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

Dolores Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Dolores, CO is a small-market opportunity tucked into southwest Colorado, where just 32 active Airbnb listings serve visitors drawn to the region's outdoor recreation, ancient ruins, and scenic canyon country. With an average daily rate of $224 and annual revenue averaging $25,348 per listing, the market offers a compelling revenue-to-price dynamic against average home values of $673,339. Occupancy sits at 25% — well below the 45% state average — but above-average occupancy stability suggests consistent, if modest, demand patterns that reward patient operators.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Dolores 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 Dolores

Dolores appeals to investors seeking a low-competition mountain-west market where limited supply, above-average occupancy stability, and outdoor tourism create a niche revenue opportunity.

Expert Market Assessment

"Dolores represents a moderate opportunity — investors can find reasonable returns in a niche market, but the combination of below-state-average occupancy and a below-average growth trend tempers expectations. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenue of $3,790 dwarfs the February low of $985, so cash-flow planning around the off-season is critical. The bright spot is occupancy stability, rated above average, which means the demand that does exist tends to be reliable rather than volatile. For investors comfortable with a seasonal, recreation-driven market and willing to optimize pricing and amenities, Dolores can deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns relative to its property costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Dolores

Average revenue by month in Dolores

Dolores shows strong seasonality, with July ($3,790) generating nearly four times the revenue of February ($985). The prime earning window stretches from May through September, and investors should budget carefully for the quieter November–February stretch when monthly revenue dips below $1,750.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Dolores

Supply is concentrated among one- and two-bedroom properties (9 each), with three-bedroom listings trailing at 6. The relatively even split means no single size dominates, though larger properties (4+ bedrooms) appear absent from the market entirely — a potential gap for investors looking to target group travel.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Dolores

ADR nearly triples from one-bedroom ($110) to three-bedroom ($300) listings, indicating a significant nightly rate premium for larger properties. The jump from two-bedroom ($152) to three-bedroom is especially steep, suggesting group-oriented guests are willing to pay substantially more for added space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Dolores

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $68 per available night, roughly double the $34 generated by one-bedroom units and nearly triple the $25 for two-bedrooms. This makes three-bedroom configurations the most efficient earners on a per-night basis when factoring in both rate and occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Dolores

One-bedroom listings lead with 31% occupancy, while two-bedroom units lag at just 17% and three-bedrooms sit at 23%. The lower occupancy for two-bedrooms may reflect pricing or positioning issues, and investors targeting that segment should consider competitive pricing strategies to improve fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Dolores

Three-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $2,373, outpacing two-bedrooms ($1,718) and one-bedrooms ($1,184) by meaningful margins. The roughly $650 monthly gap between two- and three-bedroom units highlights how the ADR premium on larger homes more than compensates for their slightly lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Dolores

Annual revenue ranges from $14,218 for one-bedroom units to $28,486 for three-bedroom properties, with two-bedrooms landing at $20,624. Three-bedroom listings offer the highest absolute return potential, though investors should weigh this against higher acquisition and maintenance costs to determine the best fit for their budget.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Dolores

Kitchen (100%) and parking (97%) are near-universal, reflecting the expectations of guests in a rural Colorado destination who plan to cook and drive. Outdoor amenities like backyards (75%), patios (75%), and BBQ grills (69%) are also highly prevalent, signaling that guests value outdoor living spaces — a must-have for any competitive listing in this market.

Understanding Dolores's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Dolores earns a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band. The score is buoyed by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio, though a below-average market growth trend and average supply/demand balance temper the overall outlook. Investors should pair these metrics with hands-on regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to determine whether Dolores fits their portfolio strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Dolores

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Dolores, CO should check with both the Town of Dolores and Montezuma County for any permit or registration requirements before listing a property. Colorado does not impose a statewide STR permit, so local rules vary and investors should verify current requirements directly with municipal authorities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Colorado towns can include occupancy limits per bedroom, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA covenants — particularly in planned developments — may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Colorado imposes state sales tax on short-term lodging, and Montezuma County may levy additional lodging or tourism taxes. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit state taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations and any required separate filings with the county.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Dolores is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the summer months, with July revenues roughly 3–4 times winter lows. ADR may edge up modestly in the 1–3% range as supply remains tight at just 32 listings, though occupancy is unlikely to shift dramatically given the market's rural character. Investors should plan cash reserves around the softer January–February period and expect the bulk of annual returns to come from the May–September stretch. The 205% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest, so early movers may benefit before supply catches up to demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Dolores, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dolores?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Dolores is currently 25%, which falls below the Colorado state average of 45%. One-bedroom properties lead the pack at 31% occupancy, while two-bedroom units trail at 17%. The market's rural, tourism-driven character means occupancy is heavily weighted toward summer months, so annual averages naturally sit lower than urban destinations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Dolores?

Airbnb hosts in Dolores earn an average of $2,112 per month and $25,348 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — three-bedroom listings average $28,486 annually, while one-bedroom units bring in roughly $14,218. Revenue peaks sharply in summer, with July averaging $3,790 per listing, so hosts should plan for leaner winter months.

Is Dolores a good market for Airbnb investment?

Dolores scores a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, though growth trends currently rate below average. With only 32 active listings, competition is low, but the seasonal nature of demand means investors should be prepared for significant revenue swings between summer and winter.

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

The average daily rate in Dolores is $224, which is well below the Colorado state average of $529. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: one-bedroom listings average $110, two-bedrooms command $152, and three-bedroom properties reach $300 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects the market's rural setting, but operating costs also tend to be lower outside major resort corridors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Dolores?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Dolores, though specific regulations may apply at the municipal and county level. Investors should verify permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable HOA rules with the Town of Dolores and Montezuma County before purchasing or listing a property. Regulations can change, so staying current with local ordinances is important.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Dolores?

Peak season in Dolores runs from June through September, with July representing the highest-earning month at an average of $3,790 in revenue. The shoulder months of May ($2,321) and October ($2,226) also perform well. Winter is the softest period — January and February average roughly $1,000 per listing — making dynamic pricing and minimum-stay strategies important for maintaining year-round cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Dolores?

There are currently 32 active Airbnb listings in Dolores as of April 2026. Supply is split fairly evenly between one-bedroom (9 listings), two-bedroom (9 listings), and three-bedroom (6 listings) properties. Notably, year-over-year listing growth is 205%, indicating rapidly growing investor interest in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Dolores?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Dolores 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 remainder 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 Dolores, CO market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings
• Home value benchmarks 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.