Gulf Shores, AL
Population 15,785 · Alabama
About Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores is a mid-sized city in Alabama with a population of 15,785 residents. The median household income is $73,873 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Gulf Shores is 50.4 years.
Housing in Gulf Shores has a median home value of $367,000 and median monthly rent of $1,363. Of the 14,668 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 4,850 owner-occupied and 2,412 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Gulf Shores is 2.6% and the poverty rate is 11.4%. 38.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22 minutes.
How Gulf Shores Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Gulf Shores, AL
Compared to national averages, Gulf Shores has a median household income of $73,873 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $367,000, which is 50% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,363 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Gulf Shores's income is 27% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 130% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Gulf Shores, AL?
Gulf Shores offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and a well-educated community where 38.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,873) that falls below the national average. However, Gulf Shores’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gulf Shores has a population of 15,785 with a median age of 50.4 years. Compare Gulf Shores with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Gulf Shores
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 15,731 | $110,056 | $339,400 | Compare |
| Scottsboro | 15,641 | $52,949 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Hartselle | 15,586 | $67,863 | $192,200 | Compare |
| Gardendale | 16,110 | $81,215 | $234,900 | Compare |
| Center Point | 16,125 | $52,401 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Saraland | 16,304 | $60,577 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Talladega | 15,041 | $46,820 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Hueytown | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gulf Shores
What is the population of Gulf Shores, AL?
The population of Gulf Shores, AL is 15,785 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Gulf Shores?
The median household income in Gulf Shores, AL is $73,873 per year.
What is the median home value in Gulf Shores?
The median home value in Gulf Shores, AL is $367,000.
What is the average rent in Gulf Shores?
The median monthly rent in Gulf Shores, AL is $1,363.
What is the unemployment rate in Gulf Shores?
The unemployment rate in Gulf Shores, AL is 2.6%.