Living in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Gulf Shores · Census data 2020–2024
Gulf Shores has 16,401 residents with a median age of 50.8. The median household income is $78,188 (22% higher than the Alabama median), the median home value is $382,700, the median rent is $1,483/month.
Gulf Shores at a glance
- Population
- 16,401
- Median age
- 50.8State: 39.3
- Median household income
- $78,188State: $63,999
- Median home value
- $382,700State: $209,900
- Median rent
- $1,483/moState: $1,007
- Homeowners
- 70.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 39.9%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Gulf Shores a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 22% higher than the Alabama median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 2.4%; a poverty rate of 11.5%.
Cons: Home values 82% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in March–April and October–November.
Cost of living in Gulf Shores
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Gulf Shores the median home value is $382,700, 15% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,483 per month, which is 29% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,061 a month in housing costs.
Gulf Shores median household income
The median household income in Gulf Shores is $78,188 and the income per person is $45,509. 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line (Alabama: 15.6%).
Housing in Gulf Shores: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 15,263
- Owner-occupied
- 70.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 29.4%
- Vacant
- 50.6%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 2000
- Average household size
- 2.17
50.6% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Gulf Shores has many vacation and second homes.
Gulf Shores demographics
- Population
- 16,401
- Median age
- 50.8
- Under 18
- 17.4%
- 65 and older
- 25.9%
- Households
- 7,542
- Foreign-born
- 7.5%
- Veterans
- 9.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Gulf Shores ›
Education in Gulf Shores
39.9% of adults 25 and older in Gulf Shores have a bachelor's degree or higher (Alabama: 28.4%), and 13.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Gulf Shores
- Unemployment rate
- 2.4%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 19.8%
- Drive alone
- 72.4%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.4%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.8%
Gulf Shores vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Shores | 16,401 | $78,188 | $382,700 | $1,483 |
| Bon Secour | 2,789 | $61,497 | $309,800 | $961 |
| Orange Beach | 8,407 | $97,736 | $502,400 | $1,576 |
| Foley | 24,026 | $66,336 | $289,300 | $1,242 |
| Elberta | 2,293 | $55,000 | $232,800 | $1,059 |
| Magnolia Springs | 1,130 | $86,818 | $442,400 | $1,146 |
| Perdido Beach | 642 | $80,875 | $341,700 | $738 |
| Summerdale | 1,593 | $70,110 | $274,800 | $1,000 |
| Silverhill | 863 | $57,500 | $265,600 | $1,297 |
More for people moving to Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Gulf Shores: FAQ
What is the median household income in Gulf Shores, AL?
The median household income in Gulf Shores is $78,188, 22% higher than the Alabama median of $63,999 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Gulf Shores?
The median home value in Gulf Shores is $382,700, compared with $209,900 in Alabama.
How much is rent in Gulf Shores?
The median gross rent in Gulf Shores is $1,483 per month, about 29% of household income.
Is Gulf Shores, AL a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 22% higher than the Alabama median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 2.4%; a poverty rate of 11.5%. Minuses: home values 82% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Gulf Shores?
The median age in Gulf Shores is 50.8 years (Alabama: 39.3).
How long is the commute in Gulf Shores?
The average commute to work in Gulf Shores is 22 minutes; 19.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Gulf Shores?
The unemployment rate in Gulf Shores is 2.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Gulf Shores?
39.9% of adults in Gulf Shores have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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