Editing Gulf Shores, Alabama

{{Short description|City in Alabama, United States}}
{{pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Gulf Shores, Alabama
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|motto                    = Small Town, Big Beach
|image_skyline            = GulfShoresAlBeachJuly08B altered.jpg
|imagesize                = 250px
|image_caption            = Condominiums and hotels on the beach
|image_flag               = Flag of Gulf Shores, Alabama.png
|image_seal               = 
|image_blank_emblem       = Logo of Gulf Shores, Alabama.png
|blank_emblem_type        = Logo
|image_map                = File:Baldwin County Alabama Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Gulf Shores Highlighted 0132272.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Gulf Shores in Baldwin County, Alabama.
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Alabama|County]]
|subdivision_name         = {{USA}}
|subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Alabama}}
|subdivision_name2        = [[Baldwin County, Alabama|Baldwin]]
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = Mayor
|leader_name              = Robert Craft
|established_date         = 
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 86.01
|area_total_sq_mi         = 33.21
|area_land_km2            = 73.46
|area_land_sq_mi          = 28.36
|area_water_km2           = 12.55
|area_water_sq_mi         = 4.84
|elevation_ft             = 7
|elevation_m              = 
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_total         = 15014
|population_metro         = 
|population_density_km2   = 204.38
|population_density_sq_mi = 529.35
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset               = −6
|coordinates              = {{coord|30|16|4|N|87|42|5|W|region:US-AL_type:city(12,800)|display=inline,title}}
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = −5
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]s
|postal_code              = 36542, 36547
|area_code                = [[Area code 251|251]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 01-32272
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 0119462
|footnotes                = 
|website                  = {{URL|www.gulfshoresal.gov}}
|pop_est_as_of            = 
|pop_est_footnotes        = 
|population_est           = 
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
}}

'''Gulf Shores''' is a [[Resort town|resort city]] in [[Baldwin County, Alabama|Baldwin County]], [[Alabama]], United States. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 Census]], the population was 15,014.

==Geography==
Gulf Shores is located on the [[Gulf of Mexico]], and is the southernmost settlement in the state of Alabama.<ref name="WR1">{{cite web|url=http://weekendroady.com/2013/05/02/extreme-settlements-a-comprehensive-list/|publisher=Weekend Roady|access-date=August 20, 2014|date=May 2, 2013|title=EXTREME SETTLEMENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE LIST}}</ref> It is served by [[Alabama State Route 59]] (Gulf Shores Parkway), which leads north to [[Foley, Alabama|Foley]]. [[Alabama State Route 182|Route 182]] (Beach Boulevard) runs east-west along the shore front, while [[Alabama State Route 180|Route 180]] (Fort Morgan Road) runs parallel to it, north of [[Little Lagoon]]. [[Gulf State Park]] occupies a large eastern part of the city.

According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|72.5|km2|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|60.0|km2|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|12.5|km2|order=flip}}, or 17.24%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010"/>

===Climate===
Gulf Shores has a [[humid subtropical climate]], with long, hot summers, and mild and sunny winters.  Daily highs in winter are close to {{convert|60|F}} and nighttime lows are near {{convert|40|F}}.  Daytime highs in summer are near {{convert|90|F}} and evening lows near {{convert|78|F}}. Ocean surf temperatures are quite warm from May through November, often well into the low 80s.

As a result of being located on the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores is vulnerable to [[tropical cyclone]]s. In September 1979, [[Hurricane Frederic]] caused massive destruction, leveling most of the town. On September 16, 2004, [[Hurricane Ivan]] made landfall in Gulf Shores, causing extensive wind and flooding damage. In 2005, while the city was still cleaning up from Ivan, [[Hurricane Katrina]] caused extensive damage and flooding. The area was then struck again on September 16, 2020, when [[Hurricane Sally]] made landfall on the 16&nbsp;year anniversary of Ivan, causing extensive damage and widespread flooding.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://news.yahoo.com/resurgent-sally-threatens-drenching-alabama-052919912.html|title= Hurricane Sally blasts ashore in Alabama with punishing rain|publisher=yahoo.com|author1=Jay Reeves |author2=Angie Wang |author3=Jeff Martin |date=September 16, 2020|access-date=September 17, 2020}}</ref>

