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Airbnb Vacancy Rate 2026: What’s Changed and How to Raise Occupancy
Key Takeaways
- The national average occupancy rate for Airbnb fell from 57 percent in 2024 to 50 percent in spring 2025.
- Find out why Charlotte, NC, San Antonio, TX, Tucson, AZ, and 8 more cities are crushing it with occupancy rates.
- A good Airbnb occupancy rate is typically 50% or higher for most U.S. markets, with 55-75% considered strong performance.
- Oversaturation, off-season drops, and low demand in rural areas drive vacancy rates up.
- 5 Strategies will help you to raise your Airbnb occupancy rate.
If you're running an Airbnb, keeping tabs on your occupancy performance is a must. That means tracking both your occupancy rate and vacancy rate.
First, you need to understand the bigger picture: what booking trends look like right now, how different markets are performing, and what that means for your potential rental income.
Second, you've got to stay on top of your own property's performance. The right tactics can make a huge difference for property managers in maximizing both bookings and revenue.
Keep reading to see how top U.S. markets are performing occupancy-wise, plus actionable strategies you can use to boost your occupancy rates and grow your vacation rental business.
Airbnb Vacancy Rate vs Airbnb Occupancy Rate
Imagine a glass half full. Or would you say it's half empty? If you look at the glass and say it's half empty, you are seeing the Airbnb vacancy rate. If you'd say it's half full, you're looking at the Airbnb occupancy rate.
Occupancy rate measures the percentage of nights booked. It determines how many nights are booked in one period. The average Airbnb occupancy rate is usually calculated over a one-month and one-year period to include high and low seasons.
Once you know the occupancy rate for your vacation rental property, you can compare it to the vacancy rate. These metrics mirror each other.
If your occupancy is 60%, the vacancy rate is 40%, which is considered a good result. Conversely, if your occupancy is only 40%, your property sits mostly empty, having a high vacancy rate of 60%.
Vacation rental owners and hosts use occupancy rate and vacancy rate data to inform their pricing strategy and maximize revenue.
How to Calculate Occupancy Rate for Your Airbnb
Calculating your Airbnb occupancy rate is straightforward. The Airbnb Occupancy Rate Calculation uses a simple formula: divide the number of nights booked by the total nights available, then multiply by 100 to get a percentage.
(Nights booked ÷ Nights available) × 100 = Occupancy rate
For example, if your property was booked for 210 nights out of 300 total nights available in a year, your occupancy rate would be (210 ÷ 300) × 100 = 70%.
You can calculate this metric for any time period—monthly, quarterly, or annually.
When determining your total nights, only count the nights your property was actually available for booking, excluding any blocked dates for personal use or maintenance. This calculation gives you a clear snapshot of how efficiently your rental is performing.
Factors that Influence Occupancy
A higher occupancy rate usually means a more profitable Airbnb business. However, note that various factors work together to determine your Airbnb occupancy rates.
Property type
Different property types attract different guest segments and booking patterns. Entire homes typically have higher occupancy during family vacation seasons, while private rooms and studio apartments appeal to budget travelers and couples and maintain steadier year-round bookings.
Example: A studio apartment in a city center might achieve 75% occupancy thanks to business travel, while a 4-bedroom beach house may only reach around 56% occupancy overall but command premium rates during summer months.
Location
Where your property sits dramatically impacts demand. Properties near tourist attractions, business districts, or transportation hubs naturally attract more bookings than remote locations.
Example: An Airbnb in downtown San Antonio, TX, near the River Walk and the Alamo might maintain 80% occupancy year-round with tourists and business travelers, while a similar property 20 miles out in the suburbs struggles to reach 50% occupancy.
Pricing strategy
Your nightly rate directly affects booking volume. The price is too high, and you'll have fewer bookings. Price too low and you'll fill your calendar but leave money on the table.
Example: Lowering your rate from $150 to $105 per night during your slow season could improve occupancy and increase overall revenue despite the lower nightly rate.
Seasonality
Most destinations experience fluctuating demand throughout the year based on weather, holidays, and local events. Peak seasons bring higher occupancy, while off-seasons require discount pricing.
Example: A ski chalet in Colorado might see 90% occupancy from December through March but drop to just 30% occupancy during summer months when skiing isn't available.
Local demand
The overall strength of your local market affects how many travelers are searching for accommodations in your area. Economic conditions, tourism trends, and major events all influence local demand.
