Gulf Shores, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Gulf Shores, Alabama is 15,785 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $73,873, the median home value is $367,000, and the median age is 50.4.
The population has grown 60.3% since 2010 (10,875 → 17,431).
15,785
Population
550
People / sq mi
$73,873
Median Income
$367,000
Median Home Value
Get Gulf Shores's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Gulf Shores covers 28.7 sq mi of land at 550 people per square mile.
About Gulf Shores, AL
Age is the most distinctive thing about Gulf Shores: a median age of 50.4, older than the national median. With 15,785 residents, Gulf Shores is a city in Alabama. It ranks #45 among cities in Alabama by population.
The typical household here earns about $73,873, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $367,000, with typical rent around $1,363.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 38.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 16.4% of workers primarily work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Gulf Shores — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Gulf Shores city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Gulf Shores city had a population of 10,875 in 2010 and 17,431 in 2024, a 60.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,431 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 3.53%.
17,431
Population (2024)
10,875
Population (2010)
17,431
Peak (2024)
3.53%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,875 |
| 2011 | 11,024 |
| 2012 | 11,189 |
| 2013 | 11,409 |
| 2014 | 11,614 |
| 2015 | 11,791 |
| 2016 | 11,978 |
| 2017 | 12,279 |
| 2018 | 12,534 |
| 2019 | 12,757 |
| 2020 | 15,355 |
| 2021 | 15,884 |
| 2022 | 16,374 |
| 2023 | 16,977 |
| 2024 | 17,431 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$73,873
Median Household Income
$44,451
Per Capita Income
12.0%
Poverty Rate
1.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$367,000
Median Home Value
$1,363
Median Rent
66.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.3%
High School+
38.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
76.0%
Public Transit
16.4%
Work From Home
22.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
57.1%
Foreign Born
90.7%
Non-English at Home
9.4%
Veterans
13.7%
With Disability
87.3%
Health Insurance
96.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 19.7% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 13.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.1% |
| Information | 10.8% |
| Construction | 7.1% |
| Manufacturing | 5.7% |
| Retail Trade | 5.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 3.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Gulf Shores, Alabama has a population of 15,785 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Gulf Shores, Alabama is $73,873, with 12.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Gulf Shores, Alabama is $367,000, with median monthly rent at $1,363 and a homeownership rate of 66.8%.
The median age in Gulf Shores, Alabama is 50.4 years. The population is 44.4% male and 55.6% female.
The population has grown 60.3% since 2010 (10,875 → 17,431).
Gulf Shores city, AL Climate
Gulf Shores city, AL has an average annual temperature of 19.9°C (68°F) and receives about 1616 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
19.9°C
Avg Temp
1616
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11° / 52° | 133 mm |
| February | 13° / 55° | 130 mm |
| March | 16° / 61° | 152 mm |
| April | 19° / 67° | 102 mm |
| May | 23° / 74° | 120 mm |
| June | 27° / 80° | 148 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 185 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 179 mm |
| September | 26° / 78° | 150 mm |
| October | 21° / 69° | 98 mm |
| November | 16° / 61° | 113 mm |
| December | 13° / 55° | 106 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Gulf Shores city, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Gulf Shores city, AL are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near 6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Gulf Shores
Visiting or relocating to Gulf Shores, AL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Gulf Shores
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Gulf Shores?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Gulf Shores, AL by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Alabama
Population 218,814
Population 199,322
Population 198,440
Population 185,097
Population 107,699
Full rankings of Alabama cities by population
Statewide data for Alabama
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Alabama
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.