Land for Sale in Cullman County, AL
Cullman County sits between Birmingham and Huntsville along Interstate 65, with 87,866 residents (2020 census) and Cullman as its seat. Land here ranges from farm and pasture to wooded homesites within commuting distance of two metro areas. Alabama's current use valuation can cut property tax on farm and forest land, but a new owner has to apply, and this guide explains how.
Cullman County at a glance
- County seat and largest city: Cullman. Other cities: Hanceville, Good Hope and part of Arab.
- 2020 population 87,866; about 755 square miles.
- Highways: Interstate 65, US 31, 231 and 278, and State Routes 67, 69, 91 and 157.
- Part of the Birmingham-Hoover-Talladega combined statistical area; in the Birmingham media market.
- Current use valuation is based on how land is used on October 1 of the tax year.
The Cullman County land market
Cullman is a growing market because of the I-65 corridor between Birmingham and Huntsville. Typical listings are 1- to 20-acre homesites, 20- to 100-acre farm and pasture tracts and timberland. Land near Cullman, Hanceville and the interstate costs the most, and rural tracts and wooded hollows cost less.
Current use valuation
Under Alabama Code section 40-7-25.1 and the Department of Revenue's annual directives, farm and forest land can be valued by its use on October 1 of the tax year instead of its development potential, which can substantially lower the taxable value, and the state publishes per-acre values by soil group each year. Application must be made on or before January 1 with the county assessing official. A new owner must file a timely request to receive current use valuation, so a buyer who misses the deadline may not get it for that year. Tracts of five acres or less may need extra proof of use, such as a forestry management plan, photographs or verification from the county farm agent.
Rollback taxes under section 40-7-25.3 apply if a sale is followed by a change to a non-qualifying use within two years, or if the land is converted at any time, and they are computed for the three preceding tax years and become a lien on the October 1 after the conversion. Ask the Cullman County revenue commissioner or assessor whether a parcel is enrolled and whether there is any open rollback liability before you buy.
Access, septic and utilities
Rural parcels may be on county roads, private roads or easements, so confirm recorded legal access. Septic suitability depends on soil, and Alabama requires county health department approval. Wells, power and broadband vary by location. Check for flood zones near creeks and Smith Lake area parcels.
Before you buy land in Cullman County
- Current use status, the January 1 deadline and any rollback exposure.
- Recorded legal access and road maintenance.
- Septic approval from the county health department.
- Zoning and restrictive covenants.
- Flood zone, timber value and mineral rights.
Perc tests and septic for raw landLand due diligence checklist
Frequently asked questions
What is current use valuation in Alabama?
It values farm and forest land by how it is used on October 1 of the tax year instead of its development value. Owners apply with the county by January 1.
Does current use carry over when I buy land?
A new owner must file a timely request for current use valuation to receive it. Ask the county assessor.
Where is Cullman County?
In north-central Alabama along I-65 between Birmingham and Huntsville.