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
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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).
Where to stay in Gulf Shores
Visiting or relocating to Gulf Shores, AL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.