Crested Butte, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Crested Butte Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Crested Butte is a mountain resort market in Colorado that draws strong seasonal demand from skiers in winter and outdoor enthusiasts in summer, creating two distinct revenue peaks for short-term rental operators. With 614 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $452, and average annual revenue of $55,532, the market offers meaningful income potential — though elevated home values averaging $2,715,746 mean investors need to be strategic about property selection and deal sourcing. Occupancy sits at 42%, slightly below the Colorado state average, reflecting the sharp seasonality that defines this mountain town.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Crested Butte 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 Crested Butte

Crested Butte attracts investor interest because of its dual-season tourism appeal and premium nightly rates, though high property prices demand careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Crested Butte presents a competitive opportunity where strong nightly rates and reliable dual-season demand are offset by some of the highest property prices in the state. The market's ROI score of 43 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — the primary challenge for investors here — while occupancy stability scores above average, indicating that booked nights are fairly consistent across years. Seasonality is pronounced: July and March are the standout months at $9,539 and $7,289 respectively, while April drops to just $1,211, so investors should budget for wide revenue swings. For those who can source properties below the market average or target higher-earning 4+ bedroom configurations, the income potential is real — but this is not a market where every deal pencils out."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Crested Butte

Average revenue by month in Crested Butte

Revenue in Crested Butte swings dramatically between seasons, peaking in July at $9,539 and bottoming out in April at just $1,211 — a nearly 8x spread. The dual-peak pattern is clear, with a strong summer (July–August) and a secondary winter peak in March ($7,289), while April, May, and November represent the softest earning months for hosts.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Crested Butte

Two-bedroom units dominate the supply at 191 listings, followed closely by 3-bedrooms (155) and 1-bedrooms (128), accounting for the bulk of inventory. Larger properties with 5+ bedrooms are notably scarce (just 31 total), which may represent an opportunity for investors willing to target that segment given the higher revenue potential of bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Crested Butte

ADR scales sharply with size in Crested Butte, from $188 for studios to $1,957 for 6+ bedroom properties — a more than 10x premium. The steepest jump occurs between 4 bedrooms ($737) and 5 bedrooms ($1,197), suggesting that larger group-oriented properties command a significant pricing premium in this resort market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Crested Butte

RevPAN climbs consistently with property size, from $78 for studios to $986 for 6+ bedroom homes, reflecting both higher nightly rates and slightly better occupancy at larger sizes. Five-bedroom properties deliver $538 in RevPAN, representing a strong balance between occupancy and rate for investors targeting the upper end of the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Crested Butte

Occupancy rates are relatively consistent across property sizes, ranging from 41% for 1- and 2-bedrooms up to 50% for 6+ bedroom homes. The fact that larger properties maintain equal or higher occupancy despite significantly higher nightly rates suggests robust demand for group accommodations, which bodes well for cash-flow stability in that segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Crested Butte

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,666 for studios to $12,936 for 6+ bedroom properties, with a notable jump at the 3-bedroom threshold where earnings reach $5,702 — nearly 65% more than 2-bedroom units at $3,468. This inflection point suggests that 3-bedroom properties may offer the most accessible entry point for investors seeking meaningfully higher revenue without the acquisition cost of a 4+ bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Crested Butte

Annual revenue potential climbs from $31,997 for studios to $155,232 for 6+ bedroom homes, with 4-bedroom properties generating $95,559 — a strong mid-tier option. Given Crested Butte's high home values, investors should compare these revenue figures against actual acquisition costs at each size tier to identify where the revenue-to-price ratio is most favorable.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Crested Butte

Kitchens (97%), parking (91%), and in-unit laundry (88%) are near-universal in Crested Butte, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a mountain vacation market. Hot tubs appear in 68% of listings and ski-in/ski-out access in 31%, making these premium differentiators — properties with both could command higher rates and better occupancy during winter peak season.