Example: When Atlanta, GA hosts major events like Dragon Con in September or large conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center, local market demand surges. In that scenario, a property near downtown or Midtown that normally has 58% occupancy might be crushing it at 100% during the week-long convention, and charging higher nightly rates.
Competition
The number and quality of other short-term rentals in your area directly impact your occupancy. More competition means guests have more options.
Example: If you're launching a new Airbnb in a neighborhood with 6-7 existing properties, you need to find a competitive advantage in this established market. For example, you can offer better amenities and competitive pricing, add professional photography to stand out, and quickly capture market share and achieve high occupancy within your first year.
STR Regulations
Some cities cap how many nights you can rent per year, others make you jump through hoops for permits, and some neighborhoods ban STRs altogether. Stay on the right side of the law to avoid hefty fines, and also to determine how many nights you're allowed to rent.
Example: San Diego, CA requires a license for all short-term rentals. If you want to rent out your whole home as an investment property (Tier 3), you're competing for a capped number of licenses—only 1% of the city's total housing units.
What Is a Good Airbnb Occupancy Rate
A good Airbnb occupancy rate is typically 50% or higher for most U.S. markets, with 55-75% considered strong performance. If you're hitting above 75%, you're crushing it—that's exceptional!
On the flip side, anything below 40% means you're struggling, unless you're in a highly seasonal market where a short peak season compensates for slower months throughout the year.
That said, don't treat these numbers as gospel. They're just averages to give you a general sense of where you stand. What really matters is your specific market's average Airbnb occupancy rate.
Research where your submarket stands today, then figure out how to outperform that benchmark.
Highest Average Airbnb Occupancy Rates in the US: Top 11 Picks
For this list of best-performing US cities, we use data and analytics to understand occupancy trends and patterns.
We analyzed short-term rental data in the US market and made our Top 11 list based on the average Airbnb occupancy rate.
We used performance data from market research tools such as Mashvisor and Rabbu.
1. Honolulu, HI
Average Occupancy Rate 65%
Month with the Highest Occupancy August — $6.7k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy November — $4,970 Revenue
Honolulu maintains a solid 65% average Airbnb occupancy rate across its 3,949 active Airbnb listings
With an average daily rate of $253 and projected annual revenue of $69,633, the market is competitive but profitable. Studios and one-bedroom apartments dominate the listings here.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, consider adding in-demand amenities like a full kitchen and an EV charger.
Keep in mind the market is heating up fast, with new listings doubling year-over-year (101% growth), so competition is only getting fiercer.
2. Coconut Grove, FL
Average Occupancy Rate 64%
Month with the Highest Occupancy March — $10.8k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy September — $3,036 Revenue
Coconut Grove maintains a strong 64% average Airbnb occupancy rate across its 452 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $334 and projected annual revenue of $70,436, this Miami neighborhood commands premium rates and delivers solid returns.
The seasonal swing is dramatic—March brings in nearly $11k during peak season, while September dips to around $3,000 as summer heat and hurricane season keep tourists away.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, a pool is the amenity that makes the biggest difference here.
3. Golden Oak, FL
Average Occupancy Rate 64%
Month with the Highest Occupancy March — $6.4k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy September — $2,570 Revenue
Golden Oak maintains a solid 64% average Airbnb occupancy rate across its 206 active Airbnb listings.
With an average daily rate of $222 and projected annual revenue of $49,368, this Orlando-area neighborhood benefits from its proximity to Walt Disney World, making it a popular choice for family vacations.
One-bedroom apartments dominate the market here by a large margin. If you want to stand out here, focus on family-friendly amenities that matter most to Disney visitors: a full kitchen, washer and dryer, backyard space, dedicated parking, and a workspace.
4. Los Angeles, CA
Average Occupancy Rate 62%
Month with the Highest Occupancy July — $6.3k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy January — $3,615 Revenue
Los Angeles maintains a 62% average occupancy rate across its 4,350 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $254 and projected annual revenue of $56,002, the LA market stays competitive year-round.
The seasonal pattern shows summer dominance, while January dips during the cooler, rainier winter months.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, invest in amenities that elevate the California lifestyle experience: a hot tub for relaxation, an EV charger (essential in LA's eco-conscious market), and a BBQ grill for outdoor entertaining.
5. Miami, FL
Average Occupancy Rate 62% — Learn how to improve it with effective Airbnb marketing strategies.
Month with the Highest Occupancy March — $8.2k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy September — $2,307 Revenue
Miami maintains a 62% average occupancy rate across its 7,106 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $308 and projected annual revenue of $53,505, Miami's vibrant nightlife, beaches, and year-round sunshine keep it a top destination for travelers.
