Fairhope, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,190
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$94,274/yr
9.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,730
3.6% year-over-year change

Fairhope population

How many people live in Fairhope

Fairhope is home to 24,190 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of Fairhope locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
24,190
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
11,331
Female
53.2%
12,859
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,331 46.8% 2.1%
Female 12,859 53.2% 4.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fairhope is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 8.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.9% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 44
19.9%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
26%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,161 17.2% -5.9%
15 to 24 2,109 8.7% 5.4%
25 to 44 4,813 19.9% 2.1%
45 to 64 6,813 28.2% 11.9%
Over 65 6,294 26% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fairhope, 95.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.9% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,007 95.1% 5.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 887 3.7% -15.4%
Non-citizens 296 1.2% -29.9%
Racial breakdown
White
88.9%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 21,507 88.9%
Black or African American 786 3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 84 0.4%
Asian 146 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 73 0.3%
Two or more races 1,080 4.5%
Other 514 2.1%

Households in Fairhope

A peek inside Fairhope households

Fairhope has 9,706 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 72.8% are families, while the remaining 27.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,706
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,640
Family households
7,066
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,640 27.2% -0.9%
Family households 7,066 72.8% 6.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fairhope

The housing landscape of Fairhope

Fairhope's housing consists of 10,730 units, with 85.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,730
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,221 85.9%
1 unit, attached 262 2.4%
2 units 46 0.4%
3 or 4 units 380 3.5%
5 to 9 units 68 0.6%
10 to 19 units 183 1.7%
20 to 49 units 131 1.2%
50 or more units 237 2.2%
Mobile home 202 1.9%
Homes built since 2020
482
100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fairhope

In Fairhope, the median construction year is 1998. About 2.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 230 2.1% -17.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 126 1.2% -3.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 370 3.4% -10.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 899 8.4% 29.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,138 10.6% 9.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,056 9.8% -7.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,023 18.8% -2.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,372 22.1% 5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,034 19% -2.6%
Built in 2020 or later 482 4.5% 100.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fairhope occupancy rates

Out of the 9,706 occupied housing units in Fairhope, 80.4% are owner-occupied, while 19.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,706
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,899
Owner occupied
7,807
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,899 19.6% 11.1%
Owner occupied 7,807 80.4% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
9.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fairhope housing costs

Housing costs in Fairhope come to a median of $1,375 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,689.

Median housing costs per month
$1,375/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fairhope
$1,689/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fairhope

Fairhope education at a glance

About 19.5% of the population in Fairhope went to high school, while 17.7% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 29.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 301 1.6% -18.9%
High school diploma 3,718 19.5% 10.1%
College diploma 3,378 17.7% -1.8%
Associate degree 1,968 10.3% 15.4%
Bachelor's degree 5,541 29.1% 10.1%
Graduate degree 4,133 21.7% 1.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fairhope

How much people earn in Fairhope

The average annual household income in Fairhope was $132,712 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $94,274, reflecting a +9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fairhope
$132,712/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fairhope
$94,274/year
9.0% year-over-year change

Fairhope income by age

In Fairhope, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $120,417. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,845 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,933, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,431 in earnings. Overall, 91.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,933 -41.6%
25 - 44 $120,417 9.6%
45 - 64 $105,845 4.2%
Over 65 $73,431 14.3%
Above poverty level
21,849
Below poverty level
1,960
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,849 91.8% 5.2%
Below poverty level 1,960 8.2% -11.6%

Average renter income in Fairhope

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fairhope, their median household income was $44,732 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,732
Rent-to-income ratio
45.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fairhope

Workforce and job types in Fairhope

The job market in Fairhope is powered by 10,367 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.5% run their own businesses, 57.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,367
6.5% year-over-year change
White collar
9,229
Blue collar
1,138
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,229 89% 9.7%
Blue collar 1,138 11% -13.7%
Employer type
Self employees
20.5%
Private companies
57.6%
Governmental workers
14.2%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,121 20.5% 5.5%
Private companies 5,975 57.6% 4.5%
Governmental workers 1,474 14.2% 11.8%
Not for profit companies 797 7.7% 16.2%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
3.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fairhope stands at 3.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fairhope

How people get around in Fairhope

Commuting methods vary: 84.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,656 84.7% 6.9%
Bicycle 21 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 44 0.4% -10.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Fairhope by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36532 38,108 15,511 $89,694 $128,458
36559 221 83 $0 $0

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Fairhope demographics 

What is the total population of Fairhope?

Fairhope has a total population of 24,190 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fairhope?

The gender ratio in Fairhope is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (11,331 residents)
  • 53.2% females (12,859 residents)

What is the median age in Fairhope?

The median age in Fairhope is 48.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fairhope?

The age distribution in Fairhope is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (4,161 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.7% (2,109 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.9% (4,813 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (6,813 residents)
  • Over 65: 26% (6,294 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fairhope?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairhope is as follows:
  • White: 88.9% (21,507 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (786 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (84 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (146 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (73 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (1,080 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (514 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fairhope are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.1% of the population in Fairhope.

How many housing units are there in Fairhope?

There are 10,730 housing units in Fairhope, reflecting a +3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fairhope and what is the average household size?

Fairhope has a total of 9,706 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fairhope?

Fairhope has a median household income of $94,274, representing a +9.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fairhope?

The employment rate is 96.5% in Fairhope, with a workforce of 10,367 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89% (9,229 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11% (1,138 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.5% (2,121 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.6% (5,975 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.2% (1,474 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (797 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025