Understanding Crested Butte's ROI Score: 43/100

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

Crested Butte's ROI score of 43 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand and income potential but requires selective deal sourcing due to high property prices. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag — average homes cost $2.7M while generating around $55K annually — though above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics provide a more reliable income floor than many seasonal markets. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties or configurations that outperform the market average to make the numbers work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Crested Butte

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Crested Butte, Colorado may be required to obtain a permit or license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the Town of Crested Butte and Gunnison County, as rules can change and enforcement varies.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Colorado mountain communities can include caps on the number of permits issued, occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, and noise or parking regulations. HOA rules are particularly relevant in Crested Butte given the prevalence of condo and townhome properties, and investors should review any covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Colorado are generally subject to state sales tax, local lodging tax, and potentially county-level tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but owners should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional to avoid compliance issues.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Crested Butte's dual-season appeal should continue to support demand, with summer months like July potentially generating monthly revenues in the $9,000–$10,000 range and winter ski season providing a reliable secondary peak through March. ADR growth of 1–3% is a reasonable estimate given the market's premium positioning, though occupancy is likely to remain in the 40–45% range given pronounced shoulder-season softness in April, May, and November. Listing supply has remained nearly flat year-over-year at 98% of prior levels, suggesting a stable competitive environment rather than an oversupply risk. Investors should plan cash reserves for the shoulder months and price aggressively during peak windows to maximize annual returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Crested Butte, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Crested Butte?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Crested Butte is currently 42%, which runs slightly below the Colorado state average of 45%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 6+ bedroom properties achieving the highest rate at 50% and smaller units like studios and 1-bedrooms sitting around 41–42%. The seasonal nature of the market — with strong winter ski and summer recreation demand but soft shoulder seasons — largely explains the overall rate.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Crested Butte?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Crested Butte earn approximately $55,532 per year, or about $4,627 per month based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings scale significantly with property size: studios average around $31,997 annually, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $126,984 and 6+ bedroom homes can reach $155,232 per year. Individual results depend on factors like location, amenities, pricing strategy, and how well hosts capture peak-season bookings in July and during ski season.

Is Crested Butte a good market for Airbnb investment?

Crested Butte offers a competitive opportunity with strong nightly rates ($452 ADR) and dual-season tourism demand, but the high average home value of $2,715,746 compresses the revenue-to-price ratio, which is the main challenge for investors. The market earns an ROI score of 43 out of 100 on Rabbu, reflecting above-average occupancy stability but below-average return relative to acquisition cost. Investors who can find properties priced below the market average or target larger homes that generate premium revenue have a better shot at attractive returns. Due diligence on local regulations and realistic cash-flow modeling through shoulder seasons are essential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Crested Butte is $452, which comes in below the Colorado state average of $529. ADR scales steeply with property size — studios average $188 per night, 3-bedroom properties command $489, and 6+ bedroom homes reach $1,957 per night. This pricing structure reflects the premium resort positioning of Crested Butte, particularly for larger group-friendly properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Crested Butte?

Short-term rentals do operate in Crested Butte, with 614 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, Colorado mountain towns frequently have specific licensing, permitting, or zoning requirements that govern STR activity. Investors should check directly with the Town of Crested Butte and Gunnison County for the most current rules, including any permit caps, occupancy limits, or HOA restrictions that could affect a particular property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Crested Butte?

Crested Butte has two peak seasons. Summer is the strongest period, with July leading all months at $9,539 in average revenue, followed by August at $7,446. The winter ski season also performs well — March is the top winter month at $7,289, with February at $5,444 and January at $5,194. The shoulder seasons in April ($1,211), May ($1,692), and November ($1,473) are the softest months, so investors should plan for significant revenue variability throughout the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Crested Butte?

There are currently 614 active Airbnb listings in Crested Butte as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 1- to 3-bedroom properties, which together account for about 77% of all listings. Two-bedroom units are the most common at 191 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (155) and 1-bedrooms (128). Larger properties with 5 or more bedrooms are relatively scarce, with only 31 total listings in that segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Crested Butte?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Crested Butte 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 results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, and because each month uses its own historical data, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, location, pricing strategy, and how effectively a host 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, tracked by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night 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)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local STR regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.