Fairhope, AL
Population 23,360 · Alabama
About Fairhope, AL
Fairhope is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 23,360 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,509 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fairhope features a median home value of $406,500, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fairhope in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,637, 41% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,360 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (7,605 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (1,710 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairhope shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fairhope have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.4% of Fairhope residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Fairhope experiences an annual average temperature of 70.1°F with 51.67" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 93°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 49°F (December–January).
How Fairhope Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Fairhope, AL
Compared to national averages, Fairhope has a median household income of $86,509 (15% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $406,500, which is 66% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,637 is 41% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Fairhope's income is 49% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 155% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Fairhope, AL?
Fairhope offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,509, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 53.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $406,500. However, Fairhope’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairhope has a population of 23,360 with a median age of 47.1 years. Compare Fairhope with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Fairhope
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albertville | 22,584 | $57,103 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Foley | 22,330 | $67,346 | $260,100 | Compare |
| Pelham | 24,510 | $91,904 | $278,900 | Compare |
| Mountain Brook | 22,160 | $191,128 | $891,300 | Compare |
| Oxford | 22,063 | $70,065 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Helena | 21,452 | $109,590 | $292,700 | Compare |
| Anniston | 21,377 | $44,806 | $141,600 | Compare |
| Bessemer | 25,655 | $37,844 | $129,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Fairhope
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 68 | 70 | 75 | 82 | 87 | 90 | 96 | 90 | 78 | 69 | 62 |
| Low °F | 51 | 55 | 57 | 61 | 67 | 73 | 77 | 80 | 73 | 61 | 54 | 48 |
| Rain " | 9.6 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 4.2 | 6.6 | 4.6 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 6.7 | 2.9 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fairhope With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairhope
What is the population of Fairhope, AL?
The population of Fairhope, AL is 23,360 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Fairhope?
The median household income in Fairhope, AL is $86,509 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairhope?
The median home value in Fairhope, AL is $406,500, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fairhope?
The median monthly rent in Fairhope, AL is $1,637, which is 41% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairhope?
The unemployment rate in Fairhope, AL is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fairhope, AL a good place to live?
Fairhope offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 23,360 and a median age of 47.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fairhope, AL?
53.4% of residents in Fairhope aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Fairhope?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairhope, AL: median home value is $406,500 (66% above national), median rent is $1,637/month, and median household income is $86,509. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fairhope?
The poverty rate in Fairhope, AL is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fairhope, AL?
Fairhope's population is 2.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.