2026 Compare Cities Education:
Gulf Shores, AL vs Mary Esther, FL

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Highlights
- Mary Esther spends 23.9% less per student than Gulf Shores.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 2.4% lower in Mary Esther than in Gulf Shores. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Mary Esther had 0.7% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Gulf Shores
 Gulf Shores, ALMary Esther, FLUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$9,875$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$10,640  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$5,920$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio17.73  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock16174573
 Students per Counselor388  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.3.0%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock94.7%88.9%
 Some College Educ.22.2%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock8.8%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.34.9%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock8.8%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.8%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock2.5%1.5%
Reviews for Gulf Shores    6 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Owned a place there for 20 years and spend a few weeks each season there. Heading back in a few weeks! Lows: Spotty internet for work. Saturday traffic. Hurricanes.  More

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I know that there are a few people out there that would just as soon throw rotten tomatoes at me for saying what I’m about to say, but I hate, hate, HATE living in Gulf  More

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Over 15 years ago

Gulf Shores offers many sunny days, compared to the rest of Baldwin County.  More

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Reviews for Mary Esther    2 Reviews

Over 18 years ago

Nice place to live. Close to the Gulf of Mexico. Only problem is Highway 98. It's way too congested during certain  More

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Over 19 years ago

Mary Esther is located right outside the main entrance to Hurlburt Field. It is centered approximately 4 miles from Fort Walton Beach to the East, and 4 miles from  More

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