Dunkirk, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Dunkirk Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Dunkirk, NY stands out as a compelling small-market opportunity for short-term rental investors, earning an ROI score of 83 out of 100. With average home values around $203,372 and annual revenue averaging $38,136, the revenue-to-price ratio lands well above average — a rare combination in New York State. The market's lakeside appeal drives strong summer demand, and with only 18 active Airbnb listings, competition remains limited for now.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Dunkirk 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 Dunkirk

Dunkirk's unusually strong revenue-to-price ratio combined with limited supply and lakefront tourism appeal make it a market worth serious consideration for STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 83 — classified as a Standout Opportunity — Dunkirk presents a strong investment case driven primarily by its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability. Seasonality is the defining feature here: August tops out near $7,870 in average monthly revenue while January dips to roughly $1,017, so investors need to plan cash flow around a compressed earning season. The small listing count (just 18 active properties) suggests this market hasn't been saturated, though the 39% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest. For those comfortable with a seasonal profile, the combination of affordable entry prices and meaningful summer earnings creates genuine return potential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Dunkirk

Average revenue by month in Dunkirk

Dunkirk's revenue is heavily seasonal, with August peaking at $7,870 and January bottoming out at $1,017 — a nearly 8x spread. The summer months of June through August account for the bulk of annual earnings, while the November-through-March stretch sees revenues below $2,400, making strategic pricing and expense management during the off-season critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Dunkirk

The market's 18 listings split between 2-bedroom (9 listings) and 3-bedroom (6 listings) properties, with no other sizes currently represented. This narrow supply distribution could signal opportunity for investors willing to offer differentiated property sizes like studios, 1-bedrooms, or larger 4+ bedroom homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Dunkirk

Three-bedroom properties command $245 per night compared to $141 for two-bedroom units, representing a 74% ADR premium. This significant pricing step-up suggests guests are willing to pay considerably more for the extra space, though investors should weigh the higher acquisition and maintenance costs of larger properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Dunkirk

Two-bedroom units edge out three-bedroom properties on RevPAN at $49 versus $43, driven by their higher occupancy rates offsetting their lower nightly rates. For investors focused on consistent per-night yield rather than headline ADR, the 2-bedroom configuration currently delivers stronger efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Dunkirk

Two-bedroom properties maintain a 35% occupancy rate — nearly double the 18% rate for three-bedroom listings. This significant gap suggests that while 3-bedroom units earn more per booking, they sit vacant far more often, which has important implications for cash-flow predictability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Dunkirk

Three-bedroom properties generate $3,287 per month on average compared to $2,781 for two-bedroom units, a $506 monthly difference. Despite lower occupancy, the substantially higher ADR of 3-bedroom listings more than compensates on a revenue basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Dunkirk

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties earn approximately $39,446 versus $33,380 for 2-bedroom units, a difference of about $6,000. However, when factoring in typically higher purchase prices and operating costs for larger homes, investors should run unit-level ROI calculations to determine which size best fits their return targets.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Dunkirk

Parking and kitchen access are universal (100%) among Dunkirk listings, while backyard, washer, self check-in, and dryer each appear in 89% of properties. The high prevalence of lake access (72%) and beach access (56%) underscores that waterfront proximity is a key demand driver — investors without these features may need to differentiate through other amenities or pricing.

Understanding Dunkirk's ROI Score: 83/100

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

Dunkirk's ROI score of 83 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, suggesting the market is maturing but not yet oversaturated. Investors should pair these promising metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Dunkirk

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Dunkirk, NY may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Dunkirk and Chautauqua County before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in New York municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA rules may add additional constraints, and some areas impose caps on the number of permits issued — it's worth confirming whether any such restrictions apply in Dunkirk specifically.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New York are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional, as county-level tourism taxes may also apply.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Dunkirk's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer seasonality, with peak monthly revenues likely holding in the $7,000–$8,000 range during July and August. Active listings grew 39% year-over-year, so investors should monitor whether new supply begins to compress occupancy rates. ADR may see modest increases of 2–5% as the market matures, though winter months will likely remain soft with revenues closer to $1,000–$1,400. Overall, the favorable revenue-to-price dynamics suggest continued opportunity, particularly for operators who optimize pricing around the peak season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Dunkirk, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dunkirk?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Dunkirk is currently 30%, which falls below the New York state average of 40%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — summer months see significantly higher booking activity, while winter occupancy drops considerably. Investors who price dynamically and maintain attractive listings can potentially exceed this average during peak periods.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Dunkirk?

Airbnb hosts in Dunkirk earn an average of $3,178 per month and approximately $38,136 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies dramatically by season, with August averaging around $7,870 and January closer to $1,017. Three-bedroom properties tend to earn more on an annual basis at roughly $39,446 compared to $33,380 for two-bedroom units.

Is Dunkirk a good market for Airbnb investment?

Dunkirk scores 83 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Standout Opportunity category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values sit near $203,372 while annual STR revenue averages $38,136. With limited competition (only 18 active listings) and strong summer demand tied to Lake Erie tourism, it's a market that rewards investors who can manage seasonal cash-flow cycles.

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

The average daily rate in Dunkirk is $193, which is roughly half the New York state average of $381. Two-bedroom properties average $141 per night, while three-bedroom units command $245. While the ADR is modest compared to major metro markets, it pairs with affordable home prices to produce attractive yield metrics.

Are short-term rentals legal in Dunkirk?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Dunkirk, NY, though operators may need to obtain local permits or registrations. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Dunkirk and Chautauqua County for the latest requirements regarding STR permits, zoning, and any applicable restrictions.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Dunkirk?

Peak season in Dunkirk runs from June through August, with July and August being the strongest months. August leads with average monthly revenue of $7,870, followed by July at $7,233. Revenue begins climbing in May ($2,702) and tapers through the fall, with the quietest months from January through March averaging between $1,017 and $1,183.

How many Airbnbs are there in Dunkirk?

As of April 2026, there are 18 active Airbnb listings in Dunkirk. This represents a 39% increase year-over-year, indicating growing investor interest in the market. The small supply base means individual properties can still capture meaningful market share, though continued growth may eventually impact occupancy rates.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Dunkirk?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Dunkirk 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. 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 data. 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, occupancy rates, and pricing data for Dunkirk, NY
• Average daily rate, monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) and occupancy breakdowns by property size
• Property value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled from Rabbu proprietary analytics and multiple third-party providers for consistency

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, zoning rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.