The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 36532 sells for about $477,721, or $217 per square foot.
Prices are down 9.86% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 88 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,427 a month.
ZIP 36532 — Fairhope
The Fairhope housing market is currently experiencing a cooling phase with a significant increase in inventory, shifting conditions toward a buyer's market. While prices have seen a year-over-year decline, the area remains a highly desirable destination, supported by strong demographics and steady demand. The market is adjusting to higher interest rates and increased supply, leading to longer days on market compared to previous years.
Fairhope is ideal for families, retirees, and professionals seeking a high quality of life, coastal amenities, and a small-town atmosphere within reach of the larger Mobile job market.
Median prices moved down 9.9% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 88 days on market with 12.5 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
16% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.8% · poverty 8.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 36532, Baldwin County AL
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Fairhope generally reports lower crime rates compared to the national average, maintaining a reputation as a safe, family-oriented community within the Mobile metropolitan area.
The area is served by the Baldwin County Public Schools system, which is generally well-regarded, with several schools in Fairhope receiving high ratings for academic performance and student progress.
The region faces risks from tropical storms and hurricanes due to its proximity to Mobile Bay, necessitating robust wind insurance and flood mitigation strategies for coastal properties.
Fairhope experiences steady economic momentum driven by its appeal as a residential destination, with ongoing development in retail, hospitality, and residential subdivisions catering to a growing population.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Alabama) — Current Use Valuation: Allows property to be taxed based on its current use value rather than fair market value, potentially reducing the tax burden. Conversion to a non-qualified use triggers revaluation and potential back-tax liability. State (Alabama) — Class III Residential Property Tax Assessment: Property is assessed at 10% of its fair market value. The tax liability is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the local millage rate. A standard homestead exemption applies to the 6.5 mill statewide property tax on the first $4,000 of assessed valuation. State (Alabama) — Class 3 Residential Property Tax Assessment: Residential property is classified as Class 3 and assessed at 10 percent of its fair market value. A standard homestead exemption applies to the 6.5 mill statewide property tax on the first $4,000 of assessed valuation. State (Alabama) — Standard State Ad Valorem Homestead Exemption: Exempts up to $4,000 in assessed valuation from the 6.5 mill state ad valorem tax levy (providing a maximum direct state tax reduction of $26.00). Formula: Adjusted State Tax = Max(0, (Assessed Value - $4,000)) × 0.0065. State (Alabama) — Statewide Ad Valorem Property Tax and Class III Residential Assessment Ratio: Establishes a baseline 6.5 statewide millage rate ($0.0065 per dollar of assessed value) under Ala.
Commuters primarily rely on US Highway 98 and Alabama Highway 181 for access to the Mobile employment core, with typical drive times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
The area features extensive access to Mobile Bay, including the Fairhope Municipal Pier and beach, numerous public parks, golf courses like Quail Creek, and a vibrant downtown shopping and dining district.
The rental market is characterized by high demand and limited inventory, with rents trending upward due to the city's popularity and a growing professional workforce.
The local economy is anchored by tourism, retail, healthcare, and professional services, with many residents commuting to the broader Mobile-Daphne-Fairhope metropolitan area.
Transportation is primarily automobile-dependent, with major corridors including US-98 and AL-181 facilitating regional connectivity.
The city maintains a focus on controlled growth, with ongoing planning for infrastructure improvements to support residential and commercial development.
The Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner manages property assessments, utilizing a 10% assessment ratio for residential properties.
Parcels are subject to Baldwin County school taxes and various municipal service districts typical of Alabama jurisdictions.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by coastal hazard exposure, with many homeowners requiring specialized wind and flood coverage.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov for ZCTA 36532.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
A landmark attraction offering bay views, fishing, and walking paths.
A popular public golf course serving the local community.
A historic and charming district known for boutique shops and local restaurants.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.