Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach form the Gulf Coast Area of Baldwin County
in the southwest portion of Alabama bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The rapidly growing
area attracts residents, visitors, and companies with its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and boundless business opportunities.

Basic Demographics

Population

In the Gulf Coast Area, we have a permanent population consisting of professionals, families, retirees, and service industry employees. We also have a seasonal population primarily consisting of “Snowbirds”, college student employees, and tourists.

Over the past 20+ years, the Gulf Coast Area has experienced a tremendous increase in population as seen in the table below. Projections for the future predict this trend will continue.

The Gulf Coast Area is becoming not only a seasonal escape, but also a year round tourist destination.

Permanent Population

Seasonal Population and Projections

Per Capita Income for 1979, 1990, and 2000

Climate

The Gulf Coast Area has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 67.4 degrees. The average temperature in January is 51.4 degrees. The average temperature in July is 81.8 degrees. The average annual precipitation is 67 inches, and the growing season is 292 days.

Education

Education is a fundamental block in building a bright future. The Gulf Coast Area opened a brand new high school during 1999 in Gulf Shores (ph. 251.968.4747). The area has two elementary schools; they are Gulf Shores Elementary (ph. 251.968.7375) and Orange Beach Elementary (ph. 251.981.5662). Gulf Shores Middle School (ph. 251.968.8719) offers an excellent curriculum in preparation for high school. All public schools are part of the Baldwin County school system. If you are interested in private education, you also have the option of Bayside Academy (ph. 251.955.5211), which includes age 3yrs – Grade 4.

Healthcare

The nearest hospital is South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (ph. 800.580.3627) located in Foley. South Baldwin Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency services (ph. 251.952.3400). Numerous medical professionals practice in the area providing both family practice and specialized care.

Airports

Corporate and Private air service is available in Gulf Shores from the Jack Edwards Municipal Airport, with a full Instrument Landing System and the longest paved runway being 7000 feet. The closest commercial air service is available in Pensacola, roughly 30 miles away, at the Pensacola Regional Airport (ph. 850.435.1746). Major carriers serving the airport are Continental, US Airways, Delta, Northwest, and American. Other commercial airports are located in Mobile (ph. 251.633.0313) and Gulf Port, Mississippi (ph. 228.863.5951).

Shopping

The area offers many shops ranging from casual apparel and beachwear to upscale fashion and specialty boutiques. If you are a bargain hunter, you can find 120 factory outlet stores in Foley.

Parks and Recreation

The nearest state park is the Gulf State Park (ph. 251.948.7275). The 6,000-acre park
area offers campsites, picnic areas, 18-hole golf course, 825 foot fishing pier, 144 room hotel
and convention center. Other parks in the area include Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
(ph. 251.540.7720), Meyer Park (ph. 251.968.4420), Johnnie Sims Park and Kids Park (ph. 251.968.4420), and Wade Ward Nature Park (ph. 251.968.4420).

Taxes

State/Local Income Tax

For detailed information about Alabama income tax, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual and Corporate Tax Division (ph. 251.242.1000). In most instances, local governments in Alabama do not levy city, town, or county income taxes.

Property Taxes

Property (Ad Valorem) taxes are taxes on real business and/or personal property. “Ad Valorem” means “according to value”. For details, call the Revenue Commissioner’s office (ph. 251.943.5061, ext. 2840).

Sales Tax/General Use Tax

City Business Licenses

Gulf Shores: Business licenses can be obtained at City Hall, 1905 West 1st St., Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information call the Revenue Department at 251.968.2425.

Orange Beach: Business licenses may be obtained at City Hall, 4099 Orange Beach Blvd-Hwy 161, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information call City Hall at 251.981.6979.

Building Permits

Gulf Shores: For information on building permits, contact the Department of Community and Economic Affairs at 251.968.1150.

Orange Beach: Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are to be purchased through the Building Department located at City Hall (ph. 251.981.2610).