Gulf Shores city, Alabama Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Gulf Shores city, Alabama has a total population of 15,785, the 45th largest city in Alabama, with a median household income of $73,873, which is 19% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.4%.
Key Takeaways
- 38.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Alabama.
Gulf Shores city Quick Facts
How Gulf Shores city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 52 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Gulf Shores city Rankings in Alabama
Explore Alabama Rankings
Cities Similar to Gulf Shores city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartselle city | 15,586 | $67,863 | $192,200 | 29.3% | 12.6% |
| Gardendale city | 16,110 | $81,215 | $234,900 | 36.0% | 5.9% |
| Muscle Shoals city | 16,670 | $70,927 | $198,300 | 24.4% | 10.4% |
| Hueytown city | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | 23.2% | 16.3% |
| Saraland city | 16,304 | $60,577 | $210,500 | 24.2% | 9.3% |
Population Overview
Gulf Shores city is a small city located in Alabama. The total population is 15,785. It ranks as the 45th most populous out of 589 cities and towns in Alabama.
Age Demographics
The median age in Gulf Shores city is 50.4 years. This is 28% higher than the state median of 39.3 years. Only 14.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Gulf Shores city is $73,873. This is 19% higher than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%. This is 27% lower than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. The unemployment rate is 2.6%. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $367,000. Housing costs are 88% higher than the state median of $195,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x. 66.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 69.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Gulf Shores city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.0%. The Black or African American population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 25.9%.
Education
38.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Gulf Shores city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 27.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Gulf Shores city, Alabama is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Alabama state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 589 Census-designated places in Alabama. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gulf Shores city, Alabama?
Gulf Shores city, Alabama has a population of 15,785 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Gulf Shores city, AL?
The median household income in Gulf Shores city is $73,873, which is 6% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Gulf Shores city, AL?
The poverty rate in Gulf Shores city is 11.4%. This means approximately 1,789 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Gulf Shores city, Alabama?
Gulf Shores city's population is 87.1% White, 2.6% Black, 6.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Gulf Shores city, AL?
The median home value in Gulf Shores city is $367,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x.
How educated is Gulf Shores city, Alabama?
38.0% of adults (25+) in Gulf Shores city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.