Overview

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 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.

Demographics

People

Total Population12,033
Male Share of the Population45.3%
Female Share of the Population54.7%
Senior Citizens25.6%
Employed Population 16+6,023
Age of the Population50

Families

% of people married50.2%
Average household size2

Education and Earnings

Population % with Bachelor Degree or Higher33.8%
Median Earnings25+$32,235
Median Earnings Without High School Qualification$0
Median Earnings With High School Degree$30,354

Wealth

Median Family Income$70,458
% Above Poverty Level90.9%
% Below Poverty Level9.1%

Commute & Sprawl

Average Commute Time24 minutes
% Working from Home9.8%
% Walking and Biking to Work0.2%
% Using Public Transportation%

Housing

People Living Alone38%
Median Gross Rent$1,046
Median House Value$242,400

Ancestry

English20.2%
Irish15.4%
German12.1%
Other(often includes Hispanic and African American)9.3%
Italian3.7%
Scottish2.9%
French Except Basque2.7%
Welsh2.5%
Hungarian1.8%
Swedish1.2%
Polish1.1%
Russian0.8%
Dutch0.7%
Czech0.5%
Lithuanian0.5%
African0.3%
Latvian0.3%
Canadian0.2%
Swiss0.2%
Norwegian0.2%
Arab0.2%
US/American0.2%
Lebanese0.2%
Brazilian0.1%
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Gulf Shores Almanac

CategoryValue
CountyBaldwin County
Standard Zip Codes36542
P.O. Box Zip Codes36547
Phone Area Codes251
Time ZoneAmerica/Chicago
Approximate Latitude30.27
Approximate Longitude-87.7

Gulf Shores Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

Notes:

  • Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
  • Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

StationDAUPHIN ISLAND #2
Distance22.9 miles
Jan Temp45 to 58 F
Apr Temp62 to 74 F
Jul Temp77 to 89 F
Oct Temp65 to 77 F
Annual Precip64.2 inches
StationFAIRHOPE 2 NE
Distance23.7 miles
Jan Temp40 to 60 F
Apr Temp55 to 77 F
Jul Temp73 to 90 F
Oct Temp57 to 79 F
Annual Precip67.7 inches
StationPENSACOLA SHERMAN NAS
Distance24 miles
Jan Temp43 to 61 F
Apr Temp57 to 75 F
Jul Temp74 to 90 F
Oct Temp59 to 79 F
Annual Precip63.1 inches

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPopulationMedian Family Income
Elberta1,741$47,000
Foley17,818$58,693
Orange Beach5,927$94,671
Robertsdale6,521$48,644
Silverhill633$77,188
Summerdale1,026$56,719

Gulf Shores Public Libraries

Gulf Shores - Thomas B. Norton Public Library
221 WEST 19TH AVENUE
Gulf Shores, Alabama
(251) 968-1176

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More Information for Librarians

Gulf Shores Public Schools

Gulf Shores Elem Sch
1600 East 3rd St
ZIP: 36542
Primary
Total Enrollment 1056
Gulf Shores High Sch
600 E 15th Ave
ZIP: 36542
High
Total Enrollment 873
Gulf Shores Middle Sch
450 E 15th Ave
ZIP: 36542
Middle
Total Enrollment 458
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