Cullman County, Alabama

Cullman County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 87,866.[1] Its county seat and largest city is Cullman.[2] Its name is in honor of Colonel John G. Cullmann.

Cullman County
County
The Cullman County Courthouse
The Cullman County Courthouse
Map of Alabama highlighting Cullman County
Location within the U.S. state of Alabama
Map of the United States highlighting Alabama
Alabama's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°08′00″N 86°52′00″W
Country United States
State Alabama
FoundedJanuary 24, 1877
Named forJohn G. Cullmann
SeatCullman
Largest cityCullman
Area
 • Total755 sq mi (1,960 km2)
 • Land735 sq mi (1,900 km2)
 • Water20 sq mi (50 km2)  2.7%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total87,866
 • Estimate 
(2022)
90,665 Increase
 • Density120/sq mi (45/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district4th
Websitewww.co.cullman.al.us
  • County Number 25 on Alabama Licence Plates

Cullman County comprises the Cullman, AL Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the Birmingham-Hoover-Talladega, AL Combined Statistical Area.

It is served by TV stations and FM radio stations from both Huntsville and Birmingham and is part of the designated market area, or "DMA," of Birmingham. Cullman is a "moist" county in terms of availability of alcoholic beverages; the cities of Cullman, Good Hope, and Hanceville allow sale of alcohol and are "wet" and the rest of the county is dry.

History

This area was inhabited for thousands of years by varying cultures of indigenous peoples. The historic Cherokee and Choctaw lived here at the time of European encounter, with the Cherokee moving in after the American Revolutionary War and in response to pressures from northern areas. Their settlements in Alabama were known as the Lower Towns.

People claiming descent from Cherokee who remained in the county after Indian Removal in the 1830s, organized as the "Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama" in the 1980s. The tribe was recognized by the state in 1984 but is not federally recognized. It claims 22,000 members in the state, mostly in northern Alabama.[3]

Cullman County was organized in 1877 primarily by German American immigrants who had moved down from Cincinnati, Ohio. They founded an agricultural community and sought to create an agricultural revolution in what had been a frontier area, in the best traditions of innovation in the New South. However, hard geographical and social realities clashed with the often impractical vision of colonizer John G. Cullmann. His Germans, with their traditional work ethic and willingness to experiment with such new products as wine and strawberries, tried to make practical changes in southern farming. The Germans were outnumbered by more traditional families from neighboring regions, who replicated the traditional southern cotton culture.

On April 27, 2011, Cullman was hit by an EF4 tornado from the 2011 Super Outbreak.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 755 square miles (1,960 km2), of which 735 square miles (1,900 km2) is land and 20 square miles (52 km2) (2.7%) is water.[4]

Adjacent counties

Transportation

Major highways

Rail

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18806,355—
189013,439111.5%
190017,84932.8%
191028,32158.7%
192033,03416.6%
193041,05124.3%
194047,34315.3%
195049,0463.6%
196045,572−7.1%
197052,44515.1%
198061,64217.5%
199067,6139.7%
200077,48314.6%
201080,4063.8%
202087,8669.3%
2022 (est.)90,665[5]3.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790–1960[7] 1900–1990[8]
1990–2000[9] 2010–2020[1]

2020 census
Cullman County, Alabama – Racial and Ethnic Composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity Pop 2000[10] Pop 2010[11] Pop 2020[12] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 73,940 74,568 78,298 95.43% 92.74% 89.11%
Black or African American alone (NH) 726 821 914 0.94% 1.02% 1.04%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 277 397 287 0.36% 0.49% 0.33%
Asian alone (NH) 136 339 522 0.18% 0.42% 0.59%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 26 18 64 0.03% 0.02% 0.07%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 22 41 151 0.03% 0.05% 0.17%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) 668 768 3,484 0.86% 0.96% 3.97%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1,688 3,454 4,146 2.18% 4.30% 4.72%
Total 77,483 80,406 87,866 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 87,866 people, 32,090 households, and 23,212 families residing in the county.

2010 census

As of the census[13] of 2010, there were 80,406 people, 31,864 households, and 22,487 families living in the county. The population density was 109 people per square mile (42 people/km2). There were 37,054 housing units at an average density of 49 units per square mile (19 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.7% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 2.2% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. 4.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 31,864 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.2% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.9 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,567, and the median income for a family was $47,771. Males had a median income of $36,952 versus $27,979 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,284. About 12.8% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.6% of those under age 18 and 12.6% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 77,483 people, 30,706 households, and 22,476 families living in the county. The population density was 105 people per square mile (41 people/km2). There were 35,233 housing units at an average density of 48 units per square mile (19 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.81% White, 0.96% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. 2.18% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 30,706 households, out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.80% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% were non-families. 24.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.30% under the age of 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 28.30% from 25 to 44, 24.00% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,256, and the median income for a family was $39,341. Males had a median income of $30,444 versus $20,436 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,922. About 9.50% of families and 13.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.50% of those under age 18 and 16.80% of those age 65 or over.

