Harpswell, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Harpswell Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Harpswell, ME is a small coastal market on Maine's mid-coast that commands premium nightly rates and delivers strong summer revenue, making it a compelling niche opportunity for STR investors. With an average daily rate of $394 and annual revenue averaging $83,635 across just 16 active listings, the market offers limited competition and meaningful earning potential during peak months. The ROI score of 63 out of 100 reflects an attractive balance of above-average occupancy stability and healthy revenue relative to property values, though the seasonal nature of demand requires careful financial planning.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Harpswell 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 Harpswell

Harpswell appeals to investors seeking a low-competition coastal market where premium nightly rates and summer demand can generate meaningful returns despite pronounced seasonality.

Expert Market Assessment

"Harpswell presents an attractive but seasonal STR opportunity. Revenue is heavily concentrated between June and September—August alone averages $15,761, more than six times the January figure of $2,605—so investors need to plan for meaningful off-season cash-flow gaps. The market's small listing count and above-average occupancy stability work in favor of existing and new hosts, while the average home value of roughly $1.19 million means the revenue-to-price ratio requires careful underwriting. Overall, this is a market where a well-appointed coastal property can perform very well in peak season, but success depends on realistic year-round budgeting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Harpswell

Average revenue by month in Harpswell

Harpswell's revenue profile is extremely seasonal, with August ($15,761) generating more than six times the income of January ($2,605). The peak window from June through September accounts for the lion's share of annual earnings, while October's $7,583 average suggests a worthwhile shoulder season before revenue drops sharply through winter.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Harpswell

The entire trackable supply in Harpswell consists of 3-bedroom properties, with 7 active listings in that category. This narrow distribution suggests either limited data visibility for other sizes or a genuine concentration of mid-size family-oriented rentals, which could signal opportunity for investors considering different bedroom configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Harpswell

Three-bedroom properties in Harpswell command an ADR of $437, a meaningful premium over the market-wide average of $394. This indicates that the larger, family-suitable homes are able to capture higher nightly rates, likely driven by waterfront positioning and ample living space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Harpswell

Three-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $139, which exceeds the overall market average of $107. This gap indicates that 3-bedroom properties maintain a stronger combination of rate and occupancy, translating to better effective yield per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Harpswell

Three-bedroom properties achieve an average occupancy rate of 32%, outperforming the market-wide figure of 27%. While still reflective of Harpswell's seasonal demand pattern, the higher occupancy for this size suggests these homes attract the most consistent booking activity.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Harpswell

Three-bedroom properties average $6,917 in monthly revenue, closely aligning with the overall market average of $6,969. Given that 3-bedrooms represent the primary listing type in Harpswell, this figure essentially defines the market's baseline earning potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in Harpswell

At $83,004 in annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties represent nearly the full revenue picture for Harpswell's STR market. Investors targeting this configuration can use this figure as a practical benchmark, though top-performing waterfront properties likely exceed it.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Harpswell

Kitchens and parking are universal (100%) in Harpswell listings, followed by washer/dryer (94%) and outdoor amenities like backyards and BBQ grills (88%)—reflecting guest expectations for comfortable, self-sufficient coastal stays. Notably, 63% of listings highlight waterfront access and 38% offer beach access, underscoring the market's nature-driven appeal and the competitive advantage these features provide.

Understanding Harpswell's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Harpswell's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where healthy seasonal revenue and above-average occupancy stability offset a middle-of-the-road revenue-to-price ratio driven by elevated home values. The supply/demand balance and market growth trend both rate as average, suggesting a stable environment without overheating. Investors should pair this score with a close look at local regulations and realistic off-season cash-flow modeling to fully evaluate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harpswell

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Harpswell, Maine may need to register or obtain permits from the town before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Harpswell's town office and review any applicable state of Maine regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Maine's coastal communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking rules, and conditions imposed by homeowners' associations. Some municipalities also cap the number of permits available, so prospective hosts should confirm whether Harpswell enforces any such limitations.

Tax Obligations

Maine levies a 9% lodging tax on short-term rentals, and hosts should confirm whether additional local taxes apply in Harpswell. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state lodging taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators are responsible for ensuring full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Harpswell's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its strongly seasonal profile, with summer months (June through September) continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. ADR could see modest increases in the range of 2–5% as supply remains tight at just 16 listings and demand for Maine coastal getaways holds steady. Occupancy is likely to remain concentrated in the warmer months, with annual averages hovering around 25–30%, so investors should plan cash reserves for the quieter winter period. The 133% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests rising investor interest, and new entrants should move thoughtfully to avoid oversaturating this intimate market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Harpswell, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harpswell?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harpswell is currently 27%, which is notably below the Maine state average of 55%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature—demand surges during the summer months and drops significantly in winter. Properties that optimize pricing and minimum-stay strategies can outperform this average during peak season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Harpswell?

Airbnb hosts in Harpswell earn an average of $6,969 per month and approximately $83,635 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies dramatically by season: August is the strongest month at around $15,761, while January averages just $2,605. Top-performing properties with waterfront access and desirable amenities can exceed these averages.

Is Harpswell a good market for Airbnb investment?

Harpswell scores 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability, limited competition with only 16 active listings, and premium nightly rates of $394. However, the average home value of roughly $1.19 million and seasonal demand concentration mean investors should carefully model cash flow across all 12 months before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Harpswell is $394, which sits slightly below the Maine state average of $415. For 3-bedroom properties—the predominant listing size—the ADR rises to $437. These rates reflect the premium guests are willing to pay for Maine's scenic coastal settings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Harpswell?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Harpswell, Maine, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permitting requirements. Regulations can evolve, so investors should check directly with the Town of Harpswell and review Maine state guidelines to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Harpswell?

Peak season in Harpswell runs from June through September, with July and August being the strongest months. August leads with average revenue of $15,761, followed by July at $14,465. Shoulder months like May and October also perform respectably, averaging $6,566 and $7,583 respectively, while winter months see a sharp decline.

How many Airbnbs are there in Harpswell?

There are currently 16 active Airbnb listings in Harpswell as of April 2026. This is a very small market, which means less direct competition for hosts but also limited comparable data. The 133% year-over-year growth in listings suggests the market is attracting more investor attention.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Harpswell?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Harpswell 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 Harpswell and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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. Local regulations and permit requirements can change; always verify current rules with Harpswell town authorities and the state of Maine before investing. With only 16 active listings, market averages may be more volatile and less representative than in larger markets.