One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are the most common property types here.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, focus on amenities that capture Miami's beach lifestyle: beachfront access is the ultimate differentiator, followed by a pool, BBQ grill, full kitchen, and washer and dryer.
6. Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
Average Occupancy Rate 62%. Learn more about short-term rental management strategies and tips to help improve your occupancy rate.
Month with the Highest Occupancy March — $12.2k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy September — $3,436 Revenue
Lauderdale by the Sea maintains a 62% average occupancy rate across its 489 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $418 and projected annual revenue of $78,900, this charming beachside town commands some of the highest rates in South Florida.
One-bedroom apartments are most common, though two- and three-bedroom units also perform well.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, invest in luxury amenities that justify premium rates: a sauna, hot tub, and gym elevate the property to resort-level status, while a backyard space and waterfront access appeal to longer-staying guests.
7. Charlotte, NC
Average Occupancy Rate 59%
Month with the Highest Occupancy July — $3,350 Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy September — $2,049 Revenue
Charlotte maintains a 59% average occupancy rate across its 2,245 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $199 and projected annual revenue of $33,817, Charlotte attracts a mix of business travelers, NASCAR fans, and families exploring the region.
Larger properties dominate the market here: two, three, and even four-bedroom homes are common, catering to groups and extended stays.
To boost average nightly rate and Airbnb income, lean into Charlotte's lakefront appeal: lake access, and waterfront views near popular spots like Mountain Island Lake.
8. San Diego, CA
Average Occupancy Rate 57%
Month with the Highest Occupancy July — $10.5k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy January — $4,295 Revenue
San Diego maintains a 57% average occupancy rate across its 5,852 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $302 and projected annual revenue of $75,698, San Diego's year-round sunshine, beaches, and attractions keep it a premier West Coast destination.
One, three, and four-bedroom properties are common, serving everyone from solo travelers to large family groups.
Amenities that maximize occupancy match the San Diego beach lifestyle: beachfront access is the ultimate selling point, complemented by a hot tub for evening relaxation and a full kitchen for extended stays.
9. San Antonio, TX
Average Occupancy Rate 56%
Month with the Highest Occupancy July — $3,764 Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy January — $1,943 Revenue
San Antonio maintains a 56% average occupancy rate across its 3,485 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $189 and projected annual revenue of $33,183, San Antonio attracts a steady mix of tourists visiting the Alamo and River Walk, plus convention-goers and families exploring Texas Hill Country.
Properties range from one- to four-bedroom units, accommodating various group sizes.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, invest in comfort amenities that offer relief from Texas heat: a sauna and hot tub add luxury appeal, while a full kitchen is essential for families and longer stays.
10. Seattle, WA
Average Occupancy Rate 55%
Months with the Highest Occupancy July and August — $6.4k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy February — $2,165 Revenue
Seattle maintains a 55% average occupancy rate across its 3,993 active Airbnb listings. An average daily rate is $184 and a projected annual revenue of $47,160. One and two-bedroom apartments are the most popular property types here.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, beachfront or waterfront access is the key differentiator in Seattle.
11. Tucson, AZ
Average Occupancy Rate 55%
Month with the Highest Occupancy February — $5.3k Revenue
Month with the Lowest Occupancy June — $1,764 Revenue
Tucson maintains a 55% average occupancy rate across its 2,967 active Airbnb listings.
With an average daily rate of $202 and projected annual revenue of $37,450, Tucson attracts snowbirds escaping winter, outdoor enthusiasts exploring Saguaro National Park, and retirees seeking desert sunshine.
Properties range from one- to four-bedroom units, accommodating everyone from solo travelers to large families.
If you want to stand out and boost both occupancy and revenue, a hot tub and pool are essential amenities in Tucson.
What Causes a High Vacancy Rate in the U.S. STR Market?
The national average occupancy rate for Airbnb fell from 57 percent in 2024 to 50 percent in spring 2025 (Mashvisor).
Three main reasons for higher vacancy are oversupply, off-season demand drops, and weaker demand in rural areas.
Regulatory crackdowns are also contributing indirectly by limiting stay lengths, increasing compliance costs, and pushing some demand back to hotels.
Let's look more closely at the three main reasons that cause vacancy.
Oversupply
Market saturation is hitting some previously hot STR markets. When too many hosts chase the same pool of guests, vacancy rates climb and competition forces prices down.
