Florida was ranked seventh in the United States for states with the highest percentage of vacant homes that are used seasonally, according to a new study by Compare the Market, a price-comparison website.
It analyzed data and found a trend across many states: A large portion of vacant homes are used as seasonal or vacation homes, which makes it harder for residents to find permanent housing.
Even though it was ranked No. 7, Florida had the highest homelessness population and number of vacant homes out of the top 10 states.
Why is Florida one of the top states for vacant homes?
Vacant homes: Nearly 1.49 million
Percentage of vacant homes used as vacation homes: 50%
People experiencing homelessness: 31,362
Vacation homes for every home available rent or buy: 2
Homelessness on the Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast had the highest rate of unsheltered homelessness in the country, according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress.
Record numbers of people are experiencing homelessness, yet there is only one emergency shelter bed for every five homeless people on the Treasure Coast. Martin County has no beds for single, homeless adults, even as rates of homeless women and seniors rise.
St. Lucie County opened the Housing Hub in 2021, which provides 24 beds for homeless men; and The Source in Vero Beach continues to expand its Dignity Buses for homeless adults.
Top 10 states for vacant homes in the United States
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida ranks high for vacant homes & homelessness Compare the Market says