Marco Island is a city located in Collier County, Florida, United States. It is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands and is situated on the southwest coast of Florida. The island is approximately 24 square miles and has a population of around 18,000 residents.

Marco Island is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundant water activities. The island has over 100 miles of waterways, making it a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Some of the popular activities on the island include kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.

In addition to water activities, Marco Island offers several other attractions, including golf courses, tennis courts, and shopping centers. The island is also home to several nature reserves and parks, including the Marco Island Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary.

The city of Marco Island has a rich history that dates back to the Calusa Indians, who lived on the island for thousands of years. 

Population:

• Population (2023): 16,210
• Median age (2022): 67.5
• Residents under 18 (2023): 7.4%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 58.6%
• Population by sex (2023): female (50%), male (50%)
• Homeowners and renters (2022): homeowners (90%), renters (10%)
• Married population (2023): 82%
• Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 10% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 5.4% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2020):

• White Non Hispanic – 91.3%
• Multiracial Hispanic – 3.48%
• White Hispanic – 2.83%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Significantly Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Higher
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 4% Lower
• Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 7% Higher

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $105,315
• Avg. per capita income (2022): $92,983

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 0.71% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results 9 Collier County ): 

Republican – 65.9%

Democrat – 33%

 

Largest 3 employers: Marriott International, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, and Walmart (2021)

School ratings: A-rated schools (2021)

Coastal: Yes

Average low and high temperature: Low 19.4 °C, High 28.5 °C

Fun facts: In the late 19th century, early settler William Thomas Collier and his family arrived and the village of Marco was founded. Collier’s son affectionately known as Captain Collier opened a hotel in 1896 that stands to this day and is known as Olde Marco Inn.

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• The closest major highway to Marco Island is Interstate 75 (I-75), which runs north-south through the state of Florida. The distance from Marco Island to I-75 is approximately 15-20 miles (24-32 kilometers) to the northeast, depending on the specific point of reference within Marco Island.

International Airports:

• The closest international airport to Marco Island is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) located in Fort Myers, Florida. The driving distance from Marco Island to RSW is approximately 47 miles (76 kilometers), and it usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to drive, depending on traffic conditions.

Universities and Colleges:

• Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers: Approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.
• Hodges University in Naples: Approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.
• Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, near Immokalee: Approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.

Hospitals:

• Physicians Regional Medical Center – Collier Boulevard Campus: Approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.
• NCH Baker Hospital Downtown Naples: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.
• Naples Community Hospital – North Naples Hospital: Approximately 19 miles (31 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.

Shopping Malls:

• Coastland Center in Naples: Approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.
• Waterside Shops in Naples: Approximately 19 miles (31 kilometers) northeast of Marco Island.
• Coconut Point Mall in Estero (between Naples and Fort Myers): Approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Marco Island.

Major Cities:

• Naples is appx. 20 – 25 miles
• Fort Myers is appx. 50 – 60 miles

Amenities/attractions:

• Marco Beach, Tigertail Beach, Mackle Park, Marco Island Historical Museum

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions:

• Rental periods for 30 days or less and more than 3 times per calendar year are considered short term rentals in Collier County
• Mandatory minimum 1 million dollar liability insurance is required
• Sketch or photograph of off – street parking spaces

For more information visit: cityofmarcoisland.com