Gulf Coast, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
745,306
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,700/yr
-4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
355,836
1.3% year-over-year change

Gulf Coast population

How many people live in Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast is home to 745,306 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Gulf Coast locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
745,306
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
358,850
Female
51.8%
386,456
Value Percent YoY change
Male 358,850 48.2% 0.6%
Female 386,456 51.8% 0.9%
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 Gulf Coast is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 137,886 18.5% -0.2%
15 to 24 90,757 12.2% 0.2%
25 to 44 185,171 24.8% 0.9%
45 to 64 189,413 25.4% 0.0%
Over 65 142,079 19.1% 2.8%
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 Gulf Coast, 95.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 63.9% of locals are Caucasian, 27.2% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 715,006 95.9% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 18,746 2.5% 5.5%
Non-citizens 11,555 1.6% 5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
63.9%
Black or African American
27.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 476,429 63.9%
Black or African American 202,776 27.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4,875 0.6%
Asian 11,661 1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 267 0%
Two or more races 37,143 5%
Other 12,156 1.6%

Households in Gulf Coast

A peek inside Gulf Coast households

Gulf Coast has 291,589 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.8% are families, while the remaining 35.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
291,589
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
102,619
Family households
188,970
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 102,619 35.2% 1.7%
Family households 188,970 64.8% 1.8%
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 Gulf Coast

The housing landscape of Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast's housing consists of 355,836 units, with 70.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 10.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
355,836
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 250,112 70.3%
1 unit, attached 4,738 1.3%
2 units 5,099 1.4%
3 or 4 units 8,477 2.4%
5 to 9 units 13,530 3.8%
10 to 19 units 12,925 3.6%
20 to 49 units 6,630 1.9%
50 or more units 15,656 4.4%
Mobile home 37,316 10.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1,353 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
7,909
76.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gulf Coast

In Gulf Coast, the median construction year is 1985. About 3.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11,632 3.3% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 12,007 3.4% 0.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 25,328 7.1% 0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 34,079 9.6% 0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 56,918 16% -0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 52,651 14.8% -3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 57,363 16.1% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 59,085 16.6% 2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 38,865 10.9% 7.9%
Built in 2020 or later 7,909 2.2% 76.8%
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.

Gulf Coast occupancy rates

Out of the 291,589 occupied housing units in Gulf Coast, 70.7% are owner-occupied, while 29.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
291,589
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
85,366
Owner occupied
206,224
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 85,366 29.3% -1.1%
Owner occupied 206,224 70.7% 3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
18.1%
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.

Gulf Coast housing costs

Housing costs in Gulf Coast come to a median of $764 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $969.

Median housing costs per month
$764/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 Gulf Coast
$969/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 Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast education at a glance

About 41.9% of the population in Gulf Coast went to high school, while 22.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14,562 2.5% 5.3%
High school diploma 241,963 41.9% -0.9%
College diploma 127,480 22.1% -0.1%
Associate degree 50,410 8.7% 1.3%
Bachelor's degree 92,849 16.1% 5.5%
Graduate degree 50,497 8.7% 3.9%
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 Gulf Coast

How much people earn in Gulf Coast

The average annual household income in Gulf Coast was $74,597 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,700, reflecting a -4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gulf Coast
$74,597/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gulf Coast
$55,700/year
-4.0% year-over-year change

Gulf Coast income by age

In Gulf Coast, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,986 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,778, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,311 in earnings. Overall, 85.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,778 -8.4%
25 - 44 $62,143 -3.7%
45 - 64 $73,986 5.6%
Over 65 $46,311 2.2%
Above poverty level
616,245
Below poverty level
106,942
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 616,245 85.2% 1.1%
Below poverty level 106,942 14.8% -1.6%

Employment in Gulf Coast

Workforce and job types in Gulf Coast

73.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 68.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
238,217
Blue collar
84,773
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 238,217 73.8% 2.5%
Blue collar 84,773 26.2% -0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
68.6%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 34,047 10.5% 2.1%
Private companies 221,614 68.6% 1.4%
Governmental workers 46,797 14.5% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 20,531 6.4% 2.9%

Transportation in Gulf Coast

How people get around in Gulf Coast

In Gulf Coast, the average commute time is 700 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 98.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
700 min
-16.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 282,115 98.3% 0.5%
Taxicab 228 0.1% 10.1%
Bus or trolleybus 660 0.2% -8.1%
Ferryboat 140 0% 150.0%
Motorcycle 294 0.1% -12.8%
Bicycle 320 0.1% -12.3%
Walk 3,213 1.1% 2.9%
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 Gulf Coast by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36439 140 49 $0 $97,516
36441 3,645 1,230 $50,349 $82,320
36444 666 207 $60,144 $57,549
36445 5,146 1,822 $39,421 $57,564
36446 459 146 $58,571 $57,390
36401 7,342 2,780 $40,792 $58,656
36425 668 278 $37,750 $70,350
36426 16,407 5,687 $51,417 $67,528
36432 1,940 886 $40,962 $47,090
36436 564 253 $0 $73,762

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gulf Coast demographics 

What is the total population of Gulf Coast?

Gulf Coast has a total population of 745,306 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gulf Coast?

The gender ratio in Gulf Coast is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (358,850 residents)
  • 51.8% females (386,456 residents)

What is the median age in Gulf Coast?

The median age in Gulf Coast is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gulf Coast?

The age distribution in Gulf Coast is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (137,886 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (90,757 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (185,171 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (189,413 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (142,079 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gulf Coast?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gulf Coast is as follows:
  • White: 63.9% (476,429 residents)
  • Black or African American: 27.2% (202,776 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (4,875 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (11,661 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (267 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (37,143 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (12,156 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.9% of the population in Gulf Coast.

How many housing units are there in Gulf Coast?

There are 355,836 housing units in Gulf Coast, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gulf Coast has a total of 291,589 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gulf Coast?

Gulf Coast has a median household income of $55,700, representing a -4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Gulf Coast?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.8% (238,217 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.2% (84,773 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (34,047 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.6% (221,614 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (46,797 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.4% (20,531 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