Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gulf Shores, AL
Thinking about moving to Gulf Shores, AL? With a population of just under 17,000, Gulf Shores offers a relaxed coastal vibe, median home prices around $380,000, and average rents at $1,350. Residents enjoy plentiful sunshine (65% sunny days), short 21-minute commutes, and easy access to beautiful beaches. While property crime rates are a bit higher than average, the city features quality schools, a welcoming community, and a mild, subtropical climate perfect for outdoor living. Explore more about cost of living, education, and local amenities below to plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - Gulf Shores, AL
Demographics - Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores is home to about 16,857 residents, with a median age of 49.2, reflecting a mature community. The city is predominantly White, and English is the primary language, though a small percentage of residents speak another language at home. This coastal city offers a balanced gender ratio and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
16,857
Density:
535 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.3%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gulf Shores, AL?
Gulf Shores has a cost of living index slightly above the national average, with a typical home value around $380,000 and average rent at $1,350. Utilities and groceries are modestly priced, and state income taxes range from 2% to 5%. Residents benefit from reasonable transportation and healthcare costs, helping to balance higher housing expenses.
Median House Value:
$380,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.5
Grocery:
98.4
Housing:
112.3
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
91.7
Health Care:
98.9
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Gulf Shores, AL a safe place to live?
While Gulf Shores enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate, the property crime rate is higher than the national average, with about 2,420 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents have a 1 in 41 chance of experiencing property crime, so staying vigilant and securing property is important. Overall, the city remains a safe and friendly place for most families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,420
Crime Index:
2,685
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Gulf Shores, AL year-round?
Gulf Shores features a mild subtropical climate with warm summers, gentle winters, and abundant sunshine, seeing about 65% sunny days annually. Average rainfall is high at over 68 inches per year, supporting lush coastal landscapes. Residents enjoy comfortable outdoor living nearly year-round, making it ideal for beach and nature lovers.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
68.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Households in Gulf Shores typically earn a median income of $62,900, with a low unemployment rate of 2.5%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and the vast majority have at least a high school education. The community is welcoming and family-friendly, with a poverty rate just above 10%.
Median Income:
$35,600
Household Income:
$62,900
Family Income:
$77,150
Per Capita Income:
$37,100
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.6%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
2.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
36.3%
Education
How are the schools in Gulf Shores, AL?
Gulf Shores offers a strong public school system, including elementary, middle, and high schools with student-to-teacher ratios ranging from 16 to 18. Private education options are also available, and higher education is accessible at nearby colleges like Coastal Alabama Community College. The city prioritizes quality education for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Gulf Shores Elementary School
Street:
1600 E 3rd St
Phone:
251-968-7375
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Gulf Shores Middle School
Street:
450 E 15th Ave
Phone:
251-968-8711
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Gulf Shores High School
Street:
600 E 15th Ave
Phone:
251-968-4747
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Private Schools
Name:
South Baldwin Christian Academy
Street:
6900 AL-59, Gulf Shores, AL
Phone:
251-968-1230
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Coastal Alabama Community College
City:
Foley
State:
AL
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
8,000
Name:
University of South Alabama
City:
Mobile
State:
AL
Distance:
50 miles
Students:
14,000
Healthcare
Residents have easy access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and Thomas Hospital nearby. With a physician-to-population ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, Gulf Shores ensures good care for families and retirees alike. Healthcare costs are generally manageable, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center
Address:
1613 N McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535
Phone:
(251) 949-3400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Thomas Hospital
Address:
750 Morphy Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone:
(251) 928-2375
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.4%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gulf Shores, AL?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $380,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,350. Homeownership is common, with about 69% of properties owner-occupied and a healthy 7.2% appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, and new construction helps meet ongoing demand.
Median Home Price:
$380,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services in Gulf Shores are provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, based in Montgomery. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services via the state website or by phone. The process is streamlined to support both new arrivals and long-term residents.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address:
202 W. Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone:
1-334-242-4400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.