RANK #149 / 996 NAT · #5 / 27 AL · POP 88,284
1YR FORECAST: +1.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
Cullman County, Alabama, is known for its strong German heritage, evident in annual events like Oktoberfest and the Christkindlmarkt. Located in north-central Alabama, the county seat, Cullman, sits roughly halfway between Birmingham and Huntsville, with easy access via Interstate 65. This location allows for a commute to larger cities while maintaining a distinct small-town atmosphere. The area offers outdoor recreation, including Smith Lake for boating and fishing, Hurricane Creek Park for hiking, and numerous local parks like Sportsman Lake Park.
Life in Cullman County offers a blend of community and opportunity. The public schools in Cullman County are highly rated, and Wallace State Community College in Hanceville provides local higher education options and workforce training programs. The economy has seen recent growth, with significant investments in new and expanding industries, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. This economic activity, combined with a lower cost of living and a focus on workforce development, contributes to a stable environment for families and individuals.
Below national median (4.7x)
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cullman County ranks #149 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 85/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.2% and a median household income of $58,119 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Cullman County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $166,000, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.35 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $848/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Cullman County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.3% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.2% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +4.0% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.45% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Cullman County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.