Chesapeake City, MD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

57 / 100

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

Chesapeake City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chesapeake City, MD is a small waterfront market with just 12 active Airbnb listings, offering investors an intimate, low-competition environment. With an average annual revenue of $33,877 and a favorable supply/demand balance rated above average, this charming canal-side town draws seasonal visitors who push summer revenues well above winter levels. The market's ROI score of 57 out of 100 signals attractive opportunity, though occupancy at 19% trails the Maryland state average of 35%, underscoring the importance of strong seasonal pricing strategies.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 12
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $368 state avg. $331
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 35% state avg. 19%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $64
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,823
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $33,877

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

Why Investors Consider Chesapeake City

Chesapeake City's tiny supply base and favorable supply/demand balance make it appealing for investors seeking a niche waterfront market with limited direct competition.

Key investment factors

  • Only 12 active listings create a low-competition landscape with room for well-positioned properties
  • Supply/demand balance rated above average, suggesting guest demand outpaces current inventory
  • Waterfront and canal-town charm drives premium summer bookings, with August revenue reaching $5,037
  • Average home values of $651,207 paired with $33,877 annual revenue offer a niche revenue-to-price profile
  • Half of all listings highlight waterfront access, signaling strong leisure and getaway demand

Expert Market Assessment

"Chesapeake City presents a moderate but targeted investment opportunity best suited for hosts who can capitalize on a short but lucrative summer peak. Revenue swings dramatically from a low of $1,043 in February to $5,037 in August — a nearly fivefold spread — meaning cash-flow planning needs to account for several lean months. The market's above-average supply/demand balance and small listing count work in favor of early movers, though below-average occupancy stability means returns hinge heavily on maximizing the May-through-September window. Overall, this is a seasonal niche play rather than a year-round income generator, rewarding investors who price aggressively in peak months and manage costs carefully during the off-season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Chesapeake City'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

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

What This Means for Investors

Chesapeake City's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue potential aligns reasonably well with property costs but seasonal occupancy volatility tempers the overall outlook. The above-average supply/demand balance is the standout factor, while below-average occupancy stability highlights the risk of lean winter months dragging on annual returns. Pairing this data with a close look at local Cecil County regulations and a conservative cash-flow model will help investors determine whether the summer revenue surge justifies the year-round commitment.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chesapeake City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Chesapeake City, Maryland may need to obtain local permits or register their properties with Cecil County or state authorities. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with the Town of Chesapeake City and the State of Maryland before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Maryland towns can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to certain properties, so reviewing community covenants is recommended alongside any municipal rules.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in Maryland are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm whether additional county-level lodging or tourism taxes apply in Cecil County.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Chesapeake City

Financing an Airbnb investment in Chesapeake City 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 Chesapeake City Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chesapeake City's short-term rental market is expected to see continued seasonal demand driven by its waterfront appeal and proximity to mid-Atlantic metro areas. ADR may drift slightly higher by 1–3% as limited supply keeps pricing power in hosts' favor, while occupancy could settle in the 18–22% range on an annualized basis given the market's pronounced seasonality. The 113% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests rising investor interest, but with only 12 current listings, even modest new supply could shift dynamics quickly. Investors should monitor whether listing growth outpaces demand heading into the 2027 summer season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chesapeake City, MD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chesapeake City?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Chesapeake City is currently 19%, which falls below the Maryland state average of 35%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — demand concentrates heavily in the summer months, while winter bookings are significantly lighter. One-bedroom properties see slightly higher occupancy at 27%.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chesapeake City?
Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Chesapeake City earns approximately $2,823 per month and $33,877 per year. Revenue varies dramatically by season, ranging from about $1,043 in February to over $5,037 in August. One-bedroom units, which make up the bulk of current inventory, average around $21,499 annually.
Is Chesapeake City a good market for Airbnb investment?
Chesapeake City scores a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and only 12 active listings, which limits competition. However, occupancy stability is below average, so investors should be prepared for significant seasonal revenue swings and plan their finances accordingly.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Chesapeake City?
The average daily rate in Chesapeake City is $331, which is slightly below the Maryland state average of $368. One-bedroom properties — the only size with sufficient data — command an ADR of $185. The market-wide average is lifted by larger or premium waterfront properties that can charge significantly more during peak summer months.
Are short-term rentals legal in Chesapeake City?
Short-term rentals do operate in Chesapeake City, MD, with 12 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permit requirements and regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Chesapeake City and Cecil County for the latest rules on STR licensing, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Chesapeake City?
Peak season in Chesapeake City runs from May through August, with July and August delivering the strongest revenue at $5,024 and $5,037 respectively. June ($3,737) and September ($3,185) also perform well. The off-season spans roughly November through March, when monthly revenue drops to the $1,000–$2,400 range.
How many Airbnbs are there in Chesapeake City?
As of April 2026, there are 12 active Airbnb listings in Chesapeake City. This represents a 113% year-over-year increase in active listings, suggesting growing investor interest in this small waterfront market. The limited inventory means new entrants face relatively little competition compared to larger markets.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chesapeake City?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Chesapeake City 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 data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

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 Chesapeake City and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.

Next Steps

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