Dorset, VT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Dorset Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Dorset, VT is a small, premium short-term rental market where just 23 active listings command an average daily rate of $449—nearly in line with the Vermont state average. With average annual revenue of $50,386 and home values averaging $1,273,187, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, making selective deal sourcing essential. The market's strong seasonal swings and 117% year-over-year listing growth signal rising investor interest in this picturesque southern Vermont destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Dorset 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 Dorset

Investors are drawn to Dorset for its premium nightly rates and proximity to Vermont's year-round outdoor recreation, though high home values demand careful underwriting to achieve attractive yields.

Expert Market Assessment

"Dorset represents a competitive opportunity where high nightly rates offset below-average occupancy, but the steep average home price of $1,273,187 compresses overall yield. The market exhibits pronounced seasonality—February peaks near $6,802 in average monthly revenue while April dips to just $1,450—meaning investors need to budget for meaningful cash-flow variability throughout the year. Larger properties, particularly 4-bedroom homes, deliver the strongest absolute revenue and may justify the higher acquisition costs. Careful property selection and a pricing strategy tuned to Dorset's dual winter and summer peaks will separate profitable investments from marginal ones."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Dorset

Average revenue by month in Dorset

Dorset's revenue cycle reveals two clear peaks—February at $6,802 and August at $6,059—bookended by a deep spring trough where April drops to just $1,450. The nearly 5x spread between the highest and lowest months underscores the importance of a pricing strategy that maximizes winter and summer demand to carry leaner shoulder seasons.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Dorset

Supply is evenly distributed among the reported sizes, with 5 listings each for 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom properties. The absence of 2-bedroom listings in the data could signal an underserved niche that investors might explore to differentiate from existing inventory.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Dorset

ADR scales sharply with size: 1-bedroom listings average $180 per night while 4-bedroom properties command $486, a 2.7x premium. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($325) to 4-bedrooms ($486) is especially steep, suggesting guests are willing to pay a significant premium for the extra space and group-hosting capacity.

Average RevPAN by property size in Dorset

Three-bedroom listings lead in RevPAN at $160 per available night, narrowly edging out 4-bedrooms at $155, while 1-bedrooms trail at $74. The near-parity between 3- and 4-bedroom RevPAN—despite the large ADR gap—reflects the notably higher occupancy that 3-bedroom properties achieve.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Dorset

Three-bedroom properties fill 49% of available nights, substantially outpacing 1-bedrooms at 41% and 4-bedrooms at 32%. The lower occupancy for larger homes suggests they may rely more heavily on peak-season bookings, which could affect cash-flow consistency for investors targeting that segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Dorset

Four-bedroom properties dominate monthly earnings at $5,715, nearly double the $3,170 that 3-bedroom listings generate and well above the $2,355 for 1-bedrooms. For investors seeking the highest gross income, larger properties clearly outperform, though the higher acquisition and operating costs should be factored in.

Average annual revenue by property size in Dorset

At $68,584 per year, 4-bedroom listings generate roughly 80% more revenue than 3-bedrooms ($38,050) and nearly 2.4 times what 1-bedroom units earn ($28,268). Given Dorset's high average home values, the 4-bedroom tier offers the strongest absolute revenue to help offset premium acquisition costs, though investors should verify that individual property prices support an acceptable yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Dorset

Parking is universal (100%) and kitchens are nearly so (96%), reflecting Dorset's car-dependent, self-catering vacation market. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards and BBQ grills (both 83%) rank high, while premium differentiators like hot tubs (9%) and pools (4%) are rare—presenting a potential competitive edge for listings that offer them.

Understanding Dorset's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Dorset's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, where genuine demand and premium pricing exist but elevated home prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio below average. Occupancy stability and market growth both register as average, indicating a market that isn't deteriorating but also isn't delivering outsized gains without careful property selection. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and conservative underwriting to identify deals that can outperform the market-level averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Dorset

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

Permit Requirements

Dorset, Vermont may require short-term rental registration or permits depending on local zoning ordinances and Vermont's statewide lodging regulations. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Dorset and the Vermont Department of Taxes before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Vermont's small-town STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA covenants that limit rental activity. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of permits issued or restrict non-owner-occupied rentals, so it's worth reviewing local bylaws carefully.

Tax Obligations

Vermont imposes a 9% meals and rooms tax on short-term rentals, and hosts should confirm whether any additional local taxes apply in Dorset. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts, but it's prudent to verify compliance with the Vermont Department of Taxes.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Dorset's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest remains elevated, though the small absolute listing count (23) means new entrants can shift dynamics quickly. Seasonal patterns suggest winter ski season and late-summer foliage months will continue driving the bulk of revenue, with ADR holding steady in the $440–$460 range. Occupancy, currently at 36% versus the 51% state average, may face modest downward pressure if supply growth outpaces demand, so investors should plan conservatively for occupancy in the 33–38% range. Targeting peak-season bookings and premium property configurations will be key to maximizing returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Dorset, VT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dorset?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dorset, VT is currently 36%, which sits below the Vermont state average of 51%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—3-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 49%, while 4-bedroom properties sit at 32%. The lower market-wide figure reflects Dorset's pronounced seasonality, with demand concentrated in winter and late summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Dorset?

Airbnb hosts in Dorset earn an average of $4,198 per month and approximately $50,386 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $28,268 annually, 3-bedrooms bring in around $38,050, and 4-bedroom properties lead with $68,584 per year. Peak earning months like February can see averages above $6,800, while slower months like April may drop to around $1,450.

Is Dorset a good market for Airbnb investment?

Dorset scores 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, indicating a competitive opportunity where strong demand and premium pricing exist alongside high property costs. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio means investors need to be selective in their deal sourcing to achieve attractive returns. The market's dual-season appeal (winter skiing and summer/fall recreation) and a high average daily rate of $449 are positives, but the 36% occupancy rate and $1.27M average home value require careful underwriting.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Dorset is $449, nearly matching the Vermont state average of $452. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $180 per night, 3-bedrooms command $325, and 4-bedroom properties reach $486 per night. These premium rates reflect the upscale nature of Dorset's vacation rental market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Dorset?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Dorset, VT, though hosts may need to comply with local zoning requirements and Vermont's statewide lodging regulations, including meals and rooms tax registration. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should contact the Town of Dorset and the Vermont Department of Taxes directly to confirm current permit requirements and any applicable restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Dorset?

Dorset experiences two distinct peak periods. The winter months of January, February, and December see the highest revenues—February leads at $6,802 in average monthly revenue, likely driven by ski season demand. Late summer is the second peak, with August averaging $6,059. The slowest period runs from April through June, with April bottoming out at just $1,450, reflecting the classic Vermont 'mud season' lull.

How many Airbnbs are there in Dorset?

As of April 2026, there are 23 active Airbnb listings in Dorset, VT. Supply is evenly split among the reported property sizes, with 5 one-bedroom, 5 three-bedroom, and 5 four-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth of 117% indicates the market is attracting significant new investor interest, though the overall supply remains quite small.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Dorset?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Dorset 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Dorset, VT market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.