It doesn’t mean the whole city is oversaturated, though, only specific submarkets.
Dallas, TX has seen a flood of new STR listings enter the market, creating intense competition among hosts.
Phoenix, AZ experienced explosive STR growth over the past few years, but hosts who entered the market late are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain profitable occupancy levels.
Austin, TX — Historically a hotspot for STR investment thanks to its booming tech scene and festival culture, now is commonly cited among markets facing saturation.
Orlando, FL is thought of as a strong STR market thanks to Disney World and year-round tourism, but some recent data suggests guests and bookings haven't kept up with the surge in listings.
Off-season drops
Seasonal destinations face dramatic vacancy swings when their peak season ends. Coastal resort towns like Ocean City, MD and the Outer Banks, NC can see occupancy rates plummet from 80-90% in summer to below 20% in winter months.
These markets work great if you can capture enough revenue during peak season to carry you through the slow months.
Very low demand in rural areas
Remote rural areas struggle with consistently low occupancy year-round simply because there aren't enough visitors to fill the available accommodation.
Rural mountain areas like Dunmore, WV might offer beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation, but they lack the steady stream of tourists.
Making matters worse, several rural and small-city STR markets have seen a flood of new listings in recent years, far outpacing demand growth. When supply surges in already low-demand areas, occupancy per unit falls even further.
5 Strategies to Increase Airbnb Rental Occupancy
Maybe you're scoping out markets for a new investment or trying to figure out why your current rental isn't performing as it should. City-specific and neighbourhood-specific data is where you'll find the real answers.
National benchmarks give you a ballpark idea, but if you want your short-term rental property to actually make money, you need to understand what's happening in your local market.
That's what separates the properties that crush it from the ones that struggle to generate positive cash flow.
1. Add Popular Airbnb Amenities
Adding popular amenities is a straightforward way to justify premium rates and boost occupancy.
The most sought-after amenities include a hot tub, pool, and EV charger. EV chargers are the most popular amenity in cities like LA. You can also add something unexpected, like a pickleball court.
However, a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, dedicated workspace, and parking also make a huge difference for guests and will increase booking rates.
2. Adjust Pricing Strategy
Adjusting your pricing strategy doesn't mean slashing rates to undercut the competition. The better approach is dynamic pricing: adjusting rates based on actual demand rather than just competing on price.
When demand spikes (think weekends, local festivals, conferences, or peak season), Airbnb hosts can charge premium rates and guests will gladly pay them.
Then, during slower periods, you strategically lower prices and offer discounts to keep bookings coming in.
3. Mid-term Renting Strategy
Mid-term rentals are monthly stays. In areas where demand for monthly stays is likely, this is not only a great way to fill up all your occupancy capacity, but also to avoid regulations that limit short-term rentals.
Combining short-term and monthly stays gives you enough flexibility to stay on top of seasonal trends and keep your calendar booked out.
4. Use Multiple Booking Channels
Don't limit yourself only to Airbnb. Try a multichannel approach instead. List your property on Vrbo, Booking.com, and promote your property on socials to drive direct bookings.
Tools like iGMS make this simpler as the channel manager automatically blocks off calendars upon each booking. And with the help of iGMS, you will also create a direct booking website to start accepting direct reservations.
5. Monitor Performance with Property Management Software
Use occupancy rate data to optimize pricing, amenities, and services.
First, you need to build a habit of consistently tracking your occupancy. Property management software makes this easy by automating reports. Tools like iGMS come in handy to monitor performance month in and month out.
Then you compare these figures to your benchmark, which is your competition — similar listings in the area. Use this as a base to make decisions on how to optimize your listing performance.
Sometimes, little tweaks, like better equipping the kitchen or taking professional photos, can drastically improve performance and occupancy.
Conclusion
High-occupancy cities typically share these traits:
- Strong, year-round vacation rental market demand
- Balanced supply where new listings have not outpaced demand
- Clear and enforceable regulations that limit oversupply
Low-occupancy cities typically suffer from:
- Oversupply of short-term rentals creates oversaturation
- Heavy seasonality with sharp off-season drops
- Weak or narrow demand drivers, often in rural markets
Vacation rental hosts will profit from professional hosting tools such as iGMS.
The tool makes it easier to monitor performance. A dedicated channel manager helps drive bookings from different sources, including your direct booking website that you create with us in a few steps.
About the Author
Zorica Milinkovic is a B2B SaaS writer who is passionate about psychology, marketing, and, when inspiration strikes, cooking. You can find her on LinkedIn.
