Cortez, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cortez Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cortez, CO sits at the doorstep of Mesa Verde National Park, making it a natural draw for seasonal tourism-driven short-term rental demand. With an average annual revenue of $30,603 across just 48 active Airbnb listings, the market is compact and still developing. An ADR of $183—well below Colorado's $529 state average—keeps nightly rates accessible to budget-conscious travelers, while above-average occupancy stability signals reliable demand during peak months. The ROI score of 62 out of 100 flags this as an attractive opportunity worth a closer look, especially for investors who can capture summer traffic.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cortez 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 Cortez

Cortez offers investors a small, tourism-oriented market with favorable property costs relative to Colorado averages and demonstrated seasonal demand anchored by Mesa Verde and the Four Corners region.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cortez represents a moderate opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. July leads the calendar at $4,579 in average monthly revenue—nearly four times the February low of $1,191—so cash reserves and pricing strategy matter during the colder months. The market's 62/100 ROI score reflects a healthy balance between revenue potential and property values, tempered by a below-average supply/demand balance driven by the 135% year-over-year listing growth. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for peak-season capture stand the best chance of outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cortez

Average revenue by month in Cortez

Cortez exhibits sharp seasonality, with July leading at $4,579 and February bottoming out at $1,191—a spread of nearly $3,400. The summer months (June–September) consistently produce the bulk of annual revenue, making cash-flow management during the November–March lull a key consideration for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cortez

Supply is relatively balanced across 1-bedroom (13 listings), 2-bedroom (14), and 3-bedroom (11) categories, with only 5 four-bedroom properties on the market. The limited supply of larger homes could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 4+ bedroom properties where competition is thinnest.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cortez

ADR scales meaningfully with size, rising from $131 for 1-bedroom units to $338 for 4-bedroom properties—a 158% premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($205) to 4-bedroom ($338) is especially steep, suggesting strong pricing power for larger homes that can accommodate groups or families.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cortez

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $85, more than triple the $28 earned by 1-bedroom listings. Even after accounting for occupancy, larger units clearly outperform—3-bedrooms generate $52 per available night, making mid-size and larger properties the most efficient revenue generators.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cortez

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered across property sizes, ranging from 22% for 1-bedrooms to 26% for both 2- and 3-bedroom units. This narrow spread means revenue differences are driven almost entirely by rate premiums rather than booking frequency, favoring larger properties that can charge more per night.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cortez

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,848—nearly double the $2,490 earned by 2-bedroom units and well above the 3-bedroom average of $2,673. One-bedroom listings bring in the least at $2,055 per month, reinforcing that larger configurations deliver materially better cash flow in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cortez

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom homes generate $58,180—nearly 2.4 times the $24,660 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom properties at $32,076 and 2-bedrooms at $29,884 occupy a middle ground, making 4-bedroom investments the standout configuration for maximizing gross revenue in Cortez.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cortez

Kitchens and parking top the amenity list at 94% prevalence each, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent, road-trip destination. Outdoor-oriented features—patios (75%), outdoor furniture (71%), BBQ grills (69%), and backyards (63%)—dominate the top amenities, while pet-friendliness at 54% signals that accommodating four-legged travelers is becoming a competitive differentiator.

Understanding Cortez's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Cortez's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price ratios are average and occupancy stability runs above average—a combination that suggests dependable seasonal demand relative to acquisition costs. However, the below-average supply/demand balance, driven by a 135% year-over-year increase in listings, is the primary factor holding the score back and worth monitoring closely. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for the market's pronounced winter slowdown.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cortez

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

Permit Requirements

Cortez, Colorado may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Cortez and Montezuma County, as local regulations can evolve quickly in smaller Colorado markets.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Colorado STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the total number of permits issued, so due diligence with local planning departments is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Colorado are generally subject to state sales tax, local lodging or occupancy taxes, and potentially a county tourism tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Colorado Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cortez is likely to see continued summer-driven demand as national park tourism remains a strong draw across the Southwest. Investors can reasonably expect occupancy to hover around 22–28% on an annualized basis, with July remaining the revenue peak. ADR may inch up 2–4% as supply grows and operators refine pricing strategies, though the 135% year-over-year listing growth warrants monitoring—rapid supply additions could pressure occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. The market's revenue seasonality means cash-flow planning should account for softer winter months averaging under $1,300."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cortez, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cortez?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cortez is currently 23%, which falls below the Colorado state average of 45%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—summer months see significantly higher booking rates while winter demand drops off. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2- and 3-bedroom units both averaging around 26%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cortez?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Cortez earns approximately $2,550 per month or $30,603 per year. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $24,660 annually, while 4-bedroom properties lead at $58,180. Peak months like July can bring in $4,579, whereas slower months like February may yield around $1,191.

Is Cortez a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cortez scores 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and reasonable revenue relative to property values averaging $497,052. However, investors should note the pronounced seasonality and monitor the rapid 135% year-over-year growth in listings, which could affect occupancy rates if supply outpaces demand.

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

The average daily rate in Cortez is $183, significantly below Colorado's statewide average of $529. Rates scale with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $131 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $165, 3-bedrooms at $205, and 4-bedroom properties command $338 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Cortez's positioning as a more budget-friendly destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cortez?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cortez, Colorado, with 48 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, operators should verify local permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Cortez and Montezuma County before purchasing or listing a property. Regulations can change, so consulting local authorities and a real estate attorney familiar with Colorado STR law is recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cortez?

Peak season in Cortez runs from June through September, driven by summer tourism to Mesa Verde National Park and the broader Four Corners region. July is the strongest month with average revenue of $4,579, followed by June at $3,764 and August at $3,534. The off-peak season spans November through March, when monthly revenue can dip below $1,300.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cortez?

As of April 2026, there are 48 active Airbnb listings in Cortez. The supply is fairly evenly distributed: 13 one-bedroom listings, 14 two-bedrooms, 11 three-bedrooms, and 5 four-bedroom properties. Notably, listing count has grown 135% year-over-year, suggesting increasing investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cortez?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cortez 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 uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well a listing is operationally 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, tracked by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data showing the most common features among active listings

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, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.