Hershey, PA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Hershey Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hershey's short-term rental market benefits from a unique demand driver: its status as a destination anchored by Hersheypark, chocolate-themed attractions, and year-round events that draw leisure travelers from across the Mid-Atlantic. With an average occupancy rate of 48% — well above the 36% Pennsylvania state average — and an average annual revenue of $54,229 across 64 active listings, the market delivers solid fundamentals for a small-town destination. The ROI score of 68 out of 100 reflects an attractive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability pairs with reasonable revenue-to-price ratios.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hershey 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 Hershey

Hershey's combination of theme-park-driven tourism, above-average occupancy, and a compact supply base makes it an appealing market for investors seeking leisure-travel exposure in central Pennsylvania.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hershey presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable with a strongly seasonal revenue curve. The spread between the lowest month (January at $2,463) and the highest (August at $7,397) is substantial, so cash-flow planning around a peak summer corridor is essential. Two-bedroom listings stand out as the clear winners, combining the highest occupancy (63%) with an annual revenue of $70,196 — meaningfully above the market average. With supply still relatively small at 64 listings and demand indicators running above state benchmarks, the market rewards operators who price aggressively in summer and maintain competitive rates in the off-season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hershey

Average revenue by month in Hershey

Hershey shows pronounced seasonality, with August ($7,397) and July ($7,289) generating roughly three times the revenue of January ($2,463). The summer peak from June through August accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income, making dynamic pricing and aggressive marketing during those months critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hershey

Two-bedroom properties dominate Hershey's supply with 33 of 64 total listings (over half the market), while four-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 6 listings. The limited supply of larger properties could represent an opportunity, though investors should weigh this against the significantly lower occupancy rates for three- and four-bedroom units.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hershey

ADR scales unevenly across property sizes — four-bedroom listings command the highest rate at $338, while three-bedrooms actually sit lower at $175 than two-bedrooms at $215. This inversion suggests that two-bedroom properties hit a pricing sweet spot where guest willingness to pay and property acquisition costs balance most favorably.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hershey

Two-bedroom listings deliver by far the strongest RevPAN at $136, nearly four times the $34 figure for one-bedrooms and over 2.5 times the $52 for three-bedrooms. Despite their higher nightly rates, four-bedroom properties generate only $50 in RevPAN due to very low occupancy, underscoring that rate alone doesn't drive returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hershey

Occupancy rates in Hershey vary dramatically by size: two-bedroom units lead with a robust 63%, one-bedrooms follow at 41%, and three- and four-bedroom properties lag significantly at 30% and 15% respectively. For investors prioritizing steady cash flow, two-bedroom configurations offer the most reliable booking consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hershey

Two-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $5,849 per month, followed by four-bedrooms at $4,292, three-bedrooms at $2,728, and one-bedrooms at $1,647. The gap between two-bedroom and all other sizes is substantial, reinforcing the segment's dominance in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hershey

At $70,196 in average annual revenue, two-bedroom listings outperform every other size category by a wide margin — earning 36% more than four-bedrooms ($51,510) and more than double three-bedrooms ($32,744). For investors seeking the strongest revenue potential relative to acquisition and operating costs, two-bedroom properties in Hershey present the most compelling case.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hershey

Kitchens (97%) and parking (95%) are near-universal in Hershey's listings, reflecting the family-travel nature of the market where guests expect home-like conveniences and drive to the destination. Outdoor amenities like backyards (59%), patios (53%), and BBQ grills (52%) are also common, while pools (42%) and hot tubs (39%) can serve as meaningful differentiators for listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Hershey's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Hershey's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, signaling that the market offers a favorable balance of risk and return for STR investors. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout factor, reflecting consistent tourist demand tied to Hersheypark and the broader Hershey experience, while revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance all land at average levels. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm the opportunity fits their specific return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hershey

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

Permit Requirements

Operators planning to list a short-term rental in Hershey, PA (located within Derry Township) should verify whether a local permit, registration, or zoning approval is required before accepting guests. Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide STR licensing mandate, so requirements vary by municipality — contacting Derry Township directly is the most reliable step.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. Additionally, homeowner association (HOA) rules can limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain communities, so investors should review any applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Pennsylvania are generally subject to state sales tax and a local hotel occupancy tax; platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm which obligations they must handle independently. Consulting a tax professional familiar with Pennsylvania's STR landscape is advisable to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hershey's pronounced summer peak (July–August revenues near $7,300) should continue to anchor annual returns, while shoulder months like April–May and September–October provide meaningful supplemental income. Given the 130% year-over-year growth in active listings, increased competition may put modest downward pressure on ADR, though the market's above-average occupancy suggests demand still has room to absorb new supply. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or edge up 1–3%, with occupancy rates likely settling in the 45–50% range as the market matures. Seasonal pricing strategies will be essential to maximize returns during the lucrative summer corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hershey, PA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hershey?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Hershey is currently 48%, which is notably higher than the 36% Pennsylvania state average. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom units lead at 63%, while four-bedroom properties average just 15%. This suggests that mid-sized properties aligned with family and couple travel tend to stay booked most consistently.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hershey?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Hershey earns approximately $4,519 per month and $54,229 per year. Earnings vary widely by property size: two-bedroom listings average $70,196 annually, while one-bedroom units bring in around $19,770. Peak summer months (July and August) can generate over $7,200, while winter months like January average closer to $2,463.

Is Hershey a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hershey scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady tourism demand driven by Hersheypark and surrounding attractions. While the average home value of $605,203 means the revenue-to-price ratio is average rather than exceptional, the consistent demand base and manageable competition (64 active listings) make it a compelling option for investors focused on leisure-travel markets.

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

The market-wide average daily rate in Hershey is $204, which is below the $350 Pennsylvania state average — reflecting the market's smaller-property mix and family-oriented pricing. ADR ranges from $84 for one-bedroom listings up to $338 for four-bedroom properties. Two-bedroom units, which make up the bulk of supply, average $215 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hershey?

Short-term rentals operate in Hershey, and there are currently 64 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations in Derry Township (the municipality that encompasses Hershey) may require permits, zoning compliance, or registration. Prospective investors should check directly with Derry Township and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hershey?

Peak season in Hershey runs from June through August, with average monthly revenues climbing to $6,043 in June, $7,289 in July, and $7,397 in August. This summer surge aligns with Hersheypark's busiest season and school vacation travel. Shoulder months like May ($4,567) and September ($4,634) also perform respectably, while January is the slowest month at $2,463.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hershey?

As of April 2026, there are 64 active Airbnb listings in Hershey. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 33 listings, followed by one-bedrooms (12), three-bedrooms (10), and four-bedrooms (6). The relatively small supply base means individual properties can capture meaningful market share with the right pricing and amenity strategy.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hershey?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Hershey 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 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 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 Hershey market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.