Education
See also: Cullman City Board of Education

Public education in Cullman County is provided by two systems: the Cullman City School Board and the Cullman County School Board, which governs all municipalities except the City of Cullman.

Private educational institutions in the county include:

  • Christ Covenant School - located in Cullman (Grades K-2)
  • Cullman Christian School - located in Cullman (Grades K-12)
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School - located in Cullman (Grades PreK-6)
  • St. Bernard Preparatory School - located in Cullman (Grades 7–12)
  • St. Paul's Lutheran School - located in Cullman (Grades K-6)
  • Vinemont Christian Academy - located in South Vinemont (Grades PreK-12)

Cullman is also the home of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. It was named for the former Governor of Alabama, George C. Wallace. The public, non-profit college opened its doors in 1966 and has grown to become the third largest community college in the state of Alabama, with an enrollment of around 6,000 students. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees. Many programs have additional accreditation from organizations appropriate to the particular disciplines. Wallace State offers hundreds of degree and certificate options in dozens of programs in its Academic, Health and Technical Divisions. The college offers more Health programs than any other community college in the state. The college offers early enrollment through its Dual Enrollment, Fast Track Academy and Fast Track for Industry programs, the latter of which is funded through grants that allow free tuition for qualified students entering the technical, academic and health programs included in the program. The college's current president is Dr. Vicki P. Karolewics, who is the institution's third president in 50 years. She was preceded by Dr. James C. Bailey from 1971 to 2003 and Dr. Ben Johnson from 1965 to 1971. The college is located in the southern portion of Cullman County. Athletic programs at Wallace State include men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, volleyball and cheerleading.

Government

Cullman County is overwhelmingly Republican at the presidential level. The last Democrat to win the county in a presidential election is Jimmy Carter, who won it by a slim majority in 1980 despite losing the state of Alabama to Ronald Reagan.

United States presidential election results for Cullman County, Alabama[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 36,880 88.12% 4,478 10.70% 493 1.18%
2016 32,989 87.10% 3,798 10.03% 1,086 2.87%
2012 28,999 83.92% 5,052 14.62% 504 1.46%
2008 28,896 81.85% 5,864 16.61% 545 1.54%
2004 26,818 76.21% 8,045 22.86% 328 0.93%
2000 19,157 64.88% 9,758 33.05% 610 2.07%
1996 14,308 53.88% 9,544 35.94% 2,701 10.17%
1992 14,411 49.62% 10,451 35.98% 4,181 14.40%
1988 14,351 61.87% 8,517 36.72% 329 1.42%
1984 14,782 63.92% 7,989 34.55% 355 1.54%
1980 10,212 45.92% 11,525 51.82% 503 2.26%
1976 6,899 34.40% 12,961 64.63% 195 0.97%
1972 14,390 79.54% 3,571 19.74% 130 0.72%
1968 4,964 28.75% 1,115 6.46% 11,186 64.79%
1964 7,152 58.33% 0 0.00% 5,110 41.67%
1960 4,248 40.08% 6,346 59.87% 5 0.05%
1956 4,381 44.12% 5,510 55.49% 38 0.38%
1952 3,391 39.13% 5,254 60.62% 22 0.25%
1948 1,755 32.72% 0 0.00% 3,609 67.28%
1944 2,202 35.83% 3,898 63.43% 45 0.73%
1940 3,057 35.19% 5,603 64.51% 26 0.30%
1936 1,703 30.97% 3,781 68.76% 15 0.27%
1932 956 24.24% 2,910 73.78% 78 1.98%
1928 2,959 65.28% 1,574 34.72% 0 0.00%
1924 1,639 45.11% 1,809 49.79% 185 5.09%
1920 3,492 57.24% 2,566 42.06% 43 0.70%
1916 1,351 48.90% 1,396 50.52% 16 0.58%
1912 264 9.12% 1,230 42.49% 1,401 48.39%
1908 1,521 52.39% 1,239 42.68% 143 4.93%
1904 1,238 41.02% 1,497 49.60% 283 9.38%

Communities

Cities

Towns

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. Alabama Indian Affairs Commission. "Tribes Recognized by the State of Alabama". Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  4. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  5. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  6. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  7. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  8. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  9. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  10. "P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Cullman County, Alabama". United States Census Bureau.
  11. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cullman County, Alabama". United States Census Bureau.
  12. "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cullman County, Alabama". United States Census Bureau.
  13. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  14. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  15. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". Retrieved November 16, 2016.

Notes

    Further reading
    • Davis, Robert S., “The Old World in the New South: Entrepreneurial Ventures and the Agricultural History of Cullman County, Alabama,” Agricultural History, 79 (Fall 2005), 439–61.

    34°08′N 86°52′W

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