The city is the county seat of Cullman County.
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,995 people, 6,059 households, and 3,762 families residing in the city. The population density was 765.0 people per square mile (295.3/km²). There were 6,679 housing units at an average density of 365.1/sq mi (140.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.43% White, 0.36% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.06% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. 4.85% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 6,059 households, out of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.9% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.85.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,164, and the median income for a family was $41,313. Males had a median income of $32,863 versus $21,647 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,484. About 9.4% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.3% of those under age 18 and 18.5% of those age 65 or over.