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Gulf Shores, Alabama

city · Baldwin County

At a glance

16,401
Population
$382,700
Median home value (all homes)
26% above U.S. median
$456,157
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$1,483/mo
Median rent
10% above U.S. median
$78,188
Median household income
0% below U.S. median
22.1 min
Average commute
93.8%
Homes with broadband
71.32%
Locations with fiber available
2.4%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 112 — 12% above the national average. how it's computed

Housing44% above
Goods & services3% below
Utilities1% above
Taxes19% above
Insurance7% below
Commute cost27% below
For business: Alabama is CBII band 2/5 · time to build band 1/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Nearest 4-year college6 mi
Nearest community college36 mi
Nearest technical college11 mi
High school graduates97.2%
College graduates39.9%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city Baldwin County. Economic Development  Authority.
Baldwin Alliance is the economic development agency for Baldwin County, a coalition of public and private leaders working together to drive sustainable economic growth in Baldwin County. We connect people, businesses, and opportunities to position Baldwin as one of the most competitive and desirable places in the United States for investment, innovation, and quality of life.
city Gulf Shores
The Gulf Shores Economic Development & Public Affairs department promotes economic growth in Gulf Shores, offering support to relocating or expanding businesses in a city with a major tourism sector and local airport.
state Alabama Association of Reg Councils
A public nonprofit organization representing municipalities and counties in Alabama through the membership of the 12 regional councils, promoting regional planning and economic development, coordinating statewide planning and economic development initiatives and hosting an annual training conference.
state Alabama Development Office
The Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama initiative promotes investment and business growth in the state, offering resources, incentives, and project assistance while coordinating workforce development and global business efforts.
state Eco Dev Partnership of Alabama
EDPA is a private, non-profit organization that supports Alabama’s economic development efforts focusing on business attraction and expansion, innovation and entrepreneurship, talent attraction and retention, business intelligence and research, and policy.
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateYes

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