36542 Zip Code, Gulf Shores

Crime Rate & Statistics

A+

One of the safest zip codes — significantly below-average crime

Safer than 0% of zip codes in Gulf Shores

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 106 / 300 High
Violent Crime 104
4% above national avg
Property Crime 132
32% above national avg
City Ranking
0%
safer than other
Gulf Shores zip codes

Check a specific address

in Gulf Shores

Is 36542 a Safe Zip Code?

Yes — this zip code is extremely safe. Zip code 36542 in Gulf Shores, AL has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 106, which is 6% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 0% of zip codes in Gulf Shores.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 141, 41% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 63). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 141 (41% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Rape · Index 63 (37% below avg)

36542 Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Gulf Shores city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
114 +14% Moderate
Assault
120 +20% Moderate
Robbery
120 +20% Moderate
Rape
63 -37% Low
Property Crime
Burglary
134 +34% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
141 +41% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
120 +20% Moderate

36542 Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

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36542 Demographics & Context

Population
17,659
Median Income
$67,013
Home Value
$473,438
Median Age
45
Pop. Density
232/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 19%
Graduate Degree 9.7%

Housing

57%
43%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 91%
Black 2.1%
Hispanic 7.4%
Asian 1.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Zip code 36542, Gulf Shores?

Zip code 36542 in Gulf Shores, AL has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 106, which is 6% above the national average. Zip code 36542 is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Gulf Shores.

Is Zip code 36542 a safe neighborhood in Gulf Shores?

Zip code 36542 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Gulf Shores, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 141), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 63). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Gulf Shores.

What type of crime is most common in Zip code 36542?

The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 36542 is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 141 (41% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are the demographics of Zip code 36542?

Zip code 36542 has a population of approximately 17,659. The median household income is $67,013. The median home value is $473,438. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Zip code 36542 crime compare to the national average?

Zip code 36542's overall crime rate is 6% above the national average (index 106 vs 100). Within Gulf Shores, it is safer than 0% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.