ABOUT THE CITY OF CULLMAN!

Cullman is a vibrant, 21st-century city rooted in a rich heritage and timeless Southern charm. Founded in 1873 by German immigrant and entrepreneur Colonel Johann Gottfried Cullmann, our city has grown from a small settlement to a dynamic hub that blends historic character with modern opportunity. 

With a population estimated at roughly 20,239 in 2024, Cullman stands as the county seat and the largest municipality in Cullman County, Alabama. Nestled roughly halfway between Birmingham, Alabama and Huntsville, Alabama – and conveniently located along Interstate 65 and multiple major highway arteries – Cullman offers easy access to larger metro areas while preserving a close-knit, small-town feel that’s rare to find.

Today, Cullman boasts a wide array of amenities: Diverse local attractions, quality lodging, restaurants, retail, educational and medical facilities, and abundant cultural, sporting, and entertainment opportunities. We embrace forward-thinking economic development, technological growth, and quality-of-life initiatives – all while preserving the warm hospitality and welcoming spirit that define Southern living.

If you’re looking for a community that offers contemporary comforts alongside genuine charm, Cullman is a place you can call home — whether for a season, or a lifetime.

Discover more about Cullman by clicking on the informational boxes below:

Modern infrastructure, excellent market access, modest business costs, and a supportive community make Cullman a smart choice for business growth. Our city is dedicated to helping local businesses thrive — and that commitment shows in our record of success.

Cullman remains a top-ranked micropolitan in the United States. In 2024, the nationally recognized CEDA was again honored for economic development excellence, and Cullman earned high placement among its peer communities. 

Our strategic location along Interstate 65 (about halfway between Birmingham and Huntsville) ensures easy access to major markets, combined with reliable utilities, competitive business costs, and an available, well-trained workforce — including support from Wallace State Community College. 

Cullman’s growing population and expanding economic footprint offer a strong local consumer base and a regional trade-area that supports retail and industry alike.

If your business is looking for a place where growth is encouraged, infrastructure is dependable, and the community welcomes new investment — Cullman is ready for you.

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Contact Us

We’re here to help. Whether you have a question, need information, or want to connect with City services, you can reach us using the options below.

Main Phone

(256) 775-7109

General Email

[email protected]

Department Contacts

For direct contact information for individual departments, please visit our Departmental Contact Information page.

Connect With Us on Social Media

Stay up to date on city news, events, and community updates by following our official social platforms:

We encourage you to follow along and engage with us online for the latest information from across our community.

Cullman, Alabama offers a strong foundation for both residents and businesses, supported by robust demographic and workforce data. According to CEDA’s most recent community overview, the city has a population of approximately 19,913 (2023 est.), with 7,725 households, a median household income of about $59,982, and a per-capita income of roughly $34,010.
(Community Overview – CEDA)

On the county level, the labor market is equally strong: Cullman County maintains a labor force of about 40,031 workers (2024), with an average hourly wage of $23.91 across all occupations and $21.80 in manufacturing. The area supports around 1,848 employer establishments, and the average commute time is just 26 minutes, making Cullman both commuter-friendly and business-accessible.
(Workforce Overview – CEDA)

These indicators — from population and income to workforce strength, wages, and accessibility — highlight why Cullman continues to be a stable, welcoming, and opportunity-rich community for families, workers, and businesses.

Cullman Demographics Snapshot

(Data sourced from the Cullman Economic Development Agency)

City of Cullman

  • Population (2023 est.): ~19,913

  • Households: 7,725

  • Median Household Income: $59,982

  • Per Capita Income: $34,010

  • Median Age: 41.2

  • Homeownership Rate: 61.6%

  • Median Home Value: $215,200

Cullman County Workforce

  • Total Labor Force (2024): 40,031

  • Average Hourly Wage (All Occupations): $23.91

  • Average Hourly Wage (Manufacturing): $21.80

  • Number of Employer Establishments: 1,848

  • Average Commute Time: 26 minutes

Education & Training

  • High School Diploma or Higher: ~90%

  • Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: ~31%

  • Local Training Resources: Wallace State Community College, Ready-to-Work programs, technical skills training
    (Workforce Training – CEDA)

Education in Cullman

Cullman offers strong educational opportunities at every level, supported by two high-performing public school systems and a highly respected community college that anchors the region’s workforce training efforts.

Cullman City School System

Cullman City Schools serve approximately 3,200 students and are known for high academic performance, a graduation rate above 95%, and strong participation in advanced academics, arts, athletics, and career and technical education. The system employs a dedicated team of educators and support staff and consistently ranks among the top-performing school districts in Alabama.

