Elkton, MD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Elkton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elkton, MD is a compact short-term rental market with just 24 active Airbnb listings and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, making it an intriguing option for investors seeking affordable entry points relative to earning potential. With an average annual revenue of $37,456 against average home values of $519,821, the market offers a 67/100 ROI score — squarely in "Attractive Opportunity" territory. The small supply base and strong summer seasonality suggest a niche market where well-positioned properties can capture meaningful returns, particularly during the May–August peak window.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elkton 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 Elkton

Elkton appeals to investors looking for an affordable entry point in Maryland with above-average revenue relative to property costs and a supply base that hasn't yet crowded out returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elkton represents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to lean into its pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings sharply between winter lows (February at $1,149) and summer highs (August at $5,571), so cash-flow planning around off-peak months is essential. The above-average supply/demand balance and strong revenue-to-price ratio are clear positives, though the below-average market growth trend warrants monitoring — particularly as listing counts have surged 153% year over year. Investors who pair a well-amenitized 3-bedroom property with competitive pricing during shoulder months stand to maximize returns in this small but promising market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elkton

Average revenue by month in Elkton

Elkton displays strong seasonality, with revenue peaking in August at $5,571 and bottoming out in February at $1,149 — a nearly 5x spread. The May through August window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making summer marketing and pricing strategy critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elkton

The market's 24 listings are concentrated in two sizes: 1-bedrooms (8 listings) and 3-bedrooms (9 listings), with no 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, or 5-bedroom options visible in the data. This gap in supply could represent an opportunity for investors considering mid-size or larger properties that are currently underrepresented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elkton

ADR jumps dramatically from $99 for 1-bedroom units to $269 for 3-bedroom properties, a 172% premium that reflects the value guests place on additional space. The 3-bedroom rate still sits below the market-wide $316 average, suggesting some higher-end or unique properties in the area push the overall average up.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elkton

Three-bedroom listings deliver $58 in RevPAN compared to $27 for 1-bedrooms, making larger properties more than twice as efficient at generating revenue per available night. This gap makes a compelling case for investors to prioritize 3-bedroom configurations despite their lower occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elkton

One-bedroom listings lead with a 28% occupancy rate versus 22% for 3-bedrooms, though both fall below the state average of 35%. The higher fill rate for smaller units suggests more consistent demand at lower price points, but the revenue math still favors 3-bedroom properties due to their significantly higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elkton

Three-bedroom properties generate $3,524 per month on average — nearly three times the $1,185 earned by 1-bedroom units. For investors focused on monthly cash flow, the larger property size clearly delivers more meaningful income despite requiring a bigger upfront investment.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elkton

At $42,289 annually, 3-bedroom listings earn roughly triple what 1-bedroom units bring in at $14,224. Investors targeting the strongest absolute return potential should lean toward 3-bedroom configurations, though 1-bedrooms may still work for those seeking a lower-cost entry point with more modest but steadier bookings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elkton

Parking and kitchen access are universal (100%) across Elkton listings, while outdoor amenities dominate — 88% offer outdoor furniture and a backyard, and 83% include a patio or balcony. The prevalence of outdoor space and features like BBQ grills (67%) and waterfront access (38%) signals a market driven by leisure travelers who expect a home-like, nature-oriented experience.

Understanding Elkton's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Elkton's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the most heavily weighted factor at 40% — and a favorable supply/demand balance. Occupancy stability scores as average, while the market growth trend registers below average, reflecting the rapid 153% surge in new listings that could temper future returns if supply continues to expand. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and on-the-ground property analysis to validate the opportunity before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elkton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Elkton, MD may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities in Cecil County and the state of Maryland. Investors should verify current STR licensing requirements directly with the Town of Elkton and the Maryland Department of Commerce before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Maryland communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Permit caps and zoning restrictions are also possible, so it's important to review local ordinances specific to the property's location.

Tax Obligations

Maryland imposes state sales and use tax as well as local hotel/occupancy taxes on short-term rental income, and Cecil County may have additional lodging tax requirements. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elkton's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the summer months, with July and August historically generating the strongest revenue. While the 153% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, the market's favorable supply/demand balance suggests there is still room before saturation becomes a concern. Investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering around 22–28% depending on property size, with potential for modest ADR increases in the 2–4% range as the market matures and operators refine their pricing strategies."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elkton, MD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elkton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Elkton is currently 24%, which falls below Maryland's state average of 35%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 28% and 3-bedroom listings averaging 22%. The lower occupancy for larger properties is offset by significantly higher daily rates and overall revenue.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elkton?

Airbnb hosts in Elkton earn an average of $3,121 per month, which works out to approximately $37,456 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary considerably by property size — 1-bedroom units average around $14,224 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $42,289 per year. Peak summer months like July and August can generate over $5,500 in monthly revenue.

Is Elkton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elkton scores a 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 24 active listings competing for bookings. Investors should be aware of the strong seasonality — summer months significantly outperform winter — and factor that into cash-flow projections. Overall, the relatively affordable entry point compared to other Maryland markets makes it worth serious consideration.

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

The average daily rate in Elkton is $316, which is below Maryland's state average of $368. Rates vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $99 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $269 per night. The overall market average is pulled upward by larger or premium properties in the area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elkton?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Elkton, MD, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and registration requirements. Regulations can vary at the municipal and county level, so prospective hosts should check directly with the Town of Elkton and Cecil County for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elkton?

Peak season in Elkton runs from May through August, with July and August being the strongest months. August tops the chart at $5,571 in average monthly revenue, closely followed by July at $5,550. The shoulder months of September and October still perform reasonably well, while February marks the lowest point at $1,149.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elkton?

As of April 2026, there are 24 active Airbnb listings in Elkton. The supply is concentrated in two property sizes: 8 listings are 1-bedroom units and 9 are 3-bedroom properties. Notably, listing counts have grown 153% year over year, indicating rising investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elkton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elkton 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 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 for the Elkton, MD market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night trends
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and 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 historical averages and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.