Donnelly, ID Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

31 / 100

Donnelly appears higher risk based on current data and may require deeper, property-specific diligence to find compelling opportunities.

Donnelly Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Donnelly, ID is a small mountain-and-lake community with 144 active Airbnb listings where the average daily rate of $355 exceeds the Idaho state average by roughly 28%. However, a 40% occupancy rate and average annual revenue of $33,291 against home values averaging $1,271,378 create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio. The market's 127% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, though the current fundamentals suggest careful, property-specific analysis is essential before committing capital.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Donnelly short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 144
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $277 state avg. $355
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 41% state avg. 40%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $141
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,774
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $33,291

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Donnelly

Investors are drawn to Donnelly for its scenic mountain-lake setting and premium nightly rates, though weak occupancy and high home prices demand selective, property-specific underwriting.

Key investment factors

  • ADR of $355 significantly outpaces the $277 Idaho state average, reflecting strong willingness-to-pay among guests
  • Lake access and outdoor recreation create dual summer and winter demand peaks
  • Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) can generate $48K–$116K annually, offering a path to viable returns on higher-value homes
  • Nearly half of listings offer lake access and over half feature hot tubs, signaling a vacation-oriented guest base willing to pay premiums for the right amenities
  • Rapid supply growth (127% YoY) warrants caution — investors who differentiate on quality and amenities may outperform the market average

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 31 out of 100, Donnelly currently presents limited investment potential on a market-wide basis. The core challenge is a revenue-to-price mismatch: average annual revenue of $33,291 against home values north of $1.27 million yields thin returns for a typical listing. Seasonality is steep — July peaks near $6,019 per month while April dips to just $902 — so cash-flow planning must account for several lean months. That said, investors who target larger, well-appointed properties and manage pricing aggressively through summer and ski season may find pockets of opportunity that outperform the market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Donnelly's ROI Score: 31/100

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

Factor Donnelly Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Below average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Donnelly's ROI score of 31 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — average annual revenue of $33,291 against home values exceeding $1.27 million — and below-average occupancy stability. While market growth trend scores average, the rapid 127% increase in supply without proportional demand gains has pushed the supply/demand balance below average as well. Investors interested in this market should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property-specific opportunities, particularly larger homes, that can outperform the market-level averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Donnelly

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Donnelly, Idaho may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city or Valley County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Donnelly's city office and Valley County planning department, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Idaho communities like Donnelly can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking standards, and restrictions imposed by HOAs or covenants. Some areas may also cap the number of permits issued, so prospective hosts should confirm whether any such limitations apply to their intended property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Idaho are generally subject to state sales tax and local lodging or resort city taxes, which platforms like Airbnb may collect and remit on your behalf. It's important to verify whether Donnelly or Valley County imposes any additional local occupancy taxes beyond the state-level obligations.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Donnelly

Financing an Airbnb investment in Donnelly requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Donnelly Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Donnelly's pronounced seasonality — with July revenues roughly six times higher than April — will likely remain the defining characteristic of this market. The rapid 127% growth in active listings could put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if demand doesn't keep pace, so investors should plan conservatively for occupancy in the 38–42% range. Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) that cater to group and family travel may see modest ADR gains of 1–3%, particularly during summer and winter holiday peaks, but off-season softness will continue to weigh on annualized returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Donnelly, ID

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Donnelly?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Donnelly is currently 40%, which is roughly in line with the Idaho state average of 41%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 5-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 47% and 6+ bedroom and 1-bedroom properties hovering around 34–35%. Seasonal demand swings play a significant role, so individual results will depend heavily on how well a property captures summer and winter peak bookings.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Donnelly?
Based on trailing 12-month data, Airbnb hosts in Donnelly earn an average of $2,774 per month or roughly $33,291 per year. Revenue varies widely by property size — 6+ bedroom properties average $9,642 per month ($115,709 annually), while 1–3 bedroom units typically generate between $2,132 and $2,310 per month. Peak summer months like July can bring in over $6,000, but slower periods such as April may yield under $1,000.
Is Donnelly a good market for Airbnb investment?
Donnelly carries an ROI score of 31 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential on a broad market level. The primary headwind is the gap between high property values (averaging $1,271,378) and moderate annual revenues. However, larger properties — particularly 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom homes — generate significantly higher returns and may pencil out for investors who can acquire at the right price and manage seasonality effectively. Deep, property-specific diligence is recommended.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Donnelly?
The average daily rate in Donnelly is $355, which is about 28% higher than the Idaho state average of $277. ADR scales steeply with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $244 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $905. Four- and five-bedroom homes offer a solid middle ground at $473 and $523 respectively, making them worth evaluating for investors seeking a balance between acquisition cost and nightly rate.
Are short-term rentals legal in Donnelly?
Short-term rentals operate in Donnelly, as evidenced by 144 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need to secure permits or registrations from the City of Donnelly or Valley County. We recommend contacting local government offices directly and reviewing any applicable HOA or covenant restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Donnelly?
Peak season in Donnelly centers on summer, with July leading at an average of $6,019 in monthly revenue followed by August at $5,182. A secondary winter peak occurs in January ($3,085) and February ($3,008), likely driven by ski and snow recreation. The slowest month is April at just $902, making spring the clear off-season. Investors should build financial plans that account for this pronounced seasonal swing.
How many Airbnbs are there in Donnelly?
There are currently 144 active Airbnb listings in Donnelly. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 57 listings, followed by 4-bedroom (28) and 2-bedroom (24) homes. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 127% year over year, which means competition is intensifying and differentiation through amenities, design, and pricing strategy is increasingly important.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Donnelly?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Donnelly 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, seasonal peaks and slower months are naturally reflected in the figures. 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 Donnelly, ID market
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
  • Home value data 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 performance as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Donnelly's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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