City profile
Gulf Shores, AL
Baldwin County · Population 16,401
Gulf Shores is a town in Baldwin County, AL with about 16,401 residents and a typical home value near $383,000. It is 35 miles from Mobile, AL, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Humid subtropical
Winter avg
54°F
Summer avg
82°F
Sunny days / yr
218
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$382,700
Typical monthly housing
$2,206
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
124
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.40%
- State income tax (top)
- 5%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 9.29%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively High · county score 97/100
Top hazards: Hurricane, Lightning, Tornado
Nearest major airport
34 mi to Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 21% Democratic / 79% Republican
Community
Population
16,401
Black population
2.7%
County
Baldwin County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸AL is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast), tornadoes
Highlights
- About 16,401 residents
- Typical home value about $383,000
- 35 miles from Mobile, AL
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.