Merritt Island, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Merritt Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Merritt Island sits along Florida's Space Coast, offering investors a market shaped by proximity to Kennedy Space Center, coastal recreation, and a growing visitor base. With 157 active listings, an average daily rate of $239, and annual revenue averaging $26,868 per property, the market delivers moderate returns in a competitive landscape. The 47% occupancy rate trails the Florida state average of 54%, but above-average occupancy stability suggests consistent baseline demand rather than wild swings—a useful trait for cash-flow planning.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Merritt Island short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Merritt Island

Merritt Island appeals to investors seeking a Florida coastal market with stable occupancy and differentiated demand drivers, though rising competition calls for strategic property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Merritt Island represents a competitive opportunity rather than a slam dunk—its ROI score of 50 out of 100 reflects solid occupancy stability offset by below-average market growth trends and a tightening supply/demand balance. Revenue follows a clear dual-peak pattern, cresting in March ($3,360) and July ($3,026) before dipping to lows around September ($1,474), so investors should budget for meaningful seasonal swings. Larger properties, particularly 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom homes, dramatically outperform smaller units on both RevPAN and total revenue, suggesting that the strongest returns come from group-friendly accommodations. Selective deal sourcing—especially targeting larger, well-amenitized properties—is key to outperforming in this increasingly crowded market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Merritt Island

Average revenue by month in Merritt Island

Revenue peaks sharply in March at $3,360 and again in July at $3,026, while September marks the lowest point at just $1,474—a gap of nearly $1,900. This dual-peak pattern reflects both spring break tourism and summer vacation demand, with a pronounced autumn lull that investors should factor into their cash-flow projections.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Merritt Island

Three-bedroom properties dominate Merritt Island's supply with 70 of the 157 active listings (45%), followed by 2-bedrooms at 34 and 1-bedrooms at 26. Larger formats like 5-bedroom (7 listings) and 6+ bedroom (5 listings) are notably scarce, which may present an opportunity given their outsized revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Merritt Island

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $134 for 1-bedroom units to $624 for 6+ bedroom homes—nearly a 5x premium. The jump from 4-bedroom ($265) to 5-bedroom ($484) is particularly dramatic, suggesting strong willingness among guests to pay significantly more for larger group-friendly accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Merritt Island

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $276, more than double the market-wide average of $112, while 6+ bedrooms follow closely at $252. Smaller configurations like 1-bedroom ($66) and 2-bedroom ($68) lag considerably, indicating that larger homes generate far more revenue per available night even after accounting for occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Merritt Island

Five-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 57%, followed by studios at 54%, while 2-bedroom properties trail at just 37%. The relatively tight range among most other sizes (48–49%) suggests that property quality and pricing strategy may matter more than bedroom count alone for mid-size listings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Merritt Island

Monthly revenue scales dramatically at the larger end: 6+ bedroom properties average $10,146 per month, roughly four times the $2,614 earned by the dominant 3-bedroom segment. One-bedroom units bring in the least at $1,558 monthly, making them less attractive for investors seeking meaningful cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Merritt Island

At the top of the spectrum, 6+ bedroom properties generate an estimated $121,763 annually, while 5-bedrooms earn $54,350—both substantially outpacing the market average of $26,868. Three-bedroom homes, the most common listing type, average $31,379 per year, offering a balanced middle ground between acquisition cost and revenue potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Merritt Island

Kitchens (98%) and parking (96%) are near-universal, signaling that guests expect self-catering and car-friendly stays. Notable differentiators include pools (63%), waterfront access (56%), and hot tubs (46%), suggesting that outdoor and water-oriented amenities are key competitive advantages in this coastal market.

Understanding Merritt Island's ROI Score: 50/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Merritt Island's ROI score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, indicating a market where strong demand exists but higher prices or increasing competition require more targeted deal selection. The score is buoyed by above-average occupancy stability, while a below-average market growth trend and tightening supply/demand balance temper the outlook. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types—particularly larger homes—where the revenue-to-price ratio is most favorable.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Merritt Island

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Merritt Island. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Merritt Island, FL are generally required to register with Brevard County and obtain a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) license. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Brevard County and the state of Florida before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA rules that prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some areas may also impose minimum stay requirements or caps on the number of permits issued, so it's important to research the specific zoning and community regulations for any property under consideration.

Tax Obligations

Florida requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax as well as Brevard County's local tourist development tax on stays of six months or less. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and county tax obligations.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Merritt Island can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Merritt Island's short-term rental market is likely to see steady but measured performance. Seasonal patterns point to continued strength in March and July, with softer months like September and October keeping annual averages in check. ADR may drift modestly upward in the 1–3% range given Florida's broader tourism trends, though the 149% year-over-year growth in active listings signals that new supply could put pressure on occupancy and pricing if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors entering this market should plan conservatively and target property types with proven RevPAN advantages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Merritt Island, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Merritt Island?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Merritt Island is currently 47%, which falls below the Florida state average of 54%. However, occupancy stability in this market rates above average, meaning demand tends to be relatively consistent rather than highly volatile. Five-bedroom properties lead with 57% occupancy, while 2-bedroom listings sit lowest at 37%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Merritt Island?

Airbnb hosts in Merritt Island earn an average of $2,239 per month, or roughly $26,868 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average about $18,706 annually, while 5-bedroom homes bring in approximately $54,350 and 6+ bedroom properties can reach $121,763 per year.

Is Merritt Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Merritt Island carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and Space Coast tourism demand, but a rapid 149% year-over-year increase in active listings means competition is intensifying. Investors who target larger, well-equipped properties and price strategically are best positioned to generate strong returns here.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Merritt Island?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Merritt Island is $239, which is well below the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales sharply with property size, ranging from $134 for 1-bedroom units up to $624 for 6+ bedroom homes. This lower ADR relative to the state reflects Merritt Island's positioning as a more accessible coastal market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Merritt Island?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Merritt Island, FL, though operators typically need to register with Brevard County and obtain a state-level license through the Florida DBPR. Local zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and permit requirements can vary, so investors should verify all applicable regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Merritt Island?

Merritt Island experiences a dual-peak season. March is the highest-earning month at $3,360 in average revenue, driven by spring break and seasonal travel. July represents a strong summer peak at $3,026. The slowest months are September ($1,474) and October ($1,546), creating a roughly $1,900 spread between peak and off-peak performance.

How many Airbnbs are there in Merritt Island?

There are currently 157 active Airbnb listings in Merritt Island as of April 2026. Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 70 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (34) and 1-bedrooms (26). The market has seen 149% year-over-year growth in listing count, indicating a significant wave of new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Merritt Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Merritt Island are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with Brevard County and the state of Florida before acquiring or listing a property.