Clayton, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Clayton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clayton, NY — a small Thousand Islands community on the St. Lawrence River — stands out as a highly seasonal short-term rental market with an ROI score of 66 out of 100, rated an "Attractive Opportunity." With just 31 active Airbnb listings, limited competition meets strong summer demand that pushes average monthly revenue above $12,000 in peak months. The market's average annual revenue of $48,831 against average home values of $546,075 offers a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Clayton

Investors are drawn to Clayton for its combination of waterfront vacation appeal, a compact competitive landscape, and strong summer revenue potential that can anchor annual returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Clayton presents a moderately attractive investment opportunity characterized by extreme seasonality and a small but growing supply base. Peak-season months — particularly July ($11,717) and August ($12,196) — account for the lion's share of annual income, while winter months like January dip to just $666. The 18% average occupancy rate sits well below the 40% New York state average, reflecting the market's vacation-driven demand pattern rather than year-round viability. For investors who can weather quiet off-season months and capitalize on the compressed summer window, Clayton offers a compelling niche with limited direct competition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Clayton

Average revenue by month in Clayton

Clayton's revenue pattern is strikingly seasonal — August ($12,196) and July ($11,717) tower over winter months, with January bottoming out at just $666. The roughly 18x spread between peak and trough months underscores that the bulk of annual income is concentrated in a four-month summer window from June through September.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Clayton

One-bedroom units make up the largest share of Clayton's 31 active listings at 11, followed by 3-bedrooms with 8. Two-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings are tied at just 5 each, suggesting that mid-size (2BR) and larger (4BR) properties face less direct competition — a potential opening for investors targeting those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Clayton

ADR scales sharply with size in Clayton, rising from $139 for 1-bedroom units to $476 for 4-bedroom properties — more than a 3x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($309) to 3-bedrooms ($361) is more modest, suggesting that 4-bedroom homes offer the most significant nightly rate advantage for investors willing to take on larger properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Clayton

Revenue per available night climbs substantially with property size, from $21 for 1-bedrooms to $102 for 4-bedroom listings. This nearly 5x difference reflects both higher nightly rates and slightly better occupancy for larger units, making 4-bedroom properties the clear RevPAN leaders in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Clayton

Occupancy rates across all property sizes remain modest given Clayton's seasonal nature, ranging from 10% for 2-bedroom listings to 22% for 4-bedrooms. Three-bedroom units (18%) and 1-bedrooms (16%) fall in the middle, while the relatively low 2-bedroom occupancy may reflect pricing or positioning challenges in that segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Clayton

Four-bedroom properties dominate monthly revenue at $8,604 — more than double the $4,045 earned by 3-bedroom listings and over five times the $1,702 generated by 1-bedroom units. This steep revenue curve makes a compelling case for investors to target larger properties in Clayton, where group and family vacationers drive premium spending.

Average annual revenue by property size in Clayton

Annual revenue potential ranges from $20,432 for 1-bedroom listings to $103,248 for 4-bedroom properties, with the latter exceeding the market-wide average by more than 2x. Three-bedroom units at $48,543 closely match the market average, while 2-bedrooms at $40,294 offer a moderate return that still outpaces smaller configurations significantly.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Clayton

Parking (87%), patio or balcony (84%), and kitchen (81%) top the amenity list, signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient vacation-home experience rather than a hotel-like stay. Outdoor-oriented features like BBQ grills, backyard space, and outdoor furniture each appear in 61% of listings, while waterfront access (39%) and lake access (29%) serve as powerful differentiators in this river-and-island destination.

Understanding Clayton's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Clayton's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is average and occupancy stability holds steady despite heavy seasonality. The above-average market growth trend is a positive signal — listing counts surged 67% year-over-year — though the below-average supply/demand balance suggests new inventory is outpacing demand gains. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a cash-flow plan that accounts for the compressed earning season.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clayton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Clayton, New York may be required to obtain a permit or register with the Village of Clayton or Jefferson County. Investors should verify current licensing requirements directly with local municipal offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New York STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA or community association rules may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the total number of STR permits available — so checking with the Village of Clayton and surrounding township regulations is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New York are generally subject to state and local sales tax, as well as county-level occupancy or hotel taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional familiar with Jefferson County requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Clayton's STR market is expected to benefit from above-average market growth trends, with active listings having surged 67% year-over-year — a signal of rising investor interest. Summer months (June through September) should continue driving the bulk of annual revenue, and ADR could edge up 2–5% as the Thousand Islands region attracts more vacationers. Occupancy during off-peak months will likely remain in the low single digits, so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. Overall demand estimates point to continued strength in the peak season window, though new supply entering the market could temper per-listing performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clayton, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clayton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Clayton is currently 18%, which is notably lower than the 40% New York state average. This reflects Clayton's highly seasonal nature as a Thousand Islands vacation destination — occupancy surges during summer months and drops significantly in winter. Among property sizes, 4-bedroom listings lead with 22% occupancy, while 2-bedroom units sit at just 10%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clayton?

Airbnb hosts in Clayton earn an average of $4,069 per month and approximately $48,831 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $20,432 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in around $103,248 per year. The summer peak months of July and August alone can generate over $11,700 each, making up a significant portion of total annual income.

Is Clayton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Clayton earns an ROI score of 66 out of 100, classified as an "Attractive Opportunity" by Rabbu's analysis. The market offers a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio with average home values around $546,075 and annual revenue near $48,831. Key strengths include above-average market growth and low competition (just 31 active listings), though the pronounced seasonality and below-average supply/demand balance mean investors need to plan for lean winter months. Larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom homes — deliver the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate in Clayton is $286, which is lower than the $381 New York state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $139 per night, 2-bedrooms average $309, 3-bedrooms come in at $361, and 4-bedroom properties command $476 per night. These rates reflect the premium that families and groups are willing to pay for larger waterfront vacation homes in the Thousand Islands area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Clayton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Clayton, NY, but operators may need to comply with local permitting, registration, or zoning requirements set by the Village of Clayton or Jefferson County. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should contact local government offices directly and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Clayton?

Peak season in Clayton runs from June through September, with July and August being the standout months. August leads with average revenue of $12,196 per listing, closely followed by July at $11,717. Revenue drops sharply outside this window — January averages just $666. This concentrated earning season is typical for Thousand Islands resort communities, where summer boating, fishing, and waterfront activities drive visitor demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in Clayton?

As of April 2026, there are 31 active Airbnb listings in Clayton. The supply is distributed across 11 one-bedroom listings, 5 two-bedroom listings, 8 three-bedroom listings, and 5 four-bedroom listings. Notably, the number of active listings has grown 67% year-over-year, indicating rising investor interest in this small but growing market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clayton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Clayton 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Clayton, NY and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance and current market snapshots as of the dates indicated; conditions may have changed since collection. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — investors should verify all compliance obligations before purchasing or operating a short-term rental.