High Vacancy Rate Reported in Naples-Marco Island Metropolitan Area

Naples, Fla. — The Naples-Marco Island metropolitan area has been identified as having one of the highest home vacancy rates in the United States, according to recently released federal housing data.

The findings show a 31 percent vacancy rate, representing approximately 79,000 unoccupied homes in Collier County. This ranking places the Naples-Marco Island metro third nationwide among all metro areas for unoccupied housing.

Housing analysts noted that the majority of these unoccupied units are seasonal or vacation residences. The Naples-Marco Island area has a long-standing role as a destination for part-time residents, retirees, and visitors, with many properties occupied only during the winter months.

Officials emphasized that the vacancy rate does not signify widespread property abandonment. Instead, it reflects the area’s tourism-driven economy and reliance on seasonal housing. Naples and Marco Island remain among the nation’s most popular locations for vacation ownership and investment properties.

At the same time, community leaders continue to identify affordable housing and workforce housing as areas of concern. While the overall housing supply is high, permanent residents—including service industry employees, healthcare workers, and first responders—often face challenges in securing reasonably priced housing.

County officials and housing policy advisors are actively reviewing long-term strategies to address these challenges. Efforts include:

• Affordable housing initiatives supported by local and state resources.

• Workforce housing development programs designed to support employees in key industries.

• Public-private partnerships to encourage construction of mixed-use and mixed-income housing.

The vacancy data come at a time of significant real estate activity in the region. While overall vacancy is high, Collier County has also recorded some of the largest luxury home sales in U.S. history, underscoring the dual nature of the market: high-end seasonal residences alongside unmet demand for affordable, year-round housing.

Local officials reaffirmed that addressing housing availability and affordability remains a priority for regional planning. Continued monitoring of vacancy trends, coupled with housing development initiatives, is intended to ensure that the Naples-Marco Island area remains both a leading tourist destination and a sustainable community for permanent residents.