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ZIP Code · AL

ZIP 36542

Pop. 18,906·Baldwin County·13th most expensive ZIP in Alabama
Median rent (all units)
$1,838/mo
Year-over-Year
+32.5%
Month-over-Month
+9.5%
vs US Median
-$127
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 36542 · $1,838
More expensive than 51% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,150
1 BR
$1,260
2 BR
$1,410
3 BR
$1,770
4 BR+
$2,280
Research median
$1,410/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$22,056/yr
At $1,838/mo median
Location
StateAL
CountyBaldwin County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 32.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+32.5% YoY, +9.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 36542 (Gulf Shores, AL) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 38.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
18,906
Median income
$79,639
Median age
50
Renters
27.4%
Age distribution
18.2%
15.2%
25.9%
15%
25.7%
Under 1818.2%
18–3415.2%
35–5425.9%
55–6415%
65+25.7%
Gender
45.2%
54.8%
Male45.2%
Female54.8%
Race & ethnicity
88.2%
White88.2%
Black2.3%
Hispanic5.3%
Asian1%
Other3.2%
Education (25+)
21.7%
36.1%
38.9%
No HS diploma3.3%
HS diploma21.7%
Some college36.1%
Bachelor's+38.9%
Housing tenure
72.6%
27.4%
Owner72.6%
Renter27.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 36542 in Gulf Shores, AL has changed in 5 years

Income
$53,327 → $79,639
up 49.3%
Population
16,699 → 18,906
up 13.2%
Renter share
35.7% → 27.4%
-8.3 pts
Bachelor's+
35.6% → 38.9%
+3.3 pts

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $53,327 in 2021 to $79,639 more recently. The population has grown by 13.2% since 2021, moving from about 16,699 residents to roughly 18,906. Renters now make up 27.4% of households, compared with 35.7% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 38.9% of adults here, versus 35.6% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 36542

About renting in ZIP 36542

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 36542 covers Gulf Shores, AL. The median rent here is $1,838/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,260/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,410/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($79,639/yr), ZIP 36542 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 32.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 36542?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 36542 (Gulf Shores, AL) is $1,838. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 36542 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 36542's median rent of $1,838/mo is $127 (6%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 36542 compare to other ZIPs in Alabama?

ZIP 36542 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Alabama, ranking #13 out of 115 ZIPs tracked at $1,838/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 36542?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $74,000/year (~$36/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,838/mo in ZIP 36542. The local median household income is $79,639/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 36542?

Rent in ZIP 36542 has increased 32.5% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 36542 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 36542 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,838/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($79,639/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 36542 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 36542 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 27.4% of ZIP 36542 households are renters, while 72.6% are owner-occupied. ZIP 36542 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 36542 compare to the rest of Gulf Shores?

ZIP 36542 is pricier than Gulf Shores as a whole. At $1,838/mo, it's $8 above the Gulf Shores citywide median of $1,830/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 36542 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 36542 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,838/mo, rent takes ~28% of ZIP 36542's median household income ($79,639/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 36542 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 36542 (Gulf Shores, AL)

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