A new study conducted by Leave The Key, a Long Island-based homebuyers company, has placed the Naples-Marco Island metro area among the top regions in the country with the highest share of vacant homes. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the report reveals that this Gulf Coast destination ranks third nationwide for housing vacancy.
A Vacancy Rate of 31.63%
According to the findings, 31.63% of homes in Naples-Marco Island are vacant, representing 78,695 empty properties out of 248,821 total units. This not only makes it one of the highest ratios of vacant housing, but also the metro area with the largest raw number of empty homes among the nation’s top 10.
Rather than signaling widespread abandonment, this figure reflects a strong pattern of seasonal occupancy. With an average home value near $699,000, many residences in the area remain unused outside of peak tourist months. Short-term rentals show an average 61% occupancy rate, leaving long stretches of time when properties sit unoccupied.
Tourism and Seasonal Homes
Both Naples and Marco Island are nationally recognized for their pristine beaches, upscale lifestyle, and reputation as premier resort destinations. These characteristics have fueled growth in vacation properties and second homes, which significantly drive the overall vacancy rate.
While this model supports the tourism industry and real estate investors, it also presents challenges for year-round residents. High vacancy levels can limit housing supply, especially for permanent communities, and contribute to rising property values that make affordability harder for local families.
Part of a Wider Florida Trend
Naples-Marco Island’s vacancy rate is not an isolated case. The study highlights that five of the top 10 metro areas with the most vacant homes are in Florida, including Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Panama City-Panama City Beach. This underscores how strongly tourism-driven economies and second-home ownership patterns shape the state’s housing landscape.
Conclusion
With its natural beauty and reputation as a luxury destination, Naples and Marco Island remain magnets for vacationers and second-home buyers alike. However, the 31.63% vacancy rate also illustrates the challenges of a housing market that relies heavily on seasonal demand. Finding a balance between thriving as a tourist hotspot and fostering stable, year-round residency will be key to ensuring a more sustainable future for this iconic slice of Southwest Florida.