Cullman County School System

The Cullman County School System serves more than 9,900 students across multiple campuses throughout the county. With a graduation rate exceeding 96% and a very high percentage of students meeting College & Career Readiness indicators, the system provides diverse academic, career/technical, and extracurricular opportunities to prepare students for both higher education and the workforce.

Wallace State Community College

Located just outside Cullman, Wallace State Community College is one of Alabama’s premier community colleges and enrolls roughly 6,000 students in academic, technical, and health-science programs. Known for strong student outcomes and industry-aligned training, Wallace State offers programs in fields such as mechatronics, machining, welding, engineering technology, health sciences, transportation, agriculture, and more. The college also provides dual-enrollment options for high-school students, adult education, short-term workforce training, and numerous certification pathways.

Workforce Strength & Training

Cullman’s educational institutions work closely with employers and economic development partners to support a strong and stable workforce.

  • Cullman County’s labor force includes more than 40,000 workers.

  • The region maintains low unemployment and competitive wages across major industries.

  • Career and technical programs in both school systems prepare students with job-ready skills.

  • Wallace State Community College provides training that aligns with industry needs, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled talent.

  • Workforce initiatives in the community focus on closing skills gaps, supporting existing industries, and preparing workers for emerging job opportunities.

Together, Cullman’s schools, college, and workforce programs create a well-prepared talent base that supports ongoing economic growth and enhances quality of life for residents.

Cullman is home to several beloved annual events and festivals that celebrate our heritage, local culture, and vibrant community spirit. Each year, residents and visitors alike enjoy a full calendar of celebrations that have become traditions in their own right.

One of Cullman’s most popular events is the Cullman Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired holiday market held at Depot Park each winter. Guests can wander through charming wooden vendor huts, enjoy seasonal food and beverages, explore festive attractions, and experience the magic of the Christmas season in the heart of downtown.
Learn more: https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/

Every spring, the Alabama Strawberry Festival brings music, vendors, family activities, and—of course—plenty of fresh, locally grown strawberries. This statewide festival draws thousands to Depot Park to celebrate one of Cullman’s sweetest agricultural traditions.
Event details: https://www.alabamastrawberryfest.com/

In the fall, Cullman Oktoberfest pays tribute to the city’s German heritage with traditional music, food, dancing, and cultural activities. The multi-day celebration includes family events, live entertainment, arts and crafts, contests, and historic tours that highlight the city’s Bavarian roots.
More information: https://www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com/

To explore even more events, attractions, and seasonal activities in our area, visit Visit Cullman for up-to-date tourism and community information.
https://visitcullman.com/

Also check out our Meeting & Events Calendar!

Colonel John G. Cullmann was born on July 2, 1823, in Frankweiler, in the Rheinpfalz region of what was then Bavaria. Trained as a civil engineer, he emigrated to the United States after political and financial upheaval in mid-19th century Germany. Seeking a fresh start and inspired by the promise of open land in the South, he ultimately set his sights on northern Alabama — beginning a daring project to build a new colony for German and European immigrants.

In 1873, Cullmann arrived at his selected site with a small group of settlers and established what would become the city of Cullman, Alabama. Over the next two decades he actively recruited immigrants, attracting thousands and shaping the region’s demographic and cultural identity. His efforts laid the foundation for the incorporation of the city in 1874 and the formation of Cullman County, Alabama in 1877. Cullmann remained deeply involved in the community until his death in 1895.

Learn more about his life, legacy, and the German-heritage colony he created at the Cullman County Museum → Colonel Cullmann Exhibit.

Frankweiler, Germany, is the hometown of Cullman’s founder, Colonel John G. Cullmann, and remains an important part of our city’s heritage. In 1987, Cullman and Frankweiler established a permanent Sister City partnership to honor this shared history and strengthen cultural ties. Located on the eastern slopes of the Haardt Mountains, just north of Landau, Frankweiler is a picturesque municipality in the Südliche Weinstrasse district of Rhineland-Palatinate in western Germany.

To support this partnership, the organizations Cullman Friends of Frankweiler and Frankweiler Friends of Cullman were created to promote cultural exchange, friendship, and ongoing personal relationships between the two communities. Since the partnership began, delegations from both cities have exchanged visits, deepening the connection between Cullman and its German counterpart.

Learn more about our Sister City relationship with Frankweiler here: https://cullmanal.gov/about/sister-city/.

Healthcare in Cullman

Cullman offers a strong and comprehensive healthcare network designed to meet the needs of residents across all stages of life. The community is anchored by Cullman Regional Medical Center, supported by a wide range of outpatient clinics, urgent care services, specialty practices, and wellness providers that ensure high-quality care close to home.

