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

Elmira Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elmira, NY stands out as an affordable entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $201,870 — well below the state average — and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that helps stretch each investment dollar. The market currently hosts just 27 active Airbnb listings, keeping competition low, though occupancy at 26% trails the 40% New York state average. With average annual revenue of $17,992 and a 78% year-over-year growth in listings, Elmira is a small but emerging market where early movers may benefit from limited supply and rising traveler interest.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elmira 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 Elmira

Elmira's unusually low property costs relative to rental revenue create a compelling yield story for investors willing to operate in a small, seasonally driven market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elmira presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who prioritize affordability and favorable yield ratios over high absolute revenue. The market's ROI score of 69 out of 100 — classified as an Attractive Opportunity — is buoyed by its strong revenue-to-price performance, though average occupancy stability tempers the outlook. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks near $2,507 in average monthly revenue while January dips to roughly $807, meaning investors should budget for meaningful cash-flow swings. For those comfortable with a smaller, seasonal market and willing to optimize pricing and guest experience, Elmira offers a genuinely interesting entry point at a fraction of the cost of most New York markets."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elmira

Average revenue by month in Elmira

Elmira shows strong seasonality, with July ($2,507) and August ($2,297) driving peak revenue while January ($807) marks the low point — a spread of over 3x that investors should factor into cash-flow planning. October's $1,830 provides a welcome secondary bump that extends the earning season beyond the core summer months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elmira

Supply is remarkably balanced across property sizes, with 9 one-bedroom, 8 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom listings making up all 27 active properties. The even distribution means no single size category dominates, though the small total count leaves room for new entrants across all configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elmira

ADR increases modestly from $110 for 1-bedroom listings to $140 for 3-bedroom properties, a relatively narrow premium of just $30 per night for doubling the bedroom count. This suggests that larger properties may need to lean on higher occupancy or group bookings rather than rate premiums alone to justify additional acquisition costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elmira

One-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $36, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at $35, while 2-bedroom properties lag significantly at $21. The 2-bedroom gap likely reflects their notably low 16% occupancy rate, making 1- and 3-bedroom configurations more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elmira

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 33%, with 3-bedrooms at 26% and 2-bedrooms trailing at just 16%. The sharp underperformance of 2-bedroom properties relative to both smaller and larger alternatives is a notable pattern investors should weigh carefully when selecting property types.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elmira

Interestingly, 1-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $1,705 — outperforming both 2-bedrooms ($1,416) and 3-bedrooms ($1,501) — driven by their higher occupancy rates despite lower nightly rates. This makes smaller units a compelling option for investors seeking the best revenue-to-operating-cost ratio in Elmira.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elmira

On an annual basis, 1-bedroom properties top the market at $20,463, followed by 3-bedrooms at $18,018 and 2-bedrooms at $16,995. When paired with Elmira's low home values, 1-bedroom units appear to offer the most attractive return potential, though 3-bedrooms provide a solid middle ground with balanced rate and occupancy performance.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elmira

Kitchens and parking are virtually universal at 96%, with self check-in (89%) and a dedicated workspace (85%) close behind — signaling that Elmira guests expect practical, home-like conveniences rather than resort-style luxury. Premium amenities like hot tubs, pools, and gyms appear in only 4% of listings, suggesting that adding even one differentiating feature could help a property stand out significantly.

Understanding Elmira's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Elmira's ROI score of 69 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, anchored primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects the market's unusually affordable home values relative to STR income. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, meaning the market performs capably but isn't yet showing the demand depth of more established STR destinations. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to determine whether Elmira aligns with their risk tolerance and return expectations.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elmira

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Elmira, NY should verify whether a permit or registration is required with the City of Elmira and Chemung County before listing a property. New York State has its own compliance layers, so checking with both local and state authorities is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also review any HOA rules or zoning overlays that could limit STR activity in specific neighborhoods, as these can vary block by block.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New York are generally subject to state sales tax and any applicable local occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elmira's STR market is expected to continue expanding as listing growth momentum carries forward, though occupancy may face modest pressure if new supply outpaces demand. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain heavily concentrated in the summer months, with July revenues roughly three times January levels — investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. ADR could see incremental gains of 2–5% as the market matures and hosts refine their pricing strategies, while occupancy is likely to hover in the 24–30% range market-wide. The above-average market growth trend is encouraging, but the pace of new supply bears monitoring against still-developing demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elmira, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elmira?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Elmira is currently 26%, which is below the New York state average of 40%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings lead at 33%, while 2-bedroom properties average just 16%. Investors can potentially improve on these averages through competitive pricing, strong listing optimization, and offering in-demand amenities.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elmira?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Elmira earn approximately $1,499 per month or $17,992 per year based on trailing 12-month historical data. Revenue varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $20,463 annually, 2-bedroom properties bring in around $16,995, and 3-bedroom units earn about $18,018. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $2,500, while winter months may dip below $1,000.

Is Elmira a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elmira scores 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity tier. The market's strongest asset is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $201,870, investors can achieve meaningful yield relative to acquisition costs. The trade-off is lower absolute occupancy and pronounced seasonality, so it works best for investors who can manage cash flow through quieter winter months and who appreciate a low-competition environment with only 27 active listings.

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

The average daily rate in Elmira is $125, which is well below the New York state average of $381. ADR scales modestly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $110, 2-bedrooms come in at $134, and 3-bedroom properties command about $140 per night. The lower ADR reflects Elmira's position as a smaller, more affordable market rather than a luxury destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elmira?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Elmira, NY, but investors should verify current permit, registration, and zoning requirements with the City of Elmira and relevant Chemung County offices before listing a property. Regulations can change, so consulting local authorities and reviewing any HOA restrictions is a prudent step before making an investment.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elmira?

Peak season in Elmira runs from June through August, with July being the top-performing month at an average revenue of $2,507. August follows closely at $2,297, and June averages $1,989. The slowest months are January ($807) and December ($919), creating a roughly 3x spread between peak and off-peak revenue. October also shows a notable bump to $1,830, possibly driven by fall foliage and regional events.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elmira?

As of April 2026, there are 27 active Airbnb listings in Elmira. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes — 9 one-bedroom listings, 8 two-bedroom listings, and 7 three-bedroom listings. The market has seen significant growth with a 78% year-over-year increase in active listings, suggesting growing host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elmira?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elmira 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 up the results 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 draws on its own historical performance window. Individual results can vary meaningfully 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations and tax requirements change frequently — investors should independently verify compliance obligations before purchasing or operating a short-term rental.