Fenwick Island, DE Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fenwick Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fenwick Island is a small Delaware beach community with just 9 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $527—well above the $342 state average. While occupancy sits at 27% annually (below the state's 32%), the market's extreme summer seasonality drives average annual revenue to $48,370 per listing. The limited supply and premium nightly rates suggest a niche, vacation-driven market where the right property can perform well during peak months.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Fenwick Island

Fenwick Island attracts investors looking for a low-competition coastal market where premium nightly rates and seasonal beach demand can generate meaningful returns despite limited year-round occupancy.

Expert Market Assessment

"With only 9 active listings and a high ADR of $527, Fenwick Island represents a micro-market with limited but concentrated opportunity. The seasonal revenue swing is dramatic—August averages $12,329 per listing compared to just $668 in January—making this a market where cash-flow planning around off-peak months is essential. For investors comfortable with highly seasonal income and a beach-focused rental strategy, the combination of minimal competition and premium pricing creates a viable niche. The overall opportunity level is moderate, best suited for those who can maximize the June-through-September window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fenwick Island

Average revenue by month in Fenwick Island

Revenue in Fenwick Island follows an extreme seasonal curve, with August ($12,329) and July ($11,974) generating roughly 18 times the revenue of January ($668). The four-month stretch from June through September accounts for the vast majority of annual earnings, making summer optimization critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fenwick Island

Property size breakdowns are not available for this market due to the very small sample of only 9 active listings. Investors should research individual listing types directly to understand the competitive landscape.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fenwick Island

ADR data by property size is not currently available for Fenwick Island given the limited number of active listings. The overall market ADR of $527 suggests premium pricing is achievable across property types during peak season.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fenwick Island

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are not available for this micro-market. The overall RevPAN of $142 reflects the impact of low off-season occupancy dragging down what is otherwise a high-ADR market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fenwick Island

Occupancy data by property size is unavailable due to the small listing count. The market-wide 27% average occupancy underscores the seasonal nature of demand, with most bookings concentrated in the summer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fenwick Island

Monthly revenue breakdowns by property size are not available for Fenwick Island. With an overall average of $4,030 per month, investors should note that this figure masks significant month-to-month variation driven by summer beach demand.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fenwick Island

Annual revenue data by bedroom count is not available for this market. The market-wide average of $48,370 per year provides a useful baseline, though performance for larger beachfront properties may exceed this figure substantially.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fenwick Island

Every listing in Fenwick Island offers a kitchen (100%), and washer/dryer combos are nearly universal at 89%, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient vacation stays. Outdoor-focused amenities like patio or balcony (67%), outdoor furniture (67%), and BBQ grills (44%) are common, signaling that beach-lifestyle features are important differentiators in this coastal market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fenwick Island

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Fenwick Island, Delaware may need to obtain a rental license or register with the town before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Town of Fenwick Island and Sussex County authorities, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Delaware communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (especially during peak summer weeks), noise ordinances, parking limitations for beach properties, and potential HOA restrictions in certain neighborhoods. Investors should confirm whether any permit caps or zoning overlays apply before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Delaware does not levy a state sales tax, but short-term rental hosts are typically subject to a state accommodations tax and may owe local lodging taxes in Sussex County. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, though hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fenwick Island's short-term rental performance is expected to remain heavily tied to the summer beach season, with July and August continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. ADR may hold steady or edge up modestly given the tiny supply of just 9 listings and consistent coastal demand, though occupancy during off-peak months will likely stay in the low single digits. Investors should plan for revenue to be concentrated in a roughly four-month window from June through September, building cash reserves to cover quieter months. Estimates suggest annual revenue could remain in the $45,000–$52,000 range, assuming no significant changes in supply or local regulations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fenwick Island, DE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fenwick Island?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fenwick Island is currently 27%, which falls below the Delaware state average of 32%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality—occupancy surges during summer beach months and drops significantly in the off-season. Investors should expect most booked nights to concentrate between June and September.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fenwick Island?

Based on trailing 12-month data, Airbnb hosts in Fenwick Island earn an average of $4,030 per month and approximately $48,370 per year. However, revenue is heavily seasonal: August leads at $12,329 per listing, while winter months like January average just $668. Actual earnings depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well hosts capture peak-season demand.

Is Fenwick Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fenwick Island can be a solid fit for investors seeking a low-competition coastal market with premium nightly rates. The ADR of $527 is well above the state average, and with only 9 active listings, there's limited direct competition. The main consideration is the pronounced seasonality—most revenue is earned in a four-month summer window, so investors need a financial plan that accounts for slower off-peak months.

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

The average daily rate in Fenwick Island is $527, which is approximately 54% higher than the Delaware state average of $342. This premium reflects the market's appeal as a beach destination where guests are willing to pay more for vacation-quality accommodations during the summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fenwick Island?

Short-term rentals do operate in Fenwick Island, Delaware, as evidenced by active listings in the market. However, local regulations can include permit or licensing requirements, and rules may vary by property type or location. Prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Fenwick Island and Sussex County for the latest requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fenwick Island?

Peak season in Fenwick Island runs from June through August, with August being the single highest-earning month at an average of $12,329 per listing. July follows closely at $11,974. Revenue drops sharply after September, and the winter months from November through February represent the quietest period with monthly averages below $1,100.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fenwick Island?

As of April 2026, there are 9 active Airbnb listings in Fenwick Island. This extremely limited supply means investors face less competition but should also consider that the small market size can make performance sensitive to even one or two new listings entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fenwick Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Fenwick Island are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. 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 Fenwick Island market
• Historical occupancy and average daily rate trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue estimates
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics combined with third-party providers 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. With only 9 active listings in this market, small changes in supply or individual listing performance can significantly affect market averages. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.