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

Lake City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake City, CO is a small mountain market with standout short-term rental potential, earning an ROI score of 77 out of 100. With just 32 active Airbnb listings and dramatic summer revenue peaks reaching over $16,000 in July, this micro-market rewards investors who can capitalize on intense seasonal demand. Average annual revenue sits at $67,251 against an average home value of $737,388, and above-average occupancy stability suggests reliable booking patterns during peak months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake City 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 Lake City

Investors are drawn to Lake City for its extremely limited supply, strong seasonal pricing power, and the above-average occupancy stability that comes with a destination-driven mountain market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake City represents a compelling but highly seasonal investment opportunity. Revenue swings are dramatic — July tops $16,448 while April bottoms out at just $623 — so investors need to be comfortable with a cash flow profile that concentrates most earnings into a five-month window from June through October. The market's ROI score of 77 reflects genuine strength in occupancy stability and growth trends, balanced by an average revenue-to-price ratio given elevated home values. For investors who can manage the off-season lull, the combination of tight supply and passionate seasonal demand creates a favorable setup."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake City

Average revenue by month in Lake City

Lake City's revenue profile is sharply seasonal, with July ($16,448) and August ($13,817) delivering the bulk of annual income while March ($876) and April ($623) represent deep troughs. The roughly 26x spread between the peak and lowest months underscores the importance of maximizing summer pricing and bookings to sustain year-round cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake City

Supply is heavily concentrated in two-bedroom properties (14 listings), with three-bedroom units accounting for just 5 listings. The absence of reported one-bedroom or four-plus-bedroom inventory could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer differentiated property sizes.

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

ADR scales modestly from $248 for two-bedroom listings to $325 for three-bedroom properties, a 31% premium that may justify the added acquisition cost for larger units. Both price points sit well below the state average of $529, reflecting Lake City's character as an accessible mountain destination.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake City

RevPAN is remarkably close between two-bedroom ($76) and three-bedroom ($78) properties, suggesting that the higher nightly rate for larger units is largely offset by lower occupancy. Investors choosing between sizes should weigh acquisition costs and operating expenses rather than expecting a significant RevPAN advantage from either configuration.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake City

Two-bedroom properties achieve 31% occupancy compared to 24% for three-bedroom units, indicating that smaller properties fill more consistently in this market. The lower occupancy for three-bedroom listings means revenue depends more heavily on commanding higher nightly rates during peak demand periods.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake City

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $5,575 versus $3,865 for two-bedroom units, a $1,710 monthly gap driven primarily by the higher ADR despite lower occupancy. This premium can be meaningful over a full year, particularly for investors who optimize pricing during the concentrated summer season.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake City

Three-bedroom listings generate approximately $66,909 annually compared to $46,384 for two-bedroom properties, making the larger configuration roughly 44% more productive in dollar terms. Investors should weigh this $20,500 annual revenue advantage against the likely higher purchase price and maintenance costs of a three-bedroom property.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake City

Kitchens and parking top the list at 97% prevalence, followed closely by BBQ grills at 91% — reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient mountain stays. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (72%), outdoor furniture (66%), and backyards (50%) dominate, while premium features like hot tubs (13%) and lake access (16%) remain relatively rare and could serve as differentiators for new listings.

Understanding Lake City's ROI Score: 77/100

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

Lake City's ROI score of 77 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity tier, reflecting a market with genuine upside for STR investors. Above-average marks in occupancy stability and market growth trend are the primary drivers, while revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance rate as average — largely due to elevated home values relative to annual revenue. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash flow model will help investors make a well-informed acquisition decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake City

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

Permit Requirements

Lake City and Hinsdale County, Colorado may require short-term rental permits or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with local authorities and the Town of Lake City before acquiring or operating an STR.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in small Colorado mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before closing on a property.

Tax Obligations

Colorado requires collection of state sales tax and any applicable local lodging or tourism taxes on short-term rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and Hinsdale County tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake City's STR market is likely to benefit from continued growth in outdoor recreation tourism, with above-average market growth trends pointing to strengthening demand. Summer months should remain the primary revenue engine, and investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or tick up 2–4% as supply remains limited at just 32 listings. The pronounced off-season (March through April) will continue to weigh on annual occupancy, so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. Overall, the combination of constrained supply and growing interest in Colorado mountain destinations positions this market well for near-term performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake City, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake City is currently 38%, which falls below the Colorado state average of 45%. This figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy surges during summer months and drops considerably in spring and late fall. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their financial modeling rather than expecting consistent year-round bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake City?

Airbnb hosts in Lake City earn an average of $5,604 per month and approximately $67,251 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. However, revenue distribution is heavily seasonal, with July alone averaging over $16,000 and quieter months like March and April dropping below $900. Three-bedroom properties tend to outperform, generating roughly $66,909 annually compared to $46,384 for two-bedroom units.

Is Lake City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake City earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 77 out of 100, classified as a Standout Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and growth trends, with a very limited supply of just 32 active listings. The main consideration is its pronounced seasonality and relatively high average home values of $737,388, which means investors need to be comfortable with concentrated summer earnings driving the bulk of annual returns.

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

The average daily rate in Lake City is $359, which sits below the Colorado state average of $529. ADR varies by property size, with two-bedroom listings averaging $248 per night and three-bedroom properties commanding $325. While the headline ADR is lower than statewide figures, it reflects Lake City's positioning as a rustic mountain getaway rather than a luxury resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake City?

Short-term rentals operate in Lake City, CO, as evidenced by the 32 active Airbnb listings currently tracked in the market. However, local regulations can change, and investors should always verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any restrictions with the Town of Lake City and Hinsdale County before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake City?

Peak season in Lake City runs from June through October, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $16,448. August follows closely at $13,817, and September and October remain strong at $10,797 and $6,721 respectively. The off-season spans November through April, with March and April being the quietest months — averaging under $900 in revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake City?

There are currently 32 active Airbnb listings in Lake City as of April 2026. The market has seen significant year-over-year growth of 319% in listing count, suggesting rising investor interest in this small mountain community. Supply is concentrated in two-bedroom (14 listings) and three-bedroom (5 listings) properties, with the remaining listings spread across other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake City 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 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 Lake City market
• Historical occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property amenity prevalence data across active listings
• Home value estimates 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local short-term rental regulations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.