The Rise of Female Homeownership in Central Florida and the Space Coast

Homeownership among women is on the rise across the U.S.—and Florida is leading the way. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors' 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that single women now make up 20% of home buyers, the second-largest group after married couples. The trend is clear: more women are becoming homeowners, and Central Florida is part of that movement.

Florida: A Powerhouse for Female Homeownership

Five of the top 10 metro areas with the highest female homeownership rates are right here in Florida. Places like The Villages (88.4%), Punta Gorda (83.3%), and Sebastian–Vero Beach (80.7%)—just south of Brevard County—are national leaders in female-led homeownership. These numbers reflect a statewide trend that extends to the Space Coast and Central Florida regions.

What’s Driving This Shift Locally?

In Brevard County and surrounding communities like Orlando, Cocoa Beach, and Merritt Island, several factors are contributing to the increase:

• Affordability relative to income: While the median income for female homeowners tends to be lower than for men nationally ($76,695 vs. $90,088), many areas in Brevard County still offer a strong value for money.

• Access to desirable amenities: Communities here offer the safety, walkability, and lifestyle features—like proximity to the beach or nature preserves—that attract independent buyers, including single women.

• Career flexibility and remote work: Central Florida's growth in remote-friendly industries has empowered more women to choose homeownership on their terms.

Single Women Leading the Way

Nationally, single women own more homes than single men in 295 metro areas, and Florida is one of the strongest regions for this demographic. In fact, among single women homeowners, eight of the top 10 metros with the highest ownership rates are in Florida—including Port St. Lucie (77.8%), a city often considered by Brevard residents seeking alternatives nearby.