<div style="width:85%;">
{{Weather box
|location = Gulf Shores, Alabama
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 81
|Feb record high F = 77
|Mar record high F = 81
|Apr record high F = 88
|May record high F = 95
|Jun record high F = 96
|Jul record high F = 101
|Aug record high F = 98
|Sep record high F = 97
|Oct record high F = 93
|Nov record high F = 84
|Dec record high F = 84
|year record high F= 
|Jan high F = 59
|Feb high F = 62
|Mar high F = 67
|Apr high F = 74
|May high F = 82
|Jun high F = 87
|Jul high F = 89
|Aug high F = 89
|Sep high F = 86
|Oct high F = 78
|Nov high F = 69
|Dec high F = 62
|year high F =
|Jan low F = 45
|Feb low F = 49
|Mar low F = 55
|Apr low F = 63
|May low F = 71
|Jun low F = 76
|Jul low F = 78
|Aug low F = 78
|Sep low F = 75
|Oct low F = 66
|Nov low F = 56
|Dec low F = 48
|year low F =
|Jan record low F = 9
|Feb record low F = 20
|Mar record low F = 23
|Apr record low F = 30
|May record low F = 50
|Jun record low F = 55
|Jul record low F = 65
|Aug record low F = 64
|Sep record low F = 52
|Oct record low F = 37
|Nov record low F = 24
|Dec record low F = 11
|year record low F= 
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 5.29
|Feb precipitation inch = 5.49
|Mar precipitation inch = 5.31
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.27
|May precipitation inch = 4.41
|Jun precipitation inch = 5.14
|Jul precipitation inch = 6.23
|Aug precipitation inch = 7.19
|Sep precipitation inch = 5.38
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.85
|Nov precipitation inch = 4.14
|Dec precipitation inch = 4.87
|year precipitation inch=
|source 1 = [[The Weather Channel (United States)|The Weather Channel]]<ref name="twc">{{cite web
| url = https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/015ac173f23f15ab8c0a5d6c57b992944aa997ccee3ad4bf8e56aff8af5e23dd
| title = Gulf Shores, AL Monthly Weather Forecast 
| publisher = [[The Weather Channel (United States)|The Weather Channel]]
| access-date = July 21, 2020}}</ref>
}}
</div>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1960= 356
|1970= 909
|1980= 1349
|1990= 3261
|2000= 5044
|2010= 9741
|2020= 15014
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 6, 2013}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Gulf Shores racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US0132272&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 17, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!Race
!Num.
!Perc.
|-
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
|13,062
|87.0%
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
|307
|2.04%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
|63
|0.42%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
|161
|1.07%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
|6
|0.04%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
|793
|5.28%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|622
|4.14%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 15,014 people, 5,810 households, and 3,347 families residing in the city.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2010, there were 9,741 people living in the city.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US0132272| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212162539/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US0132272| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 12, 2020| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Gulf Shores city, Alabama| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=September 9, 2013}}</ref> The [[population density]] was {{convert|274.3|/sqmi|/km2}}. There were 6,810 housing units at an average density of {{convert|370.4|/sqmi|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the city was 97.54% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.22% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.44% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.30% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.40% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.07% from two or more races. Of the population 1.23% were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 2,344 households, out of which 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. Of all households 26.7% were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.56.

Of the population 16.4% was under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males. The median income for a household in the city was $41,826, and the median income for a family was $51,862. Males had a median income of $40,259 versus $22,467 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $24,356. About 6.8% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

Since the year 2000, Baldwin County as a whole has experienced rapid population growth, second only to [[Shelby County, Alabama|Shelby County]] in Alabama.<ref name=USCgshores>"Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights" (for Gulf Shores, AL),
[[US Census Bureau]], 2007, webpage: [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=86000US36578&_geoContext=01000US%7C86000US36578&_cityTown=Gulf_Shores&_state=04000US01 US-Census-GulfShoresAL] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200212050050/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=86000US36578&_geoContext=01000US%7C86000US36578&_cityTown=Gulf_Shores&_state=04000US01 |date=February 12, 2020 }}.</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Morning at Gulf State Park.jpg|thumb|Beach at [[Gulf State Park]]]]
[[File:Gulf Shores Houses on canal.jpg|thumb|Residential area on the canal]]

