Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores, Alabama is a sought-after beach community offering white-sand beaches, outdoor recreation, vibrant dining, and exceptional coastal living along the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf Shores, Alabama is a vibrant coastal community celebrated for its miles of sugar-white sand beaches, clear emerald waters, and welcoming Gulf Coast lifestyle. Situated along the northern shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores seamlessly blends laid-back beach living with modern amenities, making it a desirable destination for residents, vacationers, and real estate investors alike.

The area offers an exceptional quality of life centered around outdoor recreation and natural beauty. From boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding to miles of scenic trails and preserved landscapes at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores provides year-round opportunities to enjoy the coastal environment. Championship golf courses, marinas, and public beach access further enhance the area’s appeal, while nearby wildlife refuges and waterways offer a peaceful retreat from everyday life.

Gulf Shores also features a thriving dining, shopping, and entertainment scene, with locally owned restaurants, waterfront venues, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly attractions contributing to its lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The community supports a strong tourism-driven economy, which translates to excellent short-term rental demand and long-term investment potential.

Housing options in Gulf Shores are diverse, ranging from luxury beachfront condominiums and resort-style residences to raised beach cottages and established residential neighborhoods. Whether you’re seeking a primary residence, second home, or income-producing property, Gulf Shores offers flexibility and value along one of the most accessible and affordable stretches of the Gulf Coast. With its blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and enduring coastal charm, Gulf Shores continues to stand out as a premier place to live, invest, and enjoy life by the beach.

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Overview for Gulf Shores, AL

17,335 people live in Gulf Shores, where the median age is 50.6 and the average individual income is $45,103. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

17,335

Total Population

50.6 years

Median Age

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$45,103

Average individual Income

Around Gulf Shores, AL

There's plenty to do around Gulf Shores, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

25
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Island Quikmart, Town & Country Mart, and Beach Bums Coffee and Deli.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 1.29 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Dining 1.29 miles 1 review 3/5 stars
Dining 1.3 miles 74 reviews 4.2/5 stars
Dining 1.3 miles 9 reviews 4.3/5 stars
Dining · $$ 1.3 miles 54 reviews 4.5/5 stars
Dining 1.31 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores has 7,947 households, with an average household size of 2.18. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Gulf Shores do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 17,335 people call Gulf Shores home. The population density is 333 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

17,335

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

50.6 years

Median Age

45 / 55%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
7,947

Total Households

2.18

Average Household Size

$45,103

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Gulf Shores, AL

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Gulf Shores. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Aerial view of Gulf Shores beachfront buildings, the Gulf of Mexico, and a road beside the coast. Aerial view of Gulf Shores between the Gulf of Mexico and a bay with marsh islands. Gulf Shores commercial street with traffic lights, cars, and businesses along the road. Gulf Shores beach with clear surf, wide sand, and beachfront buildings in the distance. Aerial view of Gulf Shores coastline, with a beachfront road, white-sand beach, lagoons, and ocean. Aerial view of Gulf Shores beach, with a long pier, beachfront condos, and turquoise Gulf water. Wooden boardwalk winding through coastal greenery in Gulf Shores beneath a blue sky. Aerial view of coastal homes beside a turquoise bay and sandy shoreline. Aerial view of a Gulf Shores inlet and marshes, crossed by a long narrow bridge. Sunset over the water, with waves breaking on the beach and a long pier extending offshore. Aerial view of Gulf Shores coastline, wetlands, waterways, and beachfront buildings. Aerial view of Gulf Shores beach, turquoise water, coastal road, and wetlands.

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