Cullman County's composite score of 69.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking it at the 70th percentile nationally. The county delivers respectable quality-of-life outcomes across core livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly below Alabama's average
Cullman's score of 69.9 falls just short of Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it in the state's solid middle range. The county remains competitive statewide in livability offerings.
3 / 5
Highest incomes, favorable taxes
Cullman leads this sample with a median household income of $60,916 (income score: 23.2), offering the best wealth-building potential. A tax score of 95.1 (effective rate: 0.253%) and health score of 61.9 round out the strengths.
4 / 5
Housing costs noticeably higher
Cullman's cost score of 81.5 reflects median home values of $180,500 and median rent of $883/month—among the highest in this sample. The risk score of 18.1 suggests some environmental or safety considerations warrant attention.
5 / 5
Best for income-focused professionals
Cullman County appeals to young professionals, dual-income families, and those seeking higher wages with manageable housing costs. It suits residents willing to accept slightly elevated housing prices in exchange for better income opportunities.
Cullman County's composite score of 69.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking it at the 70th percentile nationally. The county delivers respectable quality-of-life outcomes across core livability dimensions.
Slightly below Alabama's average
Cullman's score of 69.9 falls just short of Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it in the state's solid middle range. The county remains competitive statewide in livability offerings.
Highest incomes, favorable taxes
Cullman leads this sample with a median household income of $60,916 (income score: 23.2), offering the best wealth-building potential. A tax score of 95.1 (effective rate: 0.253%) and health score of 61.9 round out the strengths.
Housing costs noticeably higher
Cullman's cost score of 81.5 reflects median home values of $180,500 and median rent of $883/month—among the highest in this sample. The risk score of 18.1 suggests some environmental or safety considerations warrant attention.
Best for income-focused professionals
Cullman County appeals to young professionals, dual-income families, and those seeking higher wages with manageable housing costs. It suits residents willing to accept slightly elevated housing prices in exchange for better income opportunities.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛95.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.253%, Cullman County's effective property tax rate is roughly 72% lower than the national average of 0.89%. The median annual tax of $457 represents just 17% of the national median of $2,690.
Well below Alabama's state average
Cullman's 0.253% rate ranks among the lowest in Alabama, sitting well below the state average of 0.339%. Its median tax of $457 trails the state median of $511 by approximately 11%.
Lower-middle tax burden in the group
Cullman's 0.253% rate ranks third-lowest in this eight-county sample, with only Coosa (0.271%) and Covington (0.251%) offering lower rates. For a county with higher median home values, this represents good affordability.
What homeowners pay annually
A homeowner with Cullman County's median-valued property ($180,500) pays approximately $457 per year in property taxes. With mortgage adjustments, that can reach around $514.
Challenge your assessment if needed
Cullman homeowners should review their property assessment annually to ensure it hasn't inflated beyond the home's actual market value. Challenging an inflated assessment is often free and can save you hundreds over the years.
Cullman County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, marking it as an affordable option despite the highest median rent in its peer group. With a median household income of $60,916, residents here have the income to sustain $883 monthly housing costs.
Cullman near Alabama average, premium pricing
At 17.4%, Cullman matches several peer counties but slightly outperforms Alabama's 18.0% state average for rent burden. The $883 median monthly rent is 10% above the state average, reflecting the county's relative prosperity and higher-value housing market.
The region's premium rental market
Cullman's $883 monthly rent is the highest among peer counties, but its $60,916 median household income is among the strongest, justifying the premium. The county attracts residents willing to pay more for stronger employment and community amenities.
Higher income supports higher costs
At $60,916 median income, Cullman households dedicate 17.4% to rent at $883 monthly—a burden justified by stronger earning power. Homeownership costs $723 monthly with a $180,500 median home value, the region's priciest but reflecting market strength.
Cullman for growth-oriented movers
Cullman County suits relocators seeking stronger employment prospects and community investment—you'll pay premium prices but for better income potential. Compare the $883 rent and $180,500 median home price against cheaper neighbors, weighing cost against opportunity.
