North Merritt Island, Florida

North Merritt Island, Florida
Census-designated place
North Merritt Island Show map of Florida North Merritt Island Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 28°27′24″N80°42′34″W / 28.45667°N 80.70944°W / 28.45667; -80.70944
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Brevard
Area [1]
• Total	28.79 sq mi (74.56 km2)
• Land	16.86 sq mi (43.66 km2)
• Water	11.93 sq mi (30.90 km2)
Elevation [2]	5 ft (1.5 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	8,566
• Density	508.1/sq mi (196.19/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Code	32953 (Merritt Island)
Area code	321
FIPS code	12-49435
GNIS feature ID	2805180 [2]

North Merritt Island is a census-designated place (CDP) in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It occupies a portion of the physical Merritt Island, north of the CDP of Merritt Island and south of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Florida State Road 3 is the main highway through the community, leading north to Florida State Road 405 and south to Florida State Road 528. Situated on an Atlantic coast peninsula, North Merritt Island is a portion of the larger Merritt Island area in Brevard County, Florida. The area is close to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the Kennedy Space Center.^{[ citation needed ]}

North Merritt Island was first listed as a CDP prior to the 2020 census. The population was 8,566 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Palm Bay—Melbourne—Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

The Banana River to the east and the Indian River to the west encircle North Merritt Island. The region's topography is defined by a diversity of wildlife habitats, lush vegetation, and waterfront residences.^{[ citation needed ]} The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge contains hiking trails and locations for fishing, bird watching, and observing a variety of habitats and wildlife.^{[ citation needed ]}

North Merritt Island experiences warm, dry winters and humid summers due to its subtropical climate. This environment influences the patterns of the local animals, particularly migrating birds, and encourages the creation of lush flora. A variety of subtropical and coastal vegetation types can be found in the area, including mangrove swamps, palm and oak trees, and other marsh and woodland habitats. Because of its abundant biodiversity, the area is commonly visited by nature lovers and bird watchers.^{[ citation needed ]}

Economy

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
2020	8,566		—
U.S. Decennial Census [3]

Given its close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and United States Space Force Station, the aerospace industry has a significant impact on the local economy.^{[ citation needed ]} Other economic pursuits include fishing, boating, and tourism, which draws tourists drawn by the area's scenery and space-related attractions.^{[ citation needed ]}

Recreational activities, undertaken by both locals and visitors, include boating, fishing, and water sports. These are popular because there are rivers nearby and beaches in the area.^{[ citation needed ]}

North Merritt Island real estate consists of both upland and waterfront properties. In comparison to Florida's more densely populated coastal locations, the area is known for having larger lots and more spacious homes.^{[ citation needed ]}

References

1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
2. "North Merritt Island Census Designated Place". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
3. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.