Dover, DE Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Dover Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Dover, DE is a compact short-term rental market with just 57 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $14,515 per property. The market's ADR of $118 sits well below Delaware's $342 state average, and occupancy runs at 27% versus 32% statewide — signaling a market where hosts face softer demand and pricing pressure. Still, low competition and the state capital's steady flow of government, military, and event-related travelers may offer niche opportunities for cost-conscious investors willing to operate lean.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Dover

Dover offers an ultra-low-competition STR market with affordable entry points, though modest occupancy and revenue figures mean investors need to pencil in realistic returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Dover presents a modest STR opportunity best suited for investors seeking low-barrier entry rather than high-yield returns. Revenue peaks sharply in June and July — with average monthly earnings reaching $2,194 and $2,179 respectively — before dropping to as low as $487 in January, underscoring heavy seasonality. The small listing pool and affordable acquisition costs work in an investor's favor, but the 27% occupancy rate and $14,515 average annual revenue suggest this market rewards disciplined operators who keep expenses tight and target the right guest segments rather than investors expecting passive, high-margin income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Dover

Average revenue by month in Dover

Dover's revenue swings dramatically with the seasons — June leads at $2,194 and July follows closely at $2,179, while January bottoms out at just $487. This roughly 4.5x gap between peak and trough months means investors should budget for lean winters and capitalize on the May-through-August window that generates the bulk of annual income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Dover

One-bedroom units dominate Dover's supply at 39 of 57 total listings (68%), while two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties account for only 6 and 7 listings respectively. The scarcity of larger units could represent a supply gap worth exploring, particularly given that multi-bedroom properties command significantly higher revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Dover

ADR nearly triples from $85 for one-bedroom listings to $242 for three-bedroom properties, with two-bedrooms sitting at $145. The steep pricing premium on larger units suggests guests are willing to pay substantially more for extra space, making the jump from one to two or three bedrooms an attractive lever for revenue growth.

Average RevPAN by property size in Dover

RevPAN climbs from $25 for one-bedroom properties to $38 for two-bedrooms and $44 for three-bedrooms, confirming that larger units generate better per-night revenue even after factoring in their lower occupancy. The $44 RevPAN for three-bedroom listings represents a 76% premium over one-bedroom units, reinforcing the case for investing in bigger configurations.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Dover

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 30%, followed by two-bedrooms at 26% and three-bedrooms at 18%. While smaller units fill more consistently, all property sizes sit well below 50% occupancy — a market-wide dynamic that investors should factor into revenue projections and operating cost planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Dover

Three-bedroom properties earn $2,262 per month on average — more than three times the $680 that one-bedroom units generate, with two-bedrooms landing at $1,372. Despite lower occupancy, the premium ADR on larger homes more than compensates, making them the clear monthly revenue leaders in Dover.

Average annual revenue by property size in Dover

Annual revenue ranges from $8,165 for one-bedroom listings to $27,155 for three-bedroom properties, with two-bedrooms at $16,469. Three-bedroom units deliver over 3.3x the annual revenue of one-bedrooms, making them the strongest revenue play — though investors should weigh this against higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Dover

Parking tops the amenity list at 98% of listings, reflecting Dover's car-dependent layout, while dedicated workspaces (88%) and self check-in (75%) signal a guest base that values convenience and flexibility. Premium amenities like pools (7%) and hot tubs (5%) remain rare, suggesting an opportunity for differentiation in an otherwise utilitarian market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Dover

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

Permit Requirements

Dover, Delaware may require short-term rental hosts to obtain permits or register with the city before operating. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Dover and the State of Delaware, as STR rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Dover can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Checking for any permit caps or zoning limitations specific to your property's location is essential before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Delaware are generally subject to state lodging taxes and potentially local occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or the Delaware Division of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Dover's STR market is likely to follow its established seasonal pattern, with summer months (June and July) driving the lion's share of revenue and the November-through-February window remaining slow. Investors can expect occupancy to hover in the mid-to-upper 20% range on a trailing basis, with modest ADR movement — perhaps 1–3% — given limited demand catalysts. Properties that capture group travel around Dover International Speedway events and state government activity should outperform the market average, but overall growth estimates remain conservative."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Dover, DE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dover?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Dover, DE is currently 27%, which falls below the Delaware state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size — one-bedroom units lead at 30%, while three-bedroom properties average just 18%. Seasonality plays a significant role, with summer months seeing notably higher booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Dover?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Dover earn approximately $1,209 per month and $14,515 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average $8,165 annually, two-bedrooms come in around $16,469, and three-bedroom properties top the market at roughly $27,155 per year. Peak months like June can push monthly earnings above $2,100.

Is Dover a good market for Airbnb investment?

Dover is a niche STR market with relatively low competition — only 57 active listings — and affordable property prices compared to Delaware's coastal areas. However, the 27% average occupancy rate and $14,515 average annual revenue suggest returns are modest. Investors who can keep operating costs low and capture demand from government travelers, military personnel near Dover Air Force Base, and Speedway event attendees may find workable returns, especially with larger properties.

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

The average daily rate in Dover is $118, significantly below Delaware's statewide average of $342. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $85, two-bedrooms reach $145, and three-bedroom properties command $242 per night. These rates reflect Dover's positioning as a budget-friendly, mid-market destination rather than a premium vacation spot.

Are short-term rentals legal in Dover?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Dover, DE, but hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax collection requirements. Because STR rules evolve, investors should confirm current legality and compliance steps directly with the City of Dover and the State of Delaware before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Dover?

Peak season in Dover runs from May through August, with June being the highest-earning month at an average of $2,194 in revenue, closely followed by July at $2,179. The slowest period spans January and February, when monthly revenue drops to $487 and $560 respectively. This roughly 4.5x spread between peak and off-peak months means investors should plan cash reserves to cover the leaner winter months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Dover?

As of April 2026, there are 57 active Airbnb listings in Dover, DE. The supply is heavily weighted toward one-bedroom properties, which account for 39 of the 57 listings. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom units make up just 6 and 7 listings respectively, suggesting potential opportunity for larger properties in an underserved segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Dover?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Dover 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the numbers 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 how actively the listing is managed.

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 Dover, DE market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and amenity prevalence across active listings
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and combined for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics 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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.