabama, or browse the full Tuscaloosa apartment directory.
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.
If you are comparing rentals rather than looking up an address, start with our guide to the best apartments near the University of Alabama. Each Tuscaloosa zip code covers a slightly different part of the city with its own housing market, neighborhoods, and population density.
Tuscaloosa Zip Code Map
The map below covers the Tuscaloosa area these ZIP codes are spread across. Use it to work out which part of the city an address falls in before you start an apartment search. McFarland Boulevard, Interstate 20/59 and Highway 69 act as the main dividers between zones.
View larger map | © OpenStreetMap contributors
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.
| Zip Code | Area | General Character |
|---|---|---|
| 35401 | Downtown Tuscaloosa | University area and city center |
| 35404 | East Tuscaloosa | Residential and historic neighborhoods |
| 35405 | South Tuscaloosa | Largest residential area |
| 35406 | North Tuscaloosa | Upscale suburban neighborhoods |
Tuscaloosa Population Distribution by Zip Code
Population density varies across Tuscaloosa depending on housing patterns and proximity to the University of Alabama.
| Zip Code | Estimated Population | Area Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 35405 | ~42,000 – 49,000 | Largest residential area |
| 35401 | ~30,000 – 40,000 | Downtown and university housing |
| 35404 | ~20,000 – 21,000 | East Tuscaloosa neighborhoods |
| 35406 | ~14,000 – 15,000 | NorthRiver and Lake Tuscaloosa |
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
| Zip Code | Area of City | Population | Housing Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35401 | Downtown / University Area | ~30k–40k | Student apartments, condos | Students and young professionals |
| 35404 | East Tuscaloosa / Alberta | ~20k | Homes and rental houses | Affordable housing |
| 35405 | South Tuscaloosa | ~42k–49k | Suburban homes and apartments | Families and commuters |
| 35406 | North Tuscaloosa / NorthRiver | ~14k | Larger homes and lake communities | Higher-end residential living |
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.
| Zip Code | Town | Distance from Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| 35473 | Northport | ~5 miles |
| 35453 | Cottondale | ~10 miles |
| 35444 | Brookwood | ~18 miles |
| 35490 | Vance | ~20 miles |
| 35456 | Duncanville | ~15 miles |
| 35446 | Buhl | ~15 miles |
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 two phone area codes: 205, the original code covering a large part of central and western Alabama, and 659, an overlay code added to the same geographic area as numbers ran short. 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. If you are relocating with a middle or high school student, check the school zone before you sign a lease, then ask the school how teachers keep families informed; this secondary teacher’s guide to effective parent-teacher communication in grades 6–12 covers what good communication looks like.
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.
Tuscaloosa Zip Code FAQ
What is the zip code for Tuscaloosa, Alabama?
Tuscaloosa’s main street-address ZIP codes are 35401, 35404, 35405 and 35406. If you only need one, 35401 is the downtown and University of Alabama code.
What zip code is the University of Alabama?
The University of Alabama campus falls inside 35401, and the university also has its own unique ZIP code, 35487, used for campus mail. If you are filling in an address for something on campus, 35487 is usually the one you want. If you are searching for an apartment, 35401 is.
Can you rent an apartment in the 35487 zip code?
No. 35487 is a unique ZIP code assigned to University of Alabama campus mail, not to a residential delivery area, so no off-campus apartment carries a 35487 address. Off-campus student housing near UA sits in 35401, 35404, 35405 or 35406. If a listing advertises a 35487 address, treat it as an error.
What county is Tuscaloosa, AL in?
Every Tuscaloosa ZIP code, including 35401, 35404, 35405 and 35406, is in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
What is the area code for Tuscaloosa, Alabama?
Tuscaloosa phone numbers use area code 205 or the 659 overlay. Both cover the same area, so newer numbers may be assigned 659.
Which Tuscaloosa zip code is closest to campus?
35401 is the closest to the University of Alabama. It covers downtown, the Strip and the neighborhoods immediately around Bryant-Denny Stadium, which is why most walkable student apartments carry a 35401 address.
What is the largest zip code in Tuscaloosa by population?
35405, covering south Tuscaloosa and the Skyland Boulevard corridor, holds the largest residential population in the city.
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.
Student Housing by Tuscaloosa Zip Code
If you are searching for an apartment rather than looking up an address, the zip code mostly tells you how far you will be from campus. Here is what the rental market looks like in each zone, and where to go next.
| Zip Code | Area | What renters find here | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35401 | Downtown and the University of Alabama | Student apartments, lofts and condos, and the most walkable option to campus | Best apartments near the University of Alabama |
| 35404 | East Tuscaloosa and Alberta City | Single-family homes and rental houses, generally the most affordable | Tuscaloosa apartment directory |
| 35405 | South Tuscaloosa and the Skyland Boulevard corridor | The largest residential area, with suburban homes and apartment complexes | Compare student apartments by area |
| 35406 | North Tuscaloosa, NorthRiver and Lake Tuscaloosa | Larger homes and lake properties in quieter suburban neighborhoods | Living in Northport as a UA student |
Apartment reviews by complex
If you already have a shortlist, these are our resident-review breakdowns of the complexes UA students ask about most:
- Redpoint Tuscaloosa reviews
- The Mosaic at Tuscaloosa
- Hub on Campus Tuscaloosa
- The Crimson Tuscaloosa
- Blue Haus Tuscaloosa
- The Walk Tuscaloosa
- State on Campus Tuscaloosa
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.
Related Posts
Need a lower-cost option? See this 2026 guide to cheap apartments in Tuscaloosa for more Tuscaloosa student apartments picks that fit a tighter budget.
