Buffalo, WY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Buffalo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Buffalo, WY is a small but emerging short-term rental market nestled along the eastern slope of the Bighorn Mountains, drawing visitors with outdoor recreation and scenic Wyoming landscapes. With just 11 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,819 per property, the market is early-stage but showing notable growth—active listings surged 238% year over year. The average daily rate of $173 sits well below Wyoming's $569 state average, positioning Buffalo as an affordable getaway option, though the current 13% occupancy rate indicates highly seasonal demand concentrated in the warmer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Buffalo 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 Buffalo

Buffalo appeals to investors looking for an early-mover advantage in a small, scenic Wyoming market with above-average growth trends and limited existing competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Buffalo presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to embrace a highly seasonal market with low competition. The ROI score of 56 out of 100 reflects an 'Attractive Opportunity' rating, tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio—average home values of $663,023 are high relative to $25,819 in annual revenue. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: revenue swings from a low of $377 in January to nearly $3,987 in September, meaning cash-flow planning must account for extended quiet periods. Investors who can secure properties below the average home price or who can maximize summer-through-fall bookings stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Buffalo

Average revenue by month in Buffalo

Buffalo's revenue pattern reveals extreme seasonality, with September ($3,987) and August ($3,621) delivering nearly ten times the revenue of January ($377). The strong June-through-October window accounts for the vast majority of annual income, making cash reserves for the winter months essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Buffalo

The entire active supply in Buffalo consists of 2-bedroom properties, with all 7 reported listings falling in that category. This concentration signals a potential opportunity for investors offering 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, or larger configurations to differentiate and capture underserved guest segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Buffalo

Two-bedroom listings—the only property size tracked in the market—command an ADR of $149, which is slightly below the overall market average of $173, suggesting a few higher-priced or unique listings may be pulling the market-wide figure up. At this rate, revenue depends heavily on occupancy gains rather than premium pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Buffalo

Two-bedroom properties generate a RevPAN of $21, closely aligning with the market-wide $22 average. This modest per-night yield reflects the combination of a reasonable ADR and low overall occupancy, reinforcing that seasonal utilization is the key lever for improving returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Buffalo

Two-bedroom listings average a 15% occupancy rate, slightly above the market-wide 13% figure, indicating they perform marginally better at filling nights than the broader market. However, this still translates to roughly 55 booked nights per year, underscoring the seasonal nature of demand in Buffalo.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Buffalo

Two-bedroom properties average $2,185 per month, closely matching the overall market average of $2,151. With only one property size represented in the data, this figure reflects the full seasonal swing from strong summer months to quiet winters.

Average annual revenue by property size in Buffalo

At $26,223 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom listings in Buffalo track very closely to the market-wide $25,819 average. Given average home values of $663,023, this yields a gross revenue-to-price ratio under 4%, which means investors need to target below-average acquisition costs or above-average operating performance to achieve competitive returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Buffalo

Parking is universal across all Buffalo listings (100%), while kitchens, patios or balconies (91% each), and BBQ grills (82%) dominate—reflecting a guest base that values outdoor living and self-sufficient stays. Pet-friendliness at 64% is notably high, suggesting that accommodating pets is practically a market expectation rather than a differentiator.

Understanding Buffalo's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Buffalo's ROI Score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with above-average growth momentum and stable supply-demand dynamics, but tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. The 238% year-over-year listing growth and average occupancy stability are encouraging, yet the gap between $663,023 average home values and $25,819 annual revenue means investors need to be strategic about acquisition price. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear seasonal cash-flow plan will help investors determine if Buffalo fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Buffalo

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Buffalo, Wyoming may need to register or obtain permits from local authorities before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements with the Town of Buffalo and Johnson County, as regulations in smaller Wyoming communities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Wyoming communities may include occupancy limits based on property size, parking requirements for guests, noise ordinances, and potential HOA restrictions in certain neighborhoods. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the total number of permits issued, so it's important to check locally before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wyoming does not levy a state income tax, but STR operators in Buffalo should expect to collect and remit state and local lodging taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, though hosts should confirm compliance with Wyoming's Department of Revenue and any applicable Johnson County or municipal tourism taxes.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Buffalo's STR market is likely to continue its growth trajectory as more visitors discover the Bighorn Mountain recreation corridor. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain heavily weighted toward the June–October window, with monthly averages potentially reaching $3,500–$4,000 during peak months if demand trends hold. Occupancy could edge toward 15–18% on an annualized basis as supply matures and listing quality improves, though winter months will likely remain soft. Investors should plan for significant off-season revenue dips and budget accordingly, treating the summer and early fall as the primary income drivers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Buffalo, WY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buffalo?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buffalo, WY is currently 13%, which falls well below the Wyoming state average of 48%. This low figure reflects the market's strong seasonality—occupancy concentrates heavily in the summer and early fall months when outdoor recreation peaks, while winter months see minimal booking activity. For 2-bedroom properties specifically, the average occupancy sits at about 15%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Buffalo?

Airbnb hosts in Buffalo, WY earn an average of $2,151 per month and roughly $25,819 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, monthly earnings vary dramatically by season—hosts can expect around $3,500–$4,000 per month during peak months (July through October) but as little as $377 in January. Two-bedroom properties, which dominate the market, average about $2,185 per month and $26,223 annually.

Is Buffalo a good market for Airbnb investment?

Buffalo earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 56 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average growth trends and balanced supply-demand dynamics, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values averaging $663,023 against annual revenue of about $25,819. It can work for investors who find properties below the market average price point and who are comfortable with highly seasonal income concentrated from late spring through fall.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Buffalo, WY is $173, significantly below the Wyoming state average of $569. For 2-bedroom properties—which make up the bulk of the market—the ADR is $149. This lower rate reflects Buffalo's positioning as an affordable mountain-town destination rather than a luxury resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Buffalo?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Buffalo, WY, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with the Town of Buffalo and Johnson County. Regulations in smaller Wyoming communities can change, so prospective investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable restrictions directly with local authorities before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Buffalo?

Peak season for Airbnb in Buffalo runs from June through October, with September delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,987 and August close behind at $3,621. This aligns with the Bighorn Mountain outdoor recreation season, including hiking, fishing, and hunting. The off-season stretches from November through April, with January being the slowest month at just $377 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Buffalo?

As of April 2026, there are 11 active Airbnb listings in Buffalo, WY. This is a very small market, though it's growing quickly—active listings have increased 238% year over year. The vast majority of current listings are 2-bedroom properties, suggesting there may be opportunity for investors offering different property configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Buffalo?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Buffalo 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month draws on its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 Buffalo, WY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or listing changes. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change—always verify with municipal authorities before investing.