Alabama / County

Moving to Gulf Shores, AL

Thinking of making a move to Gulf Shores, AL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Gulf Shores and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Gulf Shores before you move.

Moving Help for Your Gulf Shores, AL Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Gulf Shores move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Gulf Shores, AL Piano Movers Gulf Shores, AL Cheap Movers Gulf Shores, AL Small Movers Gulf Shores, AL Apartment Movers Gulf Shores, AL Long Distance Movers Gulf Shores, AL

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gulf Shores, AL

Considering a move to Gulf Shores, AL? This welcoming community of 15,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $535,000 and average rents near $1,550. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (68% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Gulf Shores's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores has a population of 15,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 51 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 90% White, 5% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
15,100
Density
520 per sq mi
Median Age
50.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.5%
Black
4.8%
Asian
1.0%
Others
4.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Gulf Shores, AL?

The cost of living in Gulf Shores is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 106.8. Median home values are around $535,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,550. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$535,000
Gross Rent
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$1,920
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
106.8
Grocery
103.5
Housing
132.0
Utilities
102.8
Transportation
98.6
Health Care
99.4
Miscellaneous
101.2

Crime

Is Gulf Shores, AL a safe place to live?

Gulf Shores is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alabama.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,980
Crime Index
2,190
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 51

Weather

What is the weather like in Gulf Shores, AL year-round?

Gulf Shores experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 41°F. The area receives about 65 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 68% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
41°F
Max
62°F

Summer

Min
75°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
57°F
Max
79°F

Fall

Min
58°F
Max
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches
65.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
68%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $78,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$61,000
Household Income
$78,500
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$37,500
Income Male
$48,000
Income Female
$40,500
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
11.6%
Rent
$1,550
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.6%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.2%
Bachelors or More
31.4%

Education

How are the schools in Gulf Shores, AL?

Gulf Shores offers quality education options, with public schools like Gulf Shores High School and Gulf Shores Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of South Alabama Coastal Operations and Faulkner State Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Gulf Shores High School
Street
700 E 13th Ave
Phone
251-968-9873
Students
800
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Gulf Shores Middle School
Street
800 E 15th Ave
Phone
251-968-9874
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5

Private Schools

Name
St. Benedict Catholic School
Street
11701 S Juniper St
Phone
251-968-5538
Students
220

Colleges

Name
University of South Alabama Coastal Operations
City
Gulf Shores
State
AL
Distance
2 miles
Students
300
Name
Faulkner State Community College
City
Bay Minette
State
AL
Distance
34 miles
Students
3,800

Healthcare

Gulf Shores residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and Thomas Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center
Address
16220 S Highway 59, 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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
91.4%
Health Care Index
67.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Gulf Shores, AL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $535,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 70%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 11.2%. Gulf Shores offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$535,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate
69.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Gulf Shores handle vehicle services through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division, conveniently located in Montgomery. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alabama
Department
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Division
Address
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone
1-334-242-4400

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.

FAQs About Moving to Gulf Shores, AL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Gulf Shores, review the core fields on this page: population 15,100, median home value $535,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,550, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 68%.

Ready to Move to Gulf Shores, AL?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes