Darby, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Darby Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Darby, MT, is a tiny mountain market in western Montana with just 26 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer-fall peak that drives the bulk of annual revenue. With an average annual revenue of $21,562 against average home values near $997,337, the revenue-to-price ratio is notably thin — making this a market that demands careful, property-specific analysis rather than broad-brush optimism. Year-over-year listing growth of 89% signals rising investor interest, but occupancy sits at only 18% compared to the 47% Montana state average, underscoring the seasonal and niche nature of demand here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Darby 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 Darby

Investors consider Darby for its scenic Bitterroot Valley setting and outdoor recreation appeal, though the numbers currently favor only well-positioned, high-quality properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Darby presents limited overall investment potential based on current data, with a Rabbu ROI Score of 23 out of 100. The core challenge is a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — average annual revenue of $21,562 against nearly $1 million in home values creates a steep hill for cash-flow-positive returns. Seasonality is extreme: July and August each approach $2,900–$2,950 in monthly revenue, while January dips to just $702, meaning investors must budget for several lean months. That said, the market's above-average growth trend and favorable supply/demand balance hint that well-differentiated properties could outperform the average — but deep, property-level diligence is essential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Darby

Average revenue by month in Darby

Darby exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($2,949) and August ($2,927) delivering more than four times the revenue of January ($702). The June-through-October stretch is clearly the earning window, and investors should plan for very lean winter months when budgeting cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Darby

The market's 26 listings are concentrated in one-bedroom (8) and two-bedroom (7) configurations, with limited data on larger property sizes. This small, compact supply could present opportunity for investors with differentiated larger properties, though demand depth should be carefully validated.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Darby

ADR rises from $170 for one-bedroom listings to $223 for two-bedroom properties — a 31% premium for adding a second bedroom. However, even the two-bedroom rate sits well below Montana's $443 state average, reflecting Darby's position as a value-oriented rural destination.

Average RevPAN by property size in Darby

One-bedroom listings deliver the stronger RevPAN at $48, compared to $31 for two-bedroom properties, driven largely by their higher occupancy. This suggests that smaller units are more efficiently booked relative to their available nights in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Darby

One-bedroom units achieve 29% occupancy — more than double the 14% rate for two-bedroom properties — making them the more reliable option for consistent bookings. Both figures remain well below state norms, reinforcing that demand in Darby is seasonal and selective.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Darby

One-bedroom properties edge out two-bedrooms with $1,710 in average monthly revenue versus $1,493, a gap driven by significantly higher occupancy despite a lower nightly rate. For investors focused on cash flow consistency, the smaller configuration currently has the advantage here.

Average annual revenue by property size in Darby

Annually, one-bedroom listings generate approximately $20,528 compared to $17,917 for two-bedroom units. Given Darby's high average home values, investors should model conservatively and focus on properties where acquisition cost allows these revenue levels to deliver acceptable returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Darby

Parking (100%), washer (89%), and kitchen (89%) are table stakes in Darby, while BBQ grills (69%) and pet-friendliness (69%) signal a guest base that skews toward outdoor enthusiasts and families. Hot tubs at 39% prevalence could represent a differentiation opportunity for listings looking to command a premium nightly rate.

Understanding Darby's ROI Score: 23/100

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

Darby's ROI Score of 23 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average occupancy stability — the two most heavily weighted factors. On the positive side, the market shows above-average growth and a favorable supply/demand balance, suggesting conditions may be improving. Investors interested in this market should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property-specific analysis to identify opportunities that can outperform the market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Darby

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Darby, Montana, may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit depending on Ravalli County and town-level rules. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with Darby's local government and the Montana Department of Revenue before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Montana communities can include occupancy limits, noise and parking requirements, minimum-stay rules, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. Given Darby's rural character, septic and water system capacity could also factor into permitting decisions for certain properties.

Tax Obligations

Montana imposes a lodging facility use tax on short-term rentals, and Ravalli County may levy additional local resort or accommodation taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm all obligations with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Darby's STR market is likely to remain heavily seasonal, with July through October continuing to account for the lion's share of bookings. The rapid supply growth (89% year-over-year) could put further downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if demand doesn't keep pace, though the market's above-average growth trend and favorable supply/demand signals suggest visitor interest is rising. Investors should anticipate average occupancy hovering in the 15–22% range and ADR holding near $230–$250, with individual property performance varying significantly based on location, amenities, and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Darby, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Darby?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Darby is currently 18%, which is significantly below the Montana state average of 47%. This low figure reflects the market's heavy seasonality — summer and early fall months drive the vast majority of bookings, while winter and early spring see very limited demand. One-bedroom listings tend to perform better at 29% occupancy, while two-bedroom properties average around 14%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Darby?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Darby earns approximately $1,796 per month, or about $21,562 per year. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months, with July averaging $2,949 and August averaging $2,927, while January dips to around $702. One-bedroom units generate roughly $20,528 annually, and two-bedroom properties bring in about $17,917.

Is Darby a good market for Airbnb investment?

Darby currently carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 23 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential at a market-wide level. The primary challenge is the revenue-to-price ratio: average annual revenue of $21,562 against home values near $997,337 makes it difficult to achieve strong cash flow. However, above-average market growth and a favorable supply/demand balance suggest there may be opportunities for well-positioned, high-quality properties — investors just need to do thorough, property-specific analysis.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Darby is $238, which is well below the Montana state average of $443. One-bedroom properties average $170 per night, while two-bedroom listings command about $223. These rates reflect the market's rural, small-town positioning and relatively modest demand outside of peak season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Darby?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Montana, but specific rules can vary by municipality and county. Operators in Darby should check with local Ravalli County authorities and the town's administrative offices for any permitting, licensing, or zoning requirements. Montana also imposes a statewide lodging facility use tax that applies to short-term rentals.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Darby?

Peak season in Darby runs from June through October, with July ($2,949) and August ($2,927) generating the highest average monthly revenues. September and October also perform well at $2,448 and $2,574 respectively, likely driven by fall foliage and hunting season in the Bitterroot Valley. The slowest months are January ($702) and April ($833), reflecting the deep off-season common to rural Montana markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Darby?

There are currently 26 active Airbnb listings in Darby as of April 2026. The supply is split primarily between one-bedroom properties (8 listings) and two-bedroom properties (7 listings), with the remainder likely comprising larger or studio-type accommodations. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 89%, indicating rising investor and host interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Darby?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Darby 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 up the results into 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 because each month draws on its own historical performance. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location, 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 the Darby, MT market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for competitive benchmarking
• Home value estimates 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. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.