Golden, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Golden Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Golden, CO sits at the intersection of outdoor recreation and proximity to the Denver metro, drawing visitors year-round to its breweries, trailheads, and mountain-town charm. With 183 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $44,350, the market shows steady demand — though home values averaging $1,230,465 mean investors need to be deliberate about deal selection. Occupancy sits at 42%, just below Colorado's 45% state average, while the ADR of $253 comes in well under the $529 state figure, reflecting Golden's positioning as an accessible mountain getaway rather than a luxury ski destination.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Golden

Golden appeals to investors seeking exposure to Colorado's outdoor tourism economy with a year-round demand floor supported by its close proximity to Denver.

Expert Market Assessment

"Golden presents a competitive opportunity that rewards careful property selection rather than blanket investment. Revenue-to-price ratios sit below average given $1.23M median home values against $44,350 in annual revenue, so investors need to target properties where the numbers genuinely pencil out. The market's strong seasonality — peaking June through August and softening in January and February — means cash reserves for slower months are important. That said, occupancy stability scores above average, and investors who focus on 3- to 5-bedroom properties stand to capture meaningfully higher returns than the market-wide average suggests."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Golden

Average revenue by month in Golden

Golden's revenue curve is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $5,757 and bottoming out in February at $1,940 — a nearly 3x spread that underscores the importance of summer tourism. The June–August window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while a secondary shoulder in September ($4,675) and October ($3,793) extends the profitable season into fall.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Golden

One-bedroom listings dominate Golden's supply at 76 units (42% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 44 listings. Larger properties with 5 or 6+ bedrooms are notably scarce (6 and 5 listings respectively), which may present an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes in a less crowded segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Golden

ADR in Golden scales dramatically with size, jumping from $133 for 1-bedroom units to $542 for 4-bedrooms and $861 for 6+ bedroom properties. The steepest pricing premium kicks in at the 4-bedroom threshold, suggesting that larger family or group-oriented properties can command rates that significantly outpace the added cost of extra bedrooms.

Average RevPAN by property size in Golden

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $297 per available night, outperforming even 6+ bedroom units ($268) which are hampered by lower occupancy. At the smaller end, studios lag at just $48 RevPAN, while 1- and 2-bedroom units generate $64 and $79 respectively — reinforcing that mid-to-large properties offer the best revenue efficiency in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Golden

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 48%, followed by 5-bedrooms at a surprisingly strong 44%, suggesting solid demand for both budget stays and larger group accommodations. Studios, 4-bedrooms, and 6+ bedroom properties all hover around 30–31%, indicating more variable booking patterns and potentially longer vacancy stretches for those configurations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Golden

Monthly revenue climbs steeply with property size, from roughly $2,550 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $7,291 for 4-bedrooms and a standout $17,159 for 6+ bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedroom ($5,955) to 4-bedroom ($7,291) represents a solid incremental gain, though the true outlier is the 6+ bedroom category where limited supply and premium pricing drive exceptional monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Golden

Annual revenue ranges from approximately $30,591 for studios to $205,908 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the 4- and 5-bedroom categories generating $87,499 and $90,399 respectively. For investors weighing acquisition costs against return potential, the 3-bedroom tier at $71,469 annually offers a compelling middle ground between manageable property costs and meaningful revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Golden

Parking (94%) and kitchen access (93%) are near-universal in Golden's listings, reflecting the needs of road-tripping visitors and families who cook during mountain getaways. Self check-in (87%) and workspace (77%) also rank high, signaling that guests expect modern convenience and remote-work readiness — while outdoor features like patios (69%), grills (57%), and backyards (53%) align with the market's nature-oriented appeal.

Understanding Golden's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Golden's ROI Score of 46 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand but requires more careful deal sourcing due to elevated home prices and growing competition. Occupancy stability is the standout factor, scoring above average and suggesting reliable booking patterns even as supply expands — but the revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all sit below average, reflecting the pressure that $1.23M median home values and 168% listing growth put on returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting larger, higher-revenue properties can help investors find deals that outperform the market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Golden

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

Permit Requirements

Golden, CO may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Golden and Jefferson County, as local rules can change and vary by property type and zone.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Colorado mountain-town markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA covenants can also prohibit or limit short-term rentals, so checking CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Colorado are typically subject to state sales tax, local lodging or occupancy taxes, and potentially county-level tourism taxes. Many platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Colorado Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Golden's pronounced summer seasonality — with July revenue peaking at $5,757 per listing — should continue to anchor annual returns, while shoulder months like May and September offer meaningful secondary income windows. Listing supply has grown significantly (168% year-over-year), which may compress occupancy and ADR slightly unless demand keeps pace. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold in the $245–$260 range, with occupancy stabilizing around 40–44% as the market absorbs new inventory. Selective property acquisition focused on larger homes could help offset competitive pressure from the growing supply of 1-bedroom units."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Golden, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Golden?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Golden is currently 42%, which is just below the Colorado state average of 45%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 48% and studios and 6+ bedroom properties both averaging around 31%. Seasonality plays a significant role — summer months see the heaviest bookings, while winter months tend to be quieter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Golden?

Airbnb hosts in Golden earn an average of $3,695 per month and roughly $44,350 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $2,550–$2,583 monthly, while 4-bedroom properties bring in about $7,291 per month and 6+ bedroom homes can generate upwards of $17,159 monthly. Peak summer months like July can push individual monthly revenue above $5,700 on average.

Is Golden a good market for Airbnb investment?

Golden scores a 46 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Strong occupancy stability and robust summer demand are positives, but elevated home prices (averaging $1,230,465) create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for peak-season revenue have the best chance of generating attractive returns, though selective deal sourcing is essential in this market.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Golden is $253, which is well below the Colorado state average of $529. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $133 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $542 and 6+ bedroom homes reach $861 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can acquire and manage larger properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Golden?

Short-term rentals operate in Golden, CO, with 183 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations including permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and HOA rules can apply. Investors should verify the latest rules with the City of Golden and Jefferson County planning departments before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Golden?

Peak season in Golden runs from June through August, with July being the top-earning month at $5,757 in average revenue per listing. September also performs well at $4,675. The slowest months are January ($2,196) and February ($1,940), creating a roughly 3x revenue spread between peak and off-peak periods. This strong seasonality means investors should plan for leaner winter months when budgeting.

How many Airbnbs are there in Golden?

Golden currently has 183 active Airbnb listings. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (76 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (44) and 4-bedrooms (23). Supply has grown 168% year-over-year, indicating significant new investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Golden?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Golden 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 draws on 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 Golden, CO market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management approach.