Branford, CT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Branford Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Branford, CT is a small coastal Connecticut market with just 35 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition environment near Long Island Sound. With an average annual revenue of $37,960 and an ADR of $290 — below the $373 state average but paired with strong summer seasonality — the market rewards hosts who can capture peak-season demand. Average home values sit at $759,577, so careful underwriting is essential, but the limited supply and beach-adjacent appeal create a niche opportunity for the right property.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Branford short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Branford

Branford's coastal Connecticut location, limited listing supply, and strong summer revenue potential make it worth evaluating for investors seeking a seasonal STR play with manageable competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Branford presents an attractive but seasonal STR opportunity, best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced revenue swings between summer and winter. August leads the pack at $5,160 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $1,667 — a roughly 3:1 spread that underscores the importance of pricing strategy and expense management. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, tempered by below-average market growth. That said, the tiny supply of 35 listings and the town's shoreline appeal suggest that a well-positioned property with the right amenities can outperform these market-level averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Branford

Average revenue by month in Branford

Branford's revenue peaks sharply in August at $5,160 and bottoms out in January at $1,667, creating a roughly 3:1 seasonal spread that reflects classic coastal New England demand. The May-through-October stretch consistently delivers above-average months, giving hosts a solid six-month window to capture the bulk of annual income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Branford

Supply is fairly evenly distributed among the 35 active listings, with one-bedrooms leading at 11, two-bedrooms at 10, and three-bedrooms at 7. The relative scarcity of three-bedroom properties — combined with their premium ADR — could signal an undersupplied niche for investors targeting family or group travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Branford

ADR jumps dramatically with size in Branford: one-bedrooms average $164, two-bedrooms $204, and three-bedrooms command $368 — more than double the smallest tier. The steep premium on three-bedroom units suggests strong willingness to pay among groups seeking larger coastal accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Branford

Interestingly, one-bedroom and three-bedroom listings tie at $61 RevPAN, while two-bedrooms lag at $49 per available night. This indicates that one-bedrooms compensate for lower nightly rates with higher occupancy, while three-bedrooms earn their keep through pricing power despite booking fewer nights.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Branford

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 38%, well above the two-bedroom (24%) and three-bedroom (17%) segments. For investors prioritizing steady bookings and cash-flow predictability, smaller units offer a clear advantage, though larger properties make up for lower occupancy with significantly higher per-night revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Branford

Two-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $3,407, narrowly edging out three-bedrooms at $3,280, while one-bedrooms trail at $2,064. The gap between two- and three-bedroom monthly earnings is surprisingly small, suggesting that two-bedroom units may offer the best balance of revenue and acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Branford

Two-bedroom listings top the annual revenue chart at $40,885, followed closely by three-bedrooms at $39,361, with one-bedrooms generating $24,768. Given that three-bedroom homes likely carry higher purchase prices and maintenance costs, two-bedroom properties may represent the strongest return-on-investment configuration in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Branford

Parking appears in 100% of Branford listings, reflecting a car-dependent coastal location, while kitchens (91%) and washer/dryer combos (77%) signal that guests expect home-like convenience. Notably, 51% of listings advertise beach access and 34% highlight waterfront positioning — amenities that are difficult to replicate and likely command meaningful pricing premiums.

Understanding Branford's ROI Score: 57/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Branford's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, indicating solid but not exceptional STR investment potential. The score reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, with a below-average market growth trend tempering the overall outlook — meaning listing growth may not keep pace with some higher-growth Connecticut markets. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research and a property-specific financial analysis to determine whether a Branford investment fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Branford

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Branford. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Branford, Connecticut may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the town before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Branford's planning and zoning office and the State of Connecticut.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Connecticut communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and parking regulations, and rules imposed by homeowner associations. Some municipalities also cap the total number of STR permits issued, so checking local ordinances before purchasing is important.

Tax Obligations

Connecticut imposes a state room occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and hosts may also owe local or tourism-related taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Branford can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Branford's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with peak monthly revenues in the $4,700–$5,200 range during July and August. Occupancy may remain in the 25–30% range on an annualized basis given the market's pronounced seasonality, though summer months should perform well above that average. ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% as the small supply base limits price competition, but the below-average market growth trend suggests listing counts may stabilize rather than surge. Investors should plan conservatively around winter softness and build cash reserves for the slower January–March period."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Branford, CT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Branford?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Branford is currently 26%, which falls below the Connecticut state average of 37%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months pull occupancy well above the annual average, while winter months bring significantly lower booking activity. One-bedroom units tend to fill most consistently at 38%, while larger properties see lower occupancy due to their higher nightly rates and more limited guest pool.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Branford?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Branford earn approximately $3,163 per month or $37,960 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: two-bedroom listings lead at roughly $40,885 annually, while one-bedrooms average around $24,768. Peak summer months like August can generate over $5,100, whereas January typically brings in closer to $1,667, so hosts should plan their budgets around this seasonal rhythm.

Is Branford a good market for Airbnb investment?

Branford scores a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from limited competition with only 35 active listings, coastal appeal with over 51% of properties advertising beach access, and solid summer revenue potential. However, average home values near $760,000 and below-average occupancy during the off-season mean investors need to pencil out their numbers carefully. Properties that capitalize on summer demand and attract remote workers or weekend visitors during shoulder months tend to perform best.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Branford?

The average daily rate in Branford is $290, which is below the Connecticut state average of $373. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: one-bedroom listings average $164 per night, two-bedrooms come in at $204, and three-bedroom properties command $368. The relatively lower market-wide ADR compared to the state average reflects Branford's mix of smaller units, but larger homes can compete favorably on a per-night basis.

Are short-term rentals legal in Branford?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Branford, CT, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permitting requirements. Connecticut also regulates STRs at the state level, including tax collection obligations. We recommend contacting Branford's local planning and zoning department and consulting the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services to confirm all current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Branford?

Peak season in Branford runs from June through October, with August generating the highest average revenue at $5,160 per month. July follows closely at $4,747, and the October shoulder season still performs well at $3,624. The off-season stretches from November through March, with January being the slowest month at $1,667 in average revenue. This pattern is consistent with a coastal New England market driven by summer beach and recreation demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in Branford?

As of April 2026, there are 35 active Airbnb listings in Branford. The supply breaks down primarily into one-bedroom units (11 listings), two-bedroom properties (10 listings), and three-bedroom homes (7 listings). This small overall supply means less direct competition for hosts, but it also means the market data can shift more noticeably with the addition or removal of just a few listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Branford?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Branford are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance window, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, listing optimization, pricing strategy, and how the property is managed day-to-day.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Branford market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index for investment analysis

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.