Estes Park, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

60 / 100

Estes Park offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Estes Park Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Estes Park sits at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, making it one of Colorado's most iconic vacation-rental destinations. With 651 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $54,728 and an ADR of $236—well below the $529 state average—the market offers an accessible entry point for investors targeting mountain-tourism demand. Occupancy currently sits at 25%, reflecting strong seasonality, but above-average occupancy stability suggests reliable repeat demand during peak months.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 651
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $529 state avg. $236
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 45% state avg. 25%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $59
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,560
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $54,728

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Estes Park

Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park delivers a steady stream of leisure travelers that underpins year-round—though highly seasonal—short-term rental demand.

Key investment factors

  • Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park drives millions of annual visitors and repeat bookings
  • Above-average occupancy stability provides more predictable cash flow than many resort markets
  • ADR of $236 is significantly below the Colorado state average, keeping acquisition expectations realistic
  • Larger properties (4–6+ bedrooms) command outsized RevPAN, rewarding investors who target group travel
  • Half of all listings feature hot tubs, signaling strong guest willingness to pay for premium mountain-cabin experiences

Expert Market Assessment

"Estes Park presents an attractive—though seasonally concentrated—opportunity for STR investors. The bulk of annual revenue is earned between June and September, when monthly earnings can exceed $6,000 and peak above $8,400 in July, while winter months pull down to the $2,000–$3,500 range. A 60-out-of-100 ROI score reflects solid demand fundamentals and above-average occupancy stability, tempered by average revenue-to-price ratios against a median home value above $1 million. Investors who right-size their acquisition cost and lean into larger, amenity-rich properties can meaningfully outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Estes Park's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Factor Estes Park Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Estes Park's ROI Score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply-demand dynamic. The revenue-to-price ratio is average—unsurprising given home values above $1 million—and below-average market growth trends suggest the rapid influx of new supply (168% YoY listing growth) could compress margins if it continues. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors determine whether specific properties pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Estes Park

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Estes Park and the State of Colorado generally require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property; investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the Town of Estes Park and the Larimer County planning department before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Colorado mountain communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, designated parking mandates, and potential HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also cap the total number of STR permits, so confirming availability early is important.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Colorado are typically subject to state sales tax, a state-level lodging or accommodations tax, and potentially local lodging taxes imposed by the Town of Estes Park. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm full compliance with the Colorado Department of Revenue.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Estes Park

Financing an Airbnb investment in Estes Park requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Estes Park Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Estes Park's heavy summer seasonality should continue to anchor host earnings, with July and August likely sustaining monthly revenues in the $7,500–$8,500 range. Shoulder-season months like May and October may see modest ADR growth of 1–3% as remote workers and fall-foliage visitors extend the booking window. However, below-average market growth trends and a 168% year-over-year increase in active listings signal that new supply could temper per-listing revenue gains. Investors should budget conservatively for the winter dip—February revenue historically bottoms near $2,041—and plan pricing strategies that capture every dollar during the June-through-September surge."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Estes Park, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Estes Park?
The current average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Estes Park is 25%, which falls below the Colorado state average of 45%. This lower figure reflects the market's pronounced seasonality—summer months drive heavy demand while winter sees significantly fewer bookings. Properties with standout amenities like hot tubs and larger bedroom counts tend to outperform this average, especially during peak season.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Estes Park?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Estes Park earn approximately $4,560 per month and $54,728 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies widely by property size: a 1-bedroom averages about $38,690 annually, while a 5-bedroom can bring in roughly $138,856. Peak-season months like July can push monthly revenue above $8,400, whereas February typically dips to around $2,041.
Is Estes Park a good market for Airbnb investment?
Estes Park earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 60 out of 100, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most visited parks in the country. That said, average home values exceed $1 million and the revenue-to-price ratio is average, so investors should carefully model cash flow—especially accounting for winter-month softness—to ensure the numbers work for their specific property and financing structure.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Estes Park?
The average daily rate in Estes Park is currently $236, which is well below the Colorado state average of $529. ADR scales significantly with property size—studios and 1-bedrooms average around $163–$166 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $364 and 6+ bedroom homes reach $910. This range means investors in larger properties can capture substantially higher nightly rates.
Are short-term rentals legal in Estes Park?
Short-term rentals do operate in Estes Park, with 651 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County may impose specific licensing, registration, and zoning requirements. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should consult local authorities directly to confirm current permit availability and any restrictions before purchasing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Estes Park?
Peak season in Estes Park runs from June through September, driven by visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park. July is the single strongest month, with average revenue reaching $8,424, followed by August at $7,781 and June at $6,518. Revenue drops sharply in winter, with February marking the low point at roughly $2,041. Smart pricing and minimum-stay strategies during the summer surge are critical to maximizing annual returns.
How many Airbnbs are there in Estes Park?
As of April 2026, there are 651 active Airbnb listings in Estes Park. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 211 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (167) and 3-bedrooms (149). Larger properties with 5 or more bedrooms are relatively scarce—only 28 listings combined—which may represent a competitive advantage for investors targeting the group-travel segment.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Estes Park?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Estes Park 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 results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks (like July's $8,424 average) and slower periods (like February's $2,041). 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 Estes Park market
  • Historical occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Supply distribution and popular amenity data across active listings
  • Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance through April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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