Hunt & Live

Cullman County, AL

90,665 residents · 735 sq mi · 123.4/sq mi · 76% rural

Climate
61.1°F
58.2" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.89
Hardiness
Zone 9a
Winter low ~21.2°F

About Cullman County

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. Its county seat and largest city is Cullman. Its name is in honor of Colonel John G. Cullmann.

39
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #2236 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

This area features a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, with a population density of 123.4 people per square mile, providing some remoteness while still allowing for community access. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 61.1°F and ample rainfall at 58.2 inches per year, which supports a growing season suitable for various crops. USDA zone 9a indicates potential for a diverse garden, although the area’s humidity may pose challenges for certain plants.

Risks in this region include a high likelihood of cold waves and strong winds, both ranked at 93 by FEMA. Tornadoes are also a significant concern, with a FEMA ranking of 90, indicating a need for preparedness. The area has a violence percentile of 61, suggesting that while it may not be the safest, it is not among the most dangerous regions. Additionally, the median home price is $166,000, which could be a barrier for some looking to relocate.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a rural lifestyle with access to community resources. Gardeners and those interested in raising livestock may thrive here due to the favorable growing conditions. However, the prevalence of tornadoes and other severe weather events could deter those seeking a more stable environment. Potential homesteaders should weigh the risks of natural hazards against the benefits of rural living and affordable property taxes.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #2,812 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#50 of 67 in AL
Ranked #50 of 67 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 93/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Urban: 123/sqmi
Densely populated at 123 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 61.1°F annual mean and 58.2" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 9a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $166,000.

Score Breakdown

Violence
24
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
82
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
76
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
81.9
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 93
Drought 60
Earthquake 87
Hail 38
Hurricane 73
Heat Wave 82
Riverine Flood 80
Ice Storm 63
Landslide 80
Lightning 85
Strong Wind 93
Tornado 90
Wildfire 65
Winter Weather 55

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
89.4°F
Winter low
31.2°F
Heating degree days
3,112
Cooling degree days
1,713

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$166,000
Median HH income
$58,119
Price to income
2.9×
Property tax rate
0.25%
~$414/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
41.4
Homeownership
76.2%
Poverty rate
13%
Unemployment
4.3%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56.9%
No internet access
13.9%

Explore Cullman County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.