Bristol, VT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

68 / 100

Bristol offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Bristol Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bristol, VT is a compact short-term rental market with 51 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,069 per property. With an ADR of $215—well below the Vermont state average of $452—and above-average occupancy stability, this small-town market rewards operators who lean into seasonal demand and keep acquisition costs reasonable against an average home value of $472,776. Year-over-year listing growth of 93% signals rising investor interest, though the market's modest size means newcomers should pay close attention to supply dynamics.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 51
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $452 state avg. $215
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 51% state avg. 39%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $84
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,089
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $25,069

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Bristol

Bristol's blend of reasonable property prices relative to Vermont's broader market, stable occupancy, and strong seasonal peaks makes it worth evaluating for investors seeking rural New England exposure.

Key investment factors

  • Above-average occupancy stability helps smooth out revenue between peak and off-peak months
  • Central Vermont location draws summer and fall tourism traffic, including foliage season visitors
  • Average home values of $472,776 sit below many Vermont resort-area markets, improving the revenue-to-price equation
  • Three-bedroom properties command $53,172 in annual revenue, offering a clear premium over smaller units
  • 93% year-over-year listing growth signals a market gaining recognition among STR investors

Expert Market Assessment

"Bristol earns an ROI score of 68 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band—a market where revenue potential and property costs align well enough to warrant serious consideration. Seasonality is pronounced: August tops out at $3,457 in average monthly revenue while April bottoms at $1,245, creating a roughly 2.8× swing that investors need to budget for. The combination of above-average occupancy stability and growth trend gives Bristol an edge over many similarly sized Vermont towns, though the average 39% occupancy rate—below the 51% state average—reminds us this is a leisure-driven market rather than a year-round workhorse."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Bristol's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Factor Bristol Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Bristol's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and market growth trend scores that signal healthy and improving demand. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both rate as average—reasonable but not exceptional—meaning returns depend on disciplined acquisition pricing and operational execution. Investors should pair these metrics with current local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm that individual deals pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bristol

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

Permit Requirements

Bristol and the state of Vermont may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property; investors should verify current requirements directly with the Bristol town clerk and the Vermont Department of Taxes.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Vermont towns can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA or condominium bylaws may impose additional limitations, so any prospective purchase should include a review of applicable covenants before closing.

Tax Obligations

Vermont imposes a rooms and meals tax on short-term rental stays, and operators may also owe local option taxes depending on the municipality. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Vermont Department of Taxes to ensure full compliance.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Bristol

Financing an Airbnb investment in Bristol requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Bristol Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bristol's above-average market growth trend and occupancy stability suggest continued demand, particularly during the summer and fall peak months when monthly revenues can exceed $2,900–$3,400. Investors should expect ADR to drift modestly upward—perhaps 2–4%—as supply absorbs the recent wave of new listings, while occupancy may hold in the 37–42% range given the seasonal nature of tourism in central Vermont. Off-peak revenues in spring will likely remain the softest part of the calendar, making a realistic budget that accounts for the $1,245–$1,700 shoulder-season months essential for cash-flow planning."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bristol, VT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bristol?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bristol is currently 39%, which sits below the Vermont state average of 51%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom properties achieving the highest rate at 42% and 1-bedroom units averaging 36%. The lower overall figure reflects Bristol's seasonal demand patterns, with stronger bookings in summer and fall months.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bristol?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Bristol earn approximately $2,089 per month or $25,069 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average $22,384 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $27,153, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $53,172 per year. Peak months like August can push monthly revenue above $3,400, while slower months like April may dip to around $1,245.
Is Bristol a good market for Airbnb investment?
Bristol scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and growth trends, and average home values of $472,776 are competitive relative to many Vermont markets. That said, the 39% average occupancy rate and seasonal revenue swings mean investors should plan for quieter months and ensure their acquisition cost leaves room for solid returns.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bristol?
The average daily rate in Bristol is $215, considerably lower than the Vermont state average of $452. ADR scales notably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $151, 2-bedrooms come in at $226, and 3-bedroom properties command $373 per night. While the overall ADR is modest by Vermont standards, it reflects Bristol's positioning as an accessible rural destination rather than a premium resort market.
Are short-term rentals legal in Bristol?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Bristol, VT, though operators may need to register with local authorities and comply with Vermont's rooms and meals tax requirements. Regulations can change, so it's important to verify current permit requirements with the Bristol town clerk and the Vermont Department of Taxes before listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Bristol?
Peak season in Bristol runs from July through October, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $3,457 and October close behind at $2,944. July ($2,964) and September ($2,616) are also strong months. This aligns with Vermont's summer recreation and fall foliage seasons. The slowest period is spring, with April averaging just $1,245 in monthly revenue.
How many Airbnbs are there in Bristol?
Bristol currently has 51 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The majority of supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom properties (30 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (9 listings) and 2-bedrooms (6 listings). Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 93%, indicating growing investor interest in the market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bristol?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bristol 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively an operator manages their listing.

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 Bristol, VT and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
  • Historical revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
  • Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change; always verify with municipal authorities before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Bristol's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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