The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 36542 sells for about $499,900, or $366 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 68 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,502 a month.
ZIP 36542 — Gulf Shores
The 36542 housing market remains resilient, characterized by steady price appreciation and high demand for coastal properties. While inventory levels are elevated due to the seasonal nature of the market, the area continues to attract both investors and lifestyle buyers. Market conditions are currently driven by limited land availability and the ongoing appeal of Gulf Shores as a premier vacation destination.
This ZIP is ideal for vacation-home investors, retirees seeking a coastal lifestyle, and families who prioritize proximity to beach amenities. It is less suited for those seeking a traditional suburban commute or low-cost housing.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 68 days on market with 5.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.2% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.4% · poverty 10.4% — 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 7.3%/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 6.6%/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 36542, 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 Gulf Shores are generally lower than the national average, with property crime being the most frequently reported incident type. The area is considered safer than many larger urban centers in Alabama.
Schools serving the area are part of the Gulf Shores City Schools system, which generally maintains high performance ratings and strong community support compared to regional averages.
The area faces significant exposure to hurricane-force winds, storm surge, and coastal flooding, necessitating high insurance premiums and strict building codes. Property owners are typically required to carry flood insurance due to the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
Economic momentum is driven by tourism, hospitality, and ongoing residential development along the coast. Infrastructure projects focus on managing seasonal traffic and expanding utility capacity to support a growing permanent and vacation population.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. 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. Code § 40-8-1 and the Alabama Constitution.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents relying on State Highway 59 and the Beach Express to reach employment hubs in Foley and Mobile. Traffic can become significantly congested during peak tourist seasons.
The area is a premier destination featuring extensive white-sand beaches, the Gulf State Park with miles of biking and hiking trails, and numerous golf courses. Shopping and dining are concentrated along the main tourist corridors and the Waterway District.
The rental market is heavily influenced by seasonal tourism, with a high prevalence of short-term vacation rentals. Long-term rental inventory is tighter, leading to upward pressure on monthly rates.
The economy is anchored by the tourism and hospitality sectors, supported by a robust service industry. Retail and real estate development are also primary economic drivers for the region.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use, with limited public transit options. The area relies on major arterial roads like Highway 59 to connect to the broader Baldwin County network.
Development is focused on high-density residential and commercial projects near the coast, with strict zoning to manage environmental impact and hurricane resilience.
The Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner manages property assessments, typically reassessing properties periodically to reflect market value changes.
Parcels are served by the Gulf Shores City Schools district and standard municipal utility districts for water and sewer services.
Property insurance is a critical factor in the local market, with high premiums due to coastal hazard risks. Many properties require specialized wind and flood policies.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau and ZCTA-level reporting.
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.
Features over 6,000 acres of trails, beaches, and nature preserves.
Major shopping, dining, and entertainment hub with an amphitheater and marina.
Public 18-hole course serving the local community.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.