The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 36535 sells for about $305,000, or $185 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.1% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 62 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,235 a month.
ZIP 36535 — Foley
The 36535 housing market remains stable with steady buyer demand, though price growth has moderated compared to previous years. While the median price of $305,000 provides relative affordability, investors face challenges in achieving positive cash flow due to rising rental inventory and maintenance costs. The area continues to benefit from regional growth and tourism-related economic activity.
This ZIP is well-suited for family buyers seeking newer construction and retirees attracted to the coastal climate. It also appeals to investors, though success requires careful tenant screening and awareness of regional price growth limitations.
Median prices moved up 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 62 days on market with 5.1 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
18% 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 4.3% · poverty 13.3% — 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 7.1%/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 7.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 36535, 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.
Crime rates in Foley are generally consistent with regional averages for Baldwin County, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement maintains active community outreach programs to address safety trends.
Schools serving the 36535 area are part of the Baldwin County Public Schools system, which generally maintains moderate performance ratings. Families often prioritize proximity to newer elementary facilities within the Foley city limits.
The area is subject to hurricane and tropical storm risks due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast, necessitating robust wind insurance coverage. Flood zone designations vary significantly across the ZIP, requiring careful property-specific review.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, retail expansion, and the growth of the Foley sports tourism complex. Infrastructure projects, including road widenings, are ongoing to support the rapid population influx.
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.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, with residents traveling toward Foley's commercial core or commuting to jobs in Gulf Shores or Mobile via the Foley Beach Expressway and US-98.
The area features proximity to the Foley Sports Tourism complex, various local parks, and easy access to Gulf Coast beaches. Shopping and dining are concentrated along the US-98 corridor and the Tanger Outlets.
The rental market shows solid demand with a median rent of $1,800, though vacancy pressure is rising as new multi-family inventory enters the market. Short-term rental activity is significant near the coastal corridors.
The economy is anchored by tourism, retail, and healthcare services. Major employers include the City of Foley, local school districts, and various hospitality groups.
Transportation is heavily reliant on private vehicles, with major corridors including US-98 and the Foley Beach Expressway. Public transit options are limited.
Development is focused on residential expansion in the northern and eastern sections of the ZIP, alongside commercial growth near the sports complex.
The Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner handles property assessments, utilizing a 10% assessment ratio for residential properties.
Parcels are served by the Baldwin County Public School system and local municipal utility providers.
Property insurance premiums are elevated due to coastal wind and flood risks, with many properties requiring specialized coverage.
Alabama has experienced steady net domestic migration gains, particularly in coastal counties like Baldwin.
Alabama is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for relatively efficient processing of defaults.
Alabama is a caveat emptor (buyer beware) state, meaning sellers have limited disclosure requirements regarding property condition.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 36535 profile.
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 major regional anchor for youth sports and tournaments.
A large regional shopping destination serving the Gulf Coast.
Extensive trails and outdoor recreation space.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.