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Merritt Island!

 

 

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Merritt Island

 Is an Island and unincorporated community in Brevard County, Florida

 

Merritt Island, Florida, is a unique blend of natural beauty, coastal living, and space exploration history. Situated on Florida’s Space Coast, the island is known for its close ties to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, making it a hub for NASA missions and rocket launches visible right from the shoreline. With scenic waterways, wildlife preserves, and a relaxed residential atmosphere, Merritt Island offers the perfect balance between innovation and tranquility.

Merritt Island, Florida

Merritt Island, Florida

Photo by dosecreative via Canva

Location & Size

Merritt Island is located between Cocoa and Cocoa Beach on Florida’s Central East Coast in Brevard County,  It is nestled between the Indian River Lagoon and the Banana River.

It’s a large island covering about 47 square miles of land and surrounded by nearly 70 square miles of water, connected to the mainland and nearby beaches by several causeways.

Founded

Merritt Island’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, when settlers were drawn to its fertile land and access to waterways along the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River. Early inhabitants focused on farming, citrus growing, and fishing, taking advantage of the island’s subtropical climate and natural resources. The island was named after the Merritt family, one of the early settler families who established homesteads in the area.

In the late 19th century, the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway helped connect Merritt Island to nearby communities and markets, boosting trade and agriculture. By the early 20th century, the island was dotted with small farms, groves, and fishing villages.

The most transformative moment came in the 1950s and 1960s, when the U.S. government selected Merritt Island as the site for the Kennedy Space Center. This decision forever changed the island’s identity, shifting it from a rural agricultural community to the heart of America’s space exploration efforts.

Today, Merritt Island stands as a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and technological progress, known as both a peaceful residential area and a landmark of space history.

MERRITT ISLAND WEATHER

Population

As of 2025, Merritt Island has an estimated population of around 35,000 residents.

Known For

  • Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

  • Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to diverse native species

  • Banana River and Indian River Lagoon, ideal for boating and kayaking

  • Scenic waterfront communities and stunning rocket launch views

  • Proximity to Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast’s beaches

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: About $78,000

  • Median Home Price: Around $440,000

  • Average Rent: Approximately $2,300 per month


Merritt Island’s cost of living is moderate compared to other coastal Florida communities, offering good value for waterfront living and access to natural and space attractions.

 

 

Things to do

  • Tour the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  • Explore the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore

  • Kayak the Banana River Lagoon and spot dolphins and manatees

  • Visit Cocoa Village for dining, shopping, and entertainment

  • Enjoy rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral

Fun Facts

  • Merritt Island is not a city, but an unincorporated community in Brevard County.

  • The Kennedy Space Center occupies much of northern Merritt Island, where NASA launched the Apollo missions.

  • The island’s ecosystem supports over 1,500 species of plants and animals, making it a haven for wildlife lovers.

  • Residents can often watch live rocket launches from their own backyards — one of the few places in the world where space and community coexist so closely.

Nearby Cities

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