Forest Lakes, AZ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Forest Lakes Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Forest Lakes, AZ is a small, mountain-retreat market with just 13 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $27,231 per property. With an ADR of $292 — well below Arizona's $434 state average — and occupancy sitting at 26%, the market caters primarily to seasonal visitors seeking a cool-weather escape from the desert. While supply remains very limited and listing growth has surged 156% year-over-year, the low occupancy and modest revenue signal that selective deal sourcing and sharp pricing strategies are essential here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Forest Lakes 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 Forest Lakes

Forest Lakes attracts investor attention because of its extremely limited supply, favorable supply/demand dynamics, and appeal as a seasonal mountain getaway in Arizona.

Expert Market Assessment

"Forest Lakes presents a competitive but niche opportunity, best suited for investors who can secure a property at a reasonable price and tolerate pronounced seasonality. Revenue peaks in July at $2,818 and dips to roughly $1,494 in February, creating a wide seasonal spread that demands strong cash reserves or alternative income strategies during winter months. The market's favorable supply/demand balance and tiny inventory are genuine advantages, but below-average occupancy (26% vs. 53% statewide) and a revenue-to-price ratio that falls short of average thresholds mean returns depend heavily on acquisition cost and operational execution."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Forest Lakes

Average revenue by month in Forest Lakes

Revenue in Forest Lakes follows a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in July at $2,818 and bottoming out in February at $1,494 — a spread of nearly $1,300. The warm-weather months from March through October consistently exceed $2,200, while the winter quarter (January–February) drops below $1,550, underscoring the importance of summer and early fall bookings for annual performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Forest Lakes

All reportable active listings in Forest Lakes are concentrated in the 3-bedroom category, with 5 properties. This extremely narrow supply profile suggests that investors considering different property sizes — such as 2-bedroom cabins or larger 4+ bedroom homes — would face minimal direct competition, though the small sample makes it difficult to confirm demand for alternative configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Forest Lakes

Three-bedroom properties in Forest Lakes command an ADR of $210, which is the only size segment with sufficient data for reporting. This rate sits well below the market's overall $292 ADR, suggesting that a portion of listings outside the 3-bedroom segment may be pricing significantly higher and pulling the aggregate average up.

Average RevPAN by property size in Forest Lakes

Revenue per available night for 3-bedroom listings comes in at $29, reflecting the combination of a $210 ADR and a 14% occupancy rate for that segment. This is a modest RevPAN figure, and investors in this size category will need to improve occupancy through competitive pricing and marketing to achieve stronger per-night returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Forest Lakes

Three-bedroom properties in Forest Lakes average just 14% occupancy — notably lower than the market-wide 26% average. This gap suggests that other property types or premium listings may be capturing a disproportionate share of bookings, and 3-bedroom hosts may benefit from reassessing their pricing, amenity offerings, or minimum-stay requirements.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Forest Lakes

Three-bedroom listings generate an average of $2,152 per month, tracking close to the overall market average of $2,269. With only one reportable size segment, the data reinforces that 3-bedroom cabins are the market's primary revenue driver, though individual performance will depend heavily on seasonal demand capture and listing quality.

Average annual revenue by property size in Forest Lakes

At $25,831 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties deliver modest returns that would need to be weighed against the market's $727,001 average home value. This translates to a gross yield of roughly 3.6%, which highlights why the revenue-to-price ratio rates below average and underscores the need for competitive acquisition pricing.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Forest Lakes

Every listing in Forest Lakes offers a BBQ grill and kitchen (100%), while parking and self check-in are nearly universal at 92%. Outdoor-focused amenities like backyards, outdoor furniture, and patios appear in 85% of listings, reflecting the mountain-cabin guest expectation, and 62% of properties welcome pets — a meaningful differentiator in a nature-oriented destination where guests often bring dogs along for the trip.

Understanding Forest Lakes's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Forest Lakes earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 49 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band where investor interest is real but returns require careful execution. The market's above-average supply/demand balance is its strongest factor, while revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend all rate below average — meaning acquisition cost control and seasonal pricing strategy will largely determine whether a property pencils out. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic cash-flow modeling that accounts for the market's pronounced seasonal swings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Forest Lakes

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Forest Lakes should verify whether Navajo County, Arizona requires any permits, licenses, or registration for vacation rentals. Arizona's state-level preemption limits some local restrictions, but checking with county officials for current requirements is strongly recommended before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Arizona STR markets may include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and rules around signage or advertising. HOA covenants in mountain and rural communities like Forest Lakes can be particularly relevant — some developments may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals entirely, so investors should review CC&Rs carefully before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Arizona imposes a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on short-term rental income, and Navajo County may levy additional taxes. Most major booking platforms collect and remit state and county taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Arizona Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Forest Lakes is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest in Arizona cabin markets remains elevated, though the 156% year-over-year listing increase may begin to pressure occupancy further if demand doesn't keep pace. Revenue is expected to remain seasonal, with the strongest months clustering from March through September and softer winters pulling averages down. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering in the 25–30% range market-wide, with ADR potentially holding steady or rising modestly by 1–3% as hosts refine pricing around peak summer weekends. Careful attention to off-season strategy — minimum stays, mid-week discounts, and holiday positioning — will be key to outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Forest Lakes, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest Lakes?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest Lakes is currently 26%, which is notably below the Arizona state average of 53%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — demand concentrates during warmer months and holiday periods, while winter months see significantly fewer bookings. Properties with strong amenities and flexible pricing can outperform this average, but investors should plan for extended low-occupancy stretches.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Forest Lakes?

Airbnb hosts in Forest Lakes earn an average of $2,269 per month, or roughly $27,231 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by season, ranging from about $1,494 in February to $2,818 in July. Individual results depend on property quality, guest reviews, pricing strategy, and how effectively hosts capture demand during peak summer and holiday windows.

Is Forest Lakes a good market for Airbnb investment?

Forest Lakes carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 49 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from very limited supply (just 13 listings) and above-average supply/demand balance, but below-average occupancy stability and revenue-to-price ratios mean investors need to be selective about acquisition price and operational approach. It's best suited for buyers who can secure a property well below the $727,001 average home value or who plan to use the property personally during off-peak periods.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Forest Lakes is $292, which comes in below the Arizona state average of $434. For 3-bedroom properties — the primary listing type in this market — the ADR is $210. While nightly rates are lower than many Arizona resort markets, the mountain-cabin setting and limited inventory help support pricing during high-demand summer months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Forest Lakes?

Arizona has state-level legislation that generally preempts local governments from outright banning short-term rentals, which means STRs are broadly permitted across the state, including in Forest Lakes. However, Navajo County and local HOAs may impose specific regulations such as registration requirements, occupancy caps, noise rules, or parking restrictions. Investors should verify current requirements directly with county officials and review any HOA covenants before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Forest Lakes?

Peak season in Forest Lakes runs from roughly March through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $2,818 in monthly revenue. The summer months benefit from travelers escaping Arizona's desert heat for cooler mountain elevations. Shoulder months like March ($2,710) and October ($2,296) also perform well, while January and February are the softest months at around $1,500.

How many Airbnbs are there in Forest Lakes?

As of April 2026, there are 13 active Airbnb listings in Forest Lakes. This is an extremely small market by any standard, though the number of listings has grown 156% year-over-year. The limited supply can work in favor of well-positioned hosts, but it also means the market data reflects a small sample size that can shift quickly as new listings enter.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Forest Lakes?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Forest Lakes 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 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. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, guest reviews, 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 Forest Lakes market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics 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. With only 13 active listings, Forest Lakes market data reflects a small sample size and may shift significantly as new properties enter or exit the market. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.