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Gulf Shores, AL


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Gulf Shores, Alabama

Introduction to Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama, in Baldwin county, is 31 miles W of Pensacola, Florida (center to center) and 143 miles E of New Orleans, Louisiana. Part of the surrounding Mobile metro area, the city is not an isolated city. Gulf Shores is home to some 5,044 residents.

Gulf Shores History

Gulf Shores was originally inhabited by the Alibama, Creeks, and Seminole Indians. The area was frequented by pirates for over one hundred years. Spanish visited the area in the 1500s and constructed Fort Morgan, which played a significant role during the American Civil War. Gulf Shores is vulnerable to hurricanes as the city is located in the central northern gulf. The area was devastated by Hurricane Frederic in September 1979 and by Hurricane Ivan on September 16, 2004.

Gulf Shores and nearby Attractions

  • Gulf State Park
  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
  • Gulf Shores Museum
  • Fort Morgan Historic Site
  • Waterville USA
  • Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Things To Do In Gulf Shores

Gulf State Park and Gulf Shores Amusement Park are ideal destinations for spending a family day out. You can also visit the Gulf Shores Museum, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Baldwin County Heritage Museum, and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Leisure hours can also be spent at the Florida Point Beach, Lagoon Park Beach, Romar Beach, and Cotton Bayou Beach. You can enjoy shopping at Paradise Isle Shopping Center.

Gulf Shores Transportation

Air transportation is available from Mobile Downtown Airport.

Gulf Shores Higher Education

University of South Alabama-Baldwin, University of West Florida, and James H Faulkner State Community College are some of the nearest universities and colleges.

High Points

Gulf Shores strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Alabama):

CategoryTrophy
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)		Top 2%trophyGulf Shores Walking and Biking to Work
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)		Top 6%Gulf Shores Well-Paid Single Men
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)		Top 6%Gulf Shores College Educated Adults
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)		Top 8%Gulf Shores Short Commute Times
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)		Top 9%Gulf Shores Well-Paid Single Women
Median Family Income
(vs. State)		Top 10%Gulf Shores Median Family Income
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 13%Gulf Shores Public Transportation Use
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)		Top 13%Gulf Shores Affordability of Property Taxes
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)		Top 13%Gulf Shores People in Middle Class or Better
Low Rate of Poverty
(vs. State)		Top 19%Gulf Shores Low Rate of Poverty

Comparative Profile of Gulf Shores, AL

Comparing Gulf Shores to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Alabama (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Age of the Population1010
Senior Citizens1010
Male Share of the Population89
Well-Paid Single Men610
Well-Paid Single Women610
Female Share of the Population32
Racial Diversity12
Children Under 5 Years Old11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married77
Average Household Size11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults810
Median Family Income610
People in Middle Class or Better69
People Above Poverty59

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work910
Working at Home810
Short Commute Times810
Public Transportation Use59

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing1010
Housing Recently Built1010
Affordability of Property Taxes91
People Living Alone65
Affordability of Rents31
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals24

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime23
Low Property Crime11

Detailed pages on related topics: Gulf Shores travel • Gulf Shores mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Gulf Shores Hotels & TravelGulf Shores Hotels & Travel
Gulf Shores hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Gulf Shores MortgageGulf Shores Mortgage
Gulf Shores property, mortgage, and real estate.

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