Real Estate Investing in Merritt Island, Florida (32952)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 32952 (Merritt Island, FL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
A cash-flow market — rent-to-price math works from day one, though value growth is modest. Great for income-focused investors.
- High vacancy: 17.5% of homes vacant — above national norms.
What’s happening in Merritt Island, FL (32952)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 32952 Merritt Island
ZIP 32952 in Merritt Island, FL carries a significant set of headwinds. Home values near $440K and rents of $2,328/mo sit inside a market where underwriting has to be tight.
For an experienced owner, 32952 can be a an appealing option for hunting ground — but the discount at $440K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
Turning to rents, 32952 offers a low basis, the region around Merritt Island has moved on in ways that the ZIP itself has not fully absorbed. The result is a discount with genuine reasons.
Turning to rents, 21,354 residents fill the ZIP, renter turnover runs higher than neighboring postal codes and delinquency risk is a real line item rather than a theoretical one.
Strategically, 32952 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Merritt Island:
Property Strategy for 32952
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $230,339 | $1,630 | 5.1% | +6.2% | $115,169 |
| 3BR | $387,748 | $2,220 | 4.1% | +6.9% | $129,249 |
| 4BR | $574,986 | $2,520 | 3.2% | +7.6% | $143,746 |
| 5BR | $972,527 | — | — | +8.5% | $194,505 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 32952 Compare?
| Metric | 32952 | Merritt Island | Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $440,415 | $433,704 | N/A | $374,697 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.0% | 3.9% | N/A | 7.4% |
| Avg Rent | $2,328 | $2,281 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% | 4.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 32952 (Merritt Island, FL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $440,415 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,328 |
| Price-to-Rent | 15.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 6.3% |
| Cap Rate | 4.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 8.2% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +1.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | -0.7% ▼ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.0% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +22.9% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (4.1%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 32952
Population: 21,354
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 32952
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (4 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
FREEDOM 7 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
THEODORE ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PROJECT SEARCH
COCOA BEACH JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Investor Insight: With 4,610 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rental occupancy rate in Merritt Island, FL?
Occupancy in Merritt Island, FL runs reliable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $2,328/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
How strong are rents in Merritt Island, FL?
The typical rental in Merritt Island, FL commands about $2,328/mo monthly. That rent profile measured cash flow against the $440K purchase basis.
What is the best play in Merritt Island, FL?
For Merritt Island, FL, careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management is the standard investor playbook. The market structure makes it a reasonable default approach.
How strong is the working-renter base in Merritt Island, FL?
The renter base in Merritt Island, FL is reasonable for the $2,328/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields consistent tenants.
Is real estate in Merritt Island, FL a good investment right now?
Merritt Island, FL rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $440K and rents near $2,328/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
You know 32952 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 32952 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 32952 ranks in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
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