Deadwood, SD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Deadwood Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Deadwood, SD presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity driven by its historic gaming town appeal and proximity to Black Hills tourism. With an average daily rate of $324—well above the $261 state average—and an ROI score of 57 out of 100, the market rewards operators who can capitalize on a pronounced summer peak. The relatively small supply of just 61 active listings suggests limited competition, though investors should plan for significant seasonal revenue swings between the summer highs and the quieter winter months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Deadwood 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 Deadwood

Deadwood draws investor interest because a tight supply base and premium nightly rates create meaningful revenue potential for well-positioned properties, even with seasonal occupancy patterns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Deadwood earns an 'Attractive Opportunity' designation, reflecting a market where healthy nightly rates and limited supply create a viable path to solid returns—tempered by pronounced seasonality. July is the revenue standout at $6,979 per month on average, while April dips to just $1,020, so cash-flow planning across the full calendar year is essential. Three-bedroom properties stand out as a compelling sweet spot, combining the highest occupancy rate (34%) with strong RevPAN ($108), making them particularly well-suited for group and family travelers visiting the Black Hills region."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Deadwood

Average revenue by month in Deadwood

Deadwood's revenue curve is sharply seasonal: July ($6,979) and August ($6,657) together account for nearly 38% of the annual total, while April ($1,020) and November ($1,158) mark the low points. This roughly 6:1 spread between peak and trough months means investors should build reserves during summer to cover leaner off-season periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Deadwood

Supply is spread fairly evenly across 1- to 3-bedroom properties (13, 17, and 15 listings respectively), with 4-bedroom homes the least represented at just 8 listings. The smaller 4-bedroom inventory could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger group accommodations in a market where those units earn the highest monthly revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Deadwood

ADR scales steadily from $155 for 1-bedroom units up to $375 for 4-bedroom homes, with the jump from 2 bedrooms ($210) to 3 bedrooms ($323) representing the most dramatic increase. This suggests that the 3-bedroom tier captures a premium sweet spot where guests are willing to pay significantly more for the extra space without the acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom property.

Average RevPAN by property size in Deadwood

Three-bedroom properties dominate RevPAN at $108, more than triple the $31 earned by 2-bedroom units and well ahead of the $62 posted by 4-bedroom homes. This gap underscores that 3-bedrooms combine higher nightly rates with substantially better occupancy, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Deadwood

Three-bedroom listings achieve the strongest occupancy at 34%, more than double the rates seen by 1-bedroom (16%), 2-bedroom (15%), and 4-bedroom (17%) properties. This disparity suggests that family and group travelers—the primary demand driver in the Black Hills—overwhelmingly prefer mid-sized accommodations, offering 3-bedroom investors more predictable booking volume.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Deadwood

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,326, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at $3,949, while 1-bedroom ($1,845) and 2-bedroom ($2,136) units trail meaningfully. The modest gap between 3- and 4-bedroom earnings—just $377 per month—combined with the significantly higher occupancy rate for 3-bedrooms makes the smaller configuration potentially more attractive on a risk-adjusted basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Deadwood

Annual revenue ranges from $22,143 for 1-bedroom listings to $51,916 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms generating a strong $47,396. Given the relatively compressed gap between 3- and 4-bedroom annual earnings ($4,520) versus the likely difference in acquisition costs, 3-bedroom properties may offer the best return potential for investors targeting this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Deadwood

Kitchen (95%) and parking (90%) are near-universal in Deadwood's listings, reflecting the practical expectations of visitors who often drive to this Black Hills destination and stay for multi-day trips. Amenities like BBQ grills (64%), patios (59%), and outdoor furniture (57%) reinforce the market's outdoor lifestyle appeal, while hot tubs (16%) remain a potential differentiator for listings looking to command premium rates.

Understanding Deadwood'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

What This Means for Investors

Deadwood's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics balanced by an above-average market growth trend. The supply/demand balance registers as average, which, combined with the sharp 95% year-over-year listing growth, makes it worth monitoring whether new supply begins to dilute per-listing returns. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research and realistic seasonal cash-flow modeling to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Deadwood

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Deadwood, South Dakota may need to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with Deadwood's city offices and Lawrence County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Deadwood can include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Because regulations can change, it's important to confirm all applicable local and state restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

South Dakota does not levy a state income tax, but short-term rental hosts are typically subject to state sales tax and any local lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, though operators should confirm their specific obligations with local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Deadwood's above-average market growth trend suggests continued upward momentum in listing activity and traveler demand, particularly during the June–August corridor. ADR may hold steady or inch up 2–4% as supply remains constrained relative to peak-season demand. Occupancy, currently at 21% on a blended annual basis, could see modest improvement if shoulder-season marketing and events programming expand, though investors should estimate annual occupancy in the 20–25% range for conservative underwriting. The 95% year-over-year growth in active listings bears watching—if new supply outpaces demand, per-listing revenue could compress."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Deadwood, SD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Deadwood?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Deadwood is currently 21%, which sits below the South Dakota state average of 43%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—summer months see significantly higher booking activity while winter and early spring are much quieter. Investors targeting this market should expect concentrated demand during peak season and plan finances accordingly.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Deadwood?

Airbnb hosts in Deadwood earn an average of $3,005 per month, translating to roughly $36,070 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 4-bedroom homes average $51,916 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $22,143. Summer months drive the bulk of earnings, with July averaging nearly $7,000 in revenue.

Is Deadwood a good market for Airbnb investment?

Deadwood scores 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an 'Attractive Opportunity' rating. The market benefits from above-average ADR ($324 vs. $261 state average), limited competition with only 61 active listings, and an above-average market growth trend. However, the seasonal nature of demand means occupancy runs lower on an annual basis, so investors should model conservatively and ensure they can cover carrying costs during off-peak months.

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

The average daily rate in Deadwood is $324, which is 24% higher than the South Dakota state average of $261. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $155 per night, 2-bedrooms command $210, 3-bedrooms reach $323, and 4-bedroom properties top the range at $375 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Deadwood?

Short-term rentals currently operate in Deadwood, SD, as evidenced by 61 active Airbnb listings. However, operators may need to secure permits or business licenses, and local regulations can change. We recommend checking directly with Deadwood city offices and Lawrence County for the most up-to-date rules on STR permitting, zoning, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Deadwood?

Peak season in Deadwood runs from June through August, aligning with the summer tourism rush in the Black Hills region. July leads all months with an average revenue of $6,979, closely followed by August at $6,657 and June at $4,635. The slowest period falls in April ($1,020), November ($1,158), and January ($1,722), creating a pronounced seasonal curve that investors should factor into their financial projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Deadwood?

As of April 2026, there are 61 active Airbnb listings in Deadwood. The supply is fairly evenly distributed: 13 one-bedroom units, 17 two-bedroom listings, 15 three-bedroom properties, and 8 four-bedroom homes. Year-over-year listing growth has been notable at 95%, indicating rising investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Deadwood?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Deadwood are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. 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 the Deadwood market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance and market conditions as of the dates noted; future results may differ. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change—investors should verify all rules with local authorities before purchasing.