Demographics

As of 2023, Baldwin County, AL, has an estimated population of about 246,000. The median age is 44. Around 51% are female and 49% male. The racial and ethnic makeup is predominantly White (about 82%), followed by Black or African American (10%), Hispanic or Latino (4%), and smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and others. The county continues to experience steady population growth.

Elections

Baldwin County, AL, had approximately 157,000 registered voters for the 2022 general election. The county conducts primaries, runoffs, and general elections with over 40 polling locations. In 2020, voter turnout reached 71%. The Board of Registrars and Probate Judge oversee election administration. Major issues include local zoning, education, and infrastructure. Republican candidates have dominated, winning over 75% of votes countywide in recent cycles, while Democrats receive under 25%. Both parties maintain active county organizations, and voter registration remains open year-round at government offices and online.

Education, Employment and Housing

Baldwin County, AL, has over 45 public schools, including 8 high schools, serving about 31,000 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, and about 29% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools earn an average GreatSchools rating of 7/10. The district prioritizes safety with resource officers in all schools and offers diverse educational programs, including AP, dual enrollment, and career tech. Adult education and GED classes are available through Coastal Alabama Community College.

As of 2023, Baldwin County, AL, has an unemployment rate of approximately 2.1%. Major employment sectors include tourism and hospitality (24%), retail trade (15%), healthcare (13%), and construction (11%). The most common occupations are sales, office support (28%), and management/professional roles (26%). About 84% of employed residents commute by car, with an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes; many work locally, but around 16% commute to Mobile or Escambia counties. The county’s labor force participation rate stands at about 60%, reflecting steady economic growth driven by coastal tourism and population influx.

Baldwin County, AL, boasts a homeownership rate of around 74%, with median home values near $315,000 as of early 2024. Median rent is approximately $1,400 per month. The area features a mix of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses, especially in coastal neighborhoods like Gulf Shores, Fairhope, and Daphne. Property values have risen over 12% year-over-year. Property tax rates are relatively low, averaging 0.4% of a home’s assessed value. Popular neighborhoods offer waterfront living, golf course communities, and family-friendly suburban developments, attracting both retirees and young families to the region.

County Crime & Safety

Baldwin County, AL, generally maintains lower crime rates compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of about 2.3 per 1,000 residents and property crime around 17.8 per 1,000, according to FBI 2022 statistics. The county invests in community policing and encourages prompt crime reporting, which contributes to its reputation for safety. Recently, local law enforcement reported a slight decrease in burglaries (down 4%) but a minor increase in theft cases (up 2%) year-over-year. Overall, Baldwin County remains one of Alabama's safer, family-friendly regions.