Grand Lake, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Grand Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grand Lake, CO sits at the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, making it a perennial draw for outdoor enthusiasts and mountain-getaway travelers. With 244 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $51,477, the market offers meaningful income potential — though an average occupancy rate of 26% (well below Colorado's 45% state average) and high home values averaging $1,365,592 mean investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing. The market's pronounced seasonality and competitive landscape reward those who can optimize for peak periods and differentiate their listings.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Grand Lake 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 Grand Lake

Grand Lake attracts investors because of its gateway position to Rocky Mountain National Park and dual-season demand from both winter recreation and summer tourism, though elevated property prices require careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grand Lake represents a competitive but selective opportunity for STR investors. Revenue is heavily concentrated in peak months — March leads at $7,368 average monthly revenue while April and May dip below $1,800 — so investors should budget for significant cash-flow variability across the year. The market's ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by elevated home values, balanced by average occupancy stability and supply/demand dynamics. Properties that can command premium nightly rates through size, location, or standout amenities like lake access and hot tubs have the clearest path to strong returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grand Lake

Average revenue by month in Grand Lake

Grand Lake's revenue follows a pronounced dual-peak pattern: March leads at $7,368 (driven by late-ski-season demand), followed by July at $6,755 during summer tourism, while the mud-season months of April ($1,702) and May ($1,526) represent the deepest troughs — a nearly 5x spread from peak to valley that investors must plan around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grand Lake

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 63 listings, closely followed by 2-bedrooms (57) and 4-bedrooms (50), while studios and 6+ bedroom homes each have just 12 listings. The thinner supply at the large end of the spectrum may present an opportunity given that bigger properties generate substantially higher revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Grand Lake

ADR scales steeply with size in Grand Lake, climbing from $136 for 1-bedroom units to $885 for 6+ bedroom properties — a roughly 6.5x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 4-bedroom ($381) and 5-bedroom ($574) properties, suggesting that group-friendly homes command a significant pricing premium that may justify the higher acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grand Lake

Revenue per available night rises dramatically with property size, from $29 for 1-bedroom units to $250 for 6+ bedroom properties. Even after factoring in occupancy, larger homes deliver far more revenue per night of availability, with 4-bedroom ($107) and 5-bedroom ($158) configurations offering strong RevPAN at more moderate acquisition costs than the 6+ tier.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grand Lake

Studios lead occupancy at 35%, while most other property sizes cluster in the 24–28% range, with 1-bedrooms lagging at 21%. The relatively narrow spread among 2–6+ bedroom properties suggests that occupancy doesn't drop off meaningfully as size increases, making larger properties attractive since they capture higher nightly rates without sacrificing fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grand Lake

Monthly revenue climbs steadily from $2,244 for 1-bedroom listings to $10,110 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the jump from 3-bedroom ($4,284) to 4-bedroom ($6,063) marking a particularly strong inflection point. Smaller units in the studio and 1-bedroom range generate under $2,300 per month, which could make covering carrying costs on Grand Lake's high-value homes challenging.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grand Lake

Annual revenue ranges from roughly $27,000 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $121,327 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom homes crossing the $100,000 threshold at $100,390. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income potential, 4-bedroom properties at $72,760 annually may offer one of the more balanced return profiles given their relative availability and lower entry price than 5+ bedroom homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grand Lake

Kitchens (99%), parking (93%), and patios or balconies (87%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations for mountain vacation rentals. Differentiating amenities like lake access (30%), hot tubs (25%), and waterfront location (19%) are less common and can serve as strong competitive advantages for listings aiming to command premium rates and higher occupancy.

Understanding Grand Lake's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Grand Lake's ROI Score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning strong demand exists but elevated home prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio (rated below average). Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, while market growth trend also scores below average — likely reflecting the rapid 169% increase in listings outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger, amenity-rich properties where per-night returns are strongest to improve their individual deal-level ROI.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Grand Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Grand Lake, Colorado may require short-term rental permits or registration for properties offered on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Grand Lake and Grand County authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Colorado mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates (especially relevant given Grand Lake's compact town layout), and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA rules in specific subdivisions may impose additional limitations, so reviewing covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Grand Lake's short-term rental market is likely to remain shaped by its sharp seasonal swings, with March and July continuing to command the highest nightly rates and bookings. The 169% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could place downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if demand doesn't keep pace — we'd estimate occupancy holding in the 24–28% range market-wide, with ADR potentially softening 1–3% as supply expands. Investors entering now should factor in that revenue concentration during ski season and summer will define cash-flow planning, and properties with strong amenity packages (hot tubs, lake access) are best positioned to capture a disproportionate share of bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grand Lake, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grand Lake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Grand Lake is currently 26%, which sits below Colorado's statewide average of 45%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — studios lead at 35%, while 1-bedroom units trail at 21%. The lower market-wide figure reflects Grand Lake's strong seasonal demand patterns and a growing supply of listings competing for bookings during off-peak months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grand Lake?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Grand Lake earn approximately $4,289 per month or $51,477 per year based on historical 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $27,000 annually, while 5-bedroom properties pull in roughly $100,390 and 6+ bedroom homes can reach $121,327 per year. Peak earning months like March ($7,368) and July ($6,755) drive much of the annual total.

Is Grand Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grand Lake carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from strong tourism demand anchored by Rocky Mountain National Park and dual-season appeal, but elevated home values (averaging $1,365,592) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for peak-season revenue have the best chance of achieving attractive returns, though careful deal sourcing is essential given the competitive landscape.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Grand Lake is $313, which is notably below Colorado's state average of $529. ADR varies widely by property size, ranging from $136 for 1-bedroom units up to $885 for 6+ bedroom properties. This pricing spread highlights the premium guests are willing to pay for larger, group-friendly accommodations in this mountain-lake setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grand Lake?

Short-term rentals do operate in Grand Lake, CO, with 244 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and permits or registration may be required by the Town of Grand Lake or Grand County. Prospective investors should always check directly with local authorities for the most current rules on STR licensing, zoning, and any caps on permit issuance before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grand Lake?

Grand Lake experiences two distinct peak seasons. Winter peaks in March with average monthly revenue hitting $7,368, driven by spring break and late-season skiing. Summer peaks in July at $6,755 as visitors flock to Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy lake activities. The shoulder months of April and May are the slowest period, with revenue dipping to $1,702 and $1,526 respectively, so investors should plan for significant seasonal variability.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grand Lake?

As of April 2026, there are 244 active Airbnb listings in Grand Lake. The supply has grown 169% year-over-year, signaling substantial investor interest in this market. The most common property sizes are 3-bedroom (63 listings) and 2-bedroom (57 listings) units, while studios and 6+ bedroom properties each account for just 12 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Grand Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Grand Lake 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 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Grand Lake market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue performance
• Home value data 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 12-month historical averages and market conditions may have changed since the reporting period. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with municipal and county authorities before investing.