| ZIP Code | 36542 |
|---|---|
| City | Gulf Shores |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| County | Baldwin County |
| Area Code | 251 |
| Latitude | 30.26965 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -87.750627 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 01003 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 50.6 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.18 |
| Below Poverty | 10.6% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 48.2% ▲ 25% above avg |
| Unemployment | 2.4% ▼ 51% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 71 (0.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,442 (18.9%) |
| Some College | 1,421 (11%) |
| Associates | 2,757 (21.3%) |
| Bachelors | 1,351 (10.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 4,886 (37.8%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $74,861 ≈ Avg ↑ 39% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $366,600 ▲ 31% above avg ↑ 49% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,365/mo ↑ 27% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 18,551 |
| Vacant Units | 10,604 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 18,551 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 10,604 |
| Owner Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter Occupied | 31.1% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.18 |
ZIP code 36542 is located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, within Baldwin County. With a population of 17,335, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 50.6 years. Economically, 36542 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $74,861 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 36542 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $366,600 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,365 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 68.9% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 49% since 2019.
The population of 36542 is primarily White (87.16%). Residents are well-educated — 48.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 10.6%. Household income has grown by 39% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 36542 stands at 2.4%, which is well below the national average. About 16% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 77%.
Overall, ZIP code 36542 in Gulf Shores, AL is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 17,335 residents, a median household income of $74,861, and a median home value of $366,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Alabama.