Cullman Regional Medical Center

Cullman Regional is a full-service, approximately 175-bed hospital serving patients from Cullman and the surrounding region. The hospital provides 24/7 emergency services, inpatient and outpatient care, surgical services, advanced imaging, cardiology, women’s health, intensive care, oncology, rehabilitation, and other essential medical specialties. Its ongoing investments in facilities, technology, and patient services help ensure the community has access to modern, reliable healthcare.

Outpatient & Urgent Care Services

Beyond hospital-based care, Cullman offers convenient outpatient and urgent care options for non-emergency illnesses and injuries. Local clinics and specialty offices provide a broad range of services, including diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, primary care, and specialty care across numerous medical fields. These facilities allow residents to receive routine and advanced care without traveling far from home.

Community Access & Regional Impact

Serving as a healthcare hub for the area, Cullman Regional plays a key role in delivering accessible, high-quality medical care to residents throughout the region. Combined with the many outpatient clinics and specialty providers in the community, Cullman maintains a strong and growing healthcare system designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents.

Cullman was founded by Col. Johann Gottfried Cullmann, a German refugee from Frankweiler (which was then Bavaria) who came to America in 1866. While working at a bookstore in Cincinnati, Ohio, he began formulating ideas of a special colony of working people – specifically a place for immigrants from countries such as his native Germany. >>>MORE

For those who wish to view the laws and regulations that govern our community, the City of Cullman maintains an Online Code of Ordinances through Municode. This searchable, easy-to-use resource provides access to the most current ordinances, zoning regulations, and municipal codes adopted by the City Council. Visit https://library.municode.com/al/cullman/codes/code_of_ordinances to explore Cullman’s Code of Ordinances.

Cullman City Parks & Recreation

Cullman City Parks & Recreation provides a robust mix of parks, facilities, and programs designed to support wellness, play, athletics, arts, and community engagement. The department maintains numerous parks, trails, athletic complexes, aquatic facilities, and award-winning recreation programs for residents of all ages.

Learn more: https://cullmanrecreation.org/

Major City Parks & Facilities

  • Heritage Park – A flagship recreation space featuring athletic fields, walking trails, playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, covered pavilions, and a busy calendar of tournaments and community events.

  • Depot Park – A vibrant downtown greenspace offering a splash pad, playground, performance areas, walking paths, public art, and year-round festivals and holiday attractions.

  • Wild Water Cullman – A major summer destination with waterslides, a lazy river, splash play areas, concessions, and family-friendly aquatic activities.

  • Cullman Wellness & Aquatics Center – A state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facility featuring indoor and outdoor pools, weight and cardio rooms, group classes, and comprehensive wellness programs.

  • Field of Miracles & Miracle League Complex – An inclusive recreation complex designed for athletes of all abilities, featuring adaptive baseball fields and accessible playground areas.

  • Hurricane Creek Park – A scenic natural escape known for its dramatic rock formations, miles of wooded hiking trails, and opportunities for climbing, birdwatching, and outdoor exploration.

City Recreation Overview

Cullman City Parks & Recreation offers year-round programming in youth and adult sports, aquatics, fitness, arts, senior activities, summer camps, tournaments, and community events. The department is dedicated to providing inclusive, innovative, and accessible recreation opportunities that promote wellness, community engagement, and a high quality of life for residents and visitors.

Cullman County Parks & Recreation

Cullman County Parks & Recreation manages a wide range of parks, lakes, green spaces, and campgrounds across the county. The department focuses on outdoor recreation, nature conservation, and providing family-friendly destinations for camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, and special events.

Learn more: https://cullmancountyparks.com/

Major County Parks & Facilities

  • Sportsman Lake Park – A centrally located, family-friendly park featuring paddle boats, a miniature train ride, splash pad, mini golf, playgrounds, fishing areas, walking trails, pavilions, and seasonal attractions.

  • Smith Lake Park – A popular lakefront destination offering RV sites, cabins, swimming areas, fishing piers, playgrounds, pavilions, shoreline trails, and major festivals throughout the year.

  • Clarkson Covered Bridge Park – A historic county landmark offering picnic areas, scenic views, green spaces, and one of Alabama’s most iconic covered bridges as its focal point.

County Recreation Overview

Cullman County Parks & Recreation supports outdoor and nature-based activities across its parks and facilities, providing opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, camping, wildlife observation, festivals, and family outings. The department’s parks highlight the natural beauty and rural character of the county, offering both residents and visitors a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

The City of Cullman is committed to protecting your privacy and developing technology that gives you the most powerful and safe online experience. This Statement of Privacy applies to the City of Cullman. Web site and governs data collection and usage. By using the City of Cullman website, you consent to the data practices described in this statement. >>>MORE

Cullman is accessible from the north, south, east and west by Interstate 65 and major U.S. and state highways. >>>MORE