Cullman County's median household income of $60,916 exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by $6,720 and ranks solidly in the upper range statewide. Though still $13,839 below the U.S. median of $74,755, the county outearns most of its regional counterparts.
Cullman ranks among Alabama's top earners
Cullman County ranks in the upper tier of Alabama's 67 counties for median household income at $60,916. The county significantly outperforms state average, reflecting a stronger local economy and diverse employment base.
Cullman leads north Alabama income rankings
Cullman County's $60,916 median household income ranks among the highest in north-central Alabama. Its per capita income of $30,977 and stable manufacturing and agricultural sectors support solid wage growth compared to neighboring counties.
Housing costs remain manageable with good planning
Cullman County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, protecting renters from cost burden. The median home value of $180,500 reflects the county's stronger economy, though buyers should still verify 28% mortgage affordability thresholds.
Cullman households well-positioned to build wealth
With above-average county income and manageable housing costs, Cullman residents can prioritize investment diversification and long-term retirement planning. Regular contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, or taxable investment accounts compound significantly when started early.
Cullman County's 72.8-year life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 72.6 years, giving residents a slight longevity advantage. The county's 21.8% poor/fair health rate is just below the national average of 21.8%, indicating health status near American norms. Cullman performs at or slightly above national health standards across key metrics.
Cullman Leads Alabama's Health Performance
At 72.8 years, Cullman's life expectancy noticeably exceeds Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 11.7% uninsured rate is slightly higher than the state average, but the superior life expectancy suggests strong underlying health infrastructure. Cullman stands out as one of Alabama's health leaders despite average insurance coverage rates.
Cullman Tops Its Regional Peers
Cullman's 72.8-year life expectancy is the highest among its neighbors, outpacing Colbert (73.0 in a statistical tie) and significantly outdistancing Covington (70.6 years). The county boasts exceptional mental health support at 164 providers per 100,000—far above regional averages—and adequate primary care at 48 providers per 100,000. Cullman is a regional health leader with particularly strong mental health infrastructure.
Strong Behavioral Health, Adequate Primary Care
Cullman's 164 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represents the strongest behavioral health infrastructure in the region, suggesting excellent access to counseling and psychiatric services. Primary care is available at 48 providers per 100,000, meeting regional standards though not exceeding them. The county's exceptional mental health capacity likely contributes to its above-average life expectancy.
Maintain Your Coverage in Cullman
Even in Cullman, 11.7% of residents remain uninsured, potentially missing preventive care that supports the county's good health outcomes. If you lack insurance, visit the Alabama Health Insurance Marketplace to explore plans that maintain your access to Cullman's robust healthcare providers. Coverage ensures you can take full advantage of available services.
Cullman County scores 81.93 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and well above the national average. The score reflects significant exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires across the county.
Alabama's Second-Highest Risk County Here
Cullman's 81.93 ranks it among Alabama's most hazard-exposed counties, exceeded only by Covington (82.44) in this group and sitting 20 points above state average. This places Cullman in the upper tier of statewide disaster risk.
Riskier Than Most Regional Peers
Cullman (81.93) faces substantially higher composite risk than Colbert (80.66) to the north and Dallas (70.77) to the south, creating the region's most hazard-exposed profile. Only Covington's 82.44 comes close to Cullman's elevated exposure.
Tornadoes and Floods Lead Multiple Threats
Tornado risk scores 90.04—among Alabama's highest—while floods rank second at 80.25, reflecting Cullman's northern location and topography. Earthquakes (86.58) and wildfires (65.08) add compounding seasonal hazards throughout the year.
Multi-Hazard Coverage Protects Your Investment
The 90.04 tornado and 80.25 flood scores demand comprehensive protection: ensure coverage for wind damage and secure separate flood insurance. Consider earthquake coverage as well, given the 86.58 risk score, and review all policies annually as hazards evolve.