===Tourism===
Tourism dominates the economy of Gulf Shores.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gulfshores.com/|title=Discover Alabama's Gulf Coast|website=Gulf Shores & Orange Beach|access-date=January 15, 2019}}</ref> The [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill|2010 BP oil spill]] was expected to adversely affect both local real estate and beach tourism. After a year of decline, the tourism economy in Gulf Shores returned to pre-spill levels.<ref>{{cite web| author=7thSpace |url=http://7thspace.com/headlines/395776/last_years_oil_spill_was_predicted_to_lessen_the_interest_in_condos_in_orange_beach_and_gulf_shores.html |title=Last year's oil spill was predicted to lessen the interest in condos in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores |publisher=7thspace.com |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref>

Attractions in Gulf Shores include [[Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo]];<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1653 |title=Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo |publisher=Encyclopedia of Alabama |date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref> [[Pelican Place at Craft Farms]], a shopping mall; [[Waterville USA]], a family amusement/waterpark;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g30582-Activities-Gulf_Shores_Alabama.html |title=Things to do in Gulf Shores: Check out 16 Gulf Shores Attractions |publisher=TripAdvisor |access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref> and 10 golf courses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.golf.gulfshores.com/play/ |title=Gulf Shores Golf - Gulf Coast Golf Courses - Great Public Golf Courses |publisher=Golf.gulfshores.com |access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alapark.com/gulfstate/Golf/ |title=Alabama State Parks |publisher=Alapark.com |access-date=December 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117102124/https://www.alapark.com/GulfState/Golf/ |archive-date=January 17, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Hangout Music Festival]] is an annual three-day music festival on the beach each May.<ref name="southernliving">{{cite web |url=http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/gulf-shores-hangout-music-festival-00417000073243/ |title=Hangout Music Festival |author=Amy Bickers |work=Southern Living |publisher=Time Inc. Lifestyle Group |access-date=August 13, 2012}}</ref>

Some residents opposed the building of a new hotel on state property, and the use of BP Oil spill funds to finance projects other than environmental repair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2015/03/gulf_state_park_lodge_lawsuit.html|title='Misunderstood' Gulf State Park Project on track for 2018 completion, executive director says|website=AL.com|access-date=January 15, 2019}}</ref>

In 2022, the city introduced a plan to make a $15 million revitalization of Gulf Place, a public beach area.  Amenities will include a boardwalk, parking, green space, and restrooms.  The project will involve sustainable and low-impact development strategies, including stormwater management, and beach dune restoration to provide animal habitat and protection from storm surge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulf Place Public Beach Master Plan |url=https://www.tsw-design.com/portfolio-items/gulf_shores_alabama/ |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=TSW |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gulf Place Revitalization Project |url=https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1201/Gulf-Place-Revitalization-Project |access-date=October 9, 2022 |website=www.gulfshoresal.gov}}</ref>

==Education==
Public education was originally administered by [[Baldwin County Public Schools]].{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} The [[Gulf Shores City School System]] was established in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1022/City-Schools|title=City Schools - Gulf Shores, AL - Official Website|website=www.gulfshoresal.gov|access-date=January 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gulfshoresal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5348|title=Resolution 5876 - Establishing a GS City School System}}</ref>  Schools include:
* [[Gulf Shores High School]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gs-hs.com/ |title=gs-hs.com |publisher=gs-hs.com |access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref> (grades 9–12)
* Gulf Shores Middle School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsmsdolphins.com/ |title=gsmsdolphins.com |publisher=gsmsdolphins.com |access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref> (grades 7–8)
* Gulf Shores Elementary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsesdolphins.com/ |title=gsesdolphins.com |publisher=gsesdolphins.com |access-date=December 26, 2012}}</ref> (grades K–6)

==Infrastructure==
[[Jack Edwards National Airport]] is located in Gulf Shores and offers services from Gulf Air Center, Salt Air Aviation Center and Platinum Air Center.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Countywide [[dial-a-ride]] transit service is provided by BRATS, the Baldwin Regional Area Transit System.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://baldwincountyal.gov/departments/brats-public-bus-transportation|title=BRATS|access-date=November 10, 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Gulf Shores}}
{{Portal|Alabama}}
* {{Official website|http://www.gulfshoresal.gov/}}

{{Baldwin County, Alabama}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Beaches of Alabama]]
[[Category:Cities in Alabama]]
[[Category:Cities in Baldwin County, Alabama]]
[[Category:Landforms of Baldwin County, Alabama]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Alabama]]