Gulf Shores, AL
Population 15,785 · Alabama
About Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 15,785 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,873 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.4 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 Gulf Shores features a median home value of $367,000, which is 50% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Gulf Shores in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,363, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,668 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (4,850 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (2,412 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gulf Shores shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gulf Shores have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.0% of Gulf Shores residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 8.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Gulf Shores experiences an annual average temperature of 71.1°F with 45.18" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 52°F (December–January).
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
Climate & Weather in Gulf Shores
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 65 | 68 | 70 | 74 | 80 | 86 | 89 | 92 | 87 | 76 | 69 | 62 |
| Low °F | 54 | 57 | 59 | 63 | 69 | 75 | 78 | 81 | 75 | 64 | 57 | 51 |
| Rain " | 4.0 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 3.8 | 6.4 | 3.5 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Gulf Shores With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Gulf Shores?
The median household income in Gulf Shores, AL is $73,873 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gulf Shores?
The median home value in Gulf Shores, AL is $367,000, which is 50% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gulf Shores?
The median monthly rent in Gulf Shores, AL is $1,363, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gulf Shores?
The unemployment rate in Gulf Shores, AL is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gulf Shores, AL a good place to live?
Gulf Shores offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,785 and a median age of 50.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gulf Shores, AL?
38.0% of residents in Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gulf Shores, AL: median home value is $367,000 (50% above national), median rent is $1,363/month, and median household income is $73,873. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gulf Shores?
The poverty rate in Gulf Shores, AL is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gulf Shores, AL?
Gulf Shores's population is 2.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 8.9% of residents are foreign-born.