Lakeside, AZ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lakeside Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lakeside, AZ is a mountain-lake community in the White Mountains that draws seasonal visitors seeking relief from Arizona's desert heat, creating a distinctly summer-weighted short-term rental market. With 152 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $195, and average annual revenue of $24,675, the market offers moderate income potential — though a 23% occupancy rate (well below the 53% state average) signals that competition and seasonality require careful deal selection. Listing growth of 116% year-over-year underscores strong investor interest, but the surge in supply means newcomers will need sharp pricing and standout properties to capture bookings.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lakeside 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 Lakeside

Lakeside attracts investor attention because of its role as a summer escape destination in Arizona's White Mountains, though tighter competition and lower occupancy call for disciplined deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lakeside presents a competitive but uneven opportunity: the ROI score of 47 out of 100 reflects below-average revenue-to-price ratios and a supply/demand balance that has tightened as listings more than doubled year over year. Seasonality is pronounced — July revenue of $3,832 is more than four times April's $911 — so investors should model for lean winter and spring months rather than assuming consistent cash flow. Larger properties clearly outperform, with 4- and 5-bedroom homes averaging $45,141 to $48,346 annually, versus roughly $19,000–$20,000 for 1- and 2-bedroom units. For investors willing to source selectively and invest in amenities that match guest expectations, the market can work — but it's not a set-it-and-forget-it play."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lakeside

Average revenue by month in Lakeside

Lakeside's revenue peaks sharply in July at $3,832 and remains elevated through August ($3,362) before tapering into fall, while April marks the low point at just $911 — a nearly 4:1 spread that underscores the market's heavy summer seasonality. December sees a secondary bump to $2,363, likely tied to holiday travel to the mountains.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lakeside

Three-bedroom homes dominate supply with 55 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (36) and 1-bedroom (33) units, while 4-bedroom (16) and 5-bedroom (8) properties remain comparatively scarce. The limited supply of larger homes paired with their significantly higher revenue suggests an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lakeside

ADR scales steadily from $100 for 1-bedroom listings up to $348 for 5-bedroom properties, with the biggest jump occurring between 2 bedrooms ($134) and 3 bedrooms ($218). The premium for stepping up to 4- and 5-bedroom homes is substantial, and relatively few listings compete at those sizes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lakeside

RevPAN tells a striking story: 4- and 5-bedroom properties earn $95–$97 per available night, roughly triple the $27–$36 range seen in 1- to 3-bedroom units. This gap makes larger properties far more efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis despite similar or only moderately higher occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lakeside

Occupancy rates cluster in a narrow 17–30% band across all sizes, with 4-bedroom homes leading at 30% and 3-bedroom properties lagging at just 17%. The relatively flat occupancy profile means the revenue advantage of larger properties comes primarily from their higher nightly rates rather than more booked nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lakeside

Five-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,028, followed closely by 4-bedroom homes at $3,761, while 1- and 2-bedroom units hover around $1,600. The jump from 3-bedroom ($2,121) to 4-bedroom ($3,761) is the most dramatic inflection point, nearly doubling monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lakeside

Annual revenue ranges from $19,184 for 1-bedroom listings to $48,346 for 5-bedroom homes, with 4-bedroom properties close behind at $45,141. Investors targeting the highest gross revenue potential should focus on the 4–5 bedroom segment, though acquisition costs and carrying expenses during the off-season must be factored into the return calculation.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lakeside

Kitchens (98%), BBQ grills (91%), self check-in (87%), and parking (86%) are near-universal, signaling that guests in Lakeside expect a self-sufficient cabin-style experience. Differentiators like lake access (24%), hot tubs (20%), and waterfront positioning (15%) are far less common and could provide a meaningful competitive edge for listings that offer them.

Understanding Lakeside's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Lakeside's ROI score of 47 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning there is real demand but investors face headwinds from a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and a supply/demand balance that has shifted as listings surged 116% year over year. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both rate as average, suggesting the market isn't deteriorating but isn't accelerating either. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on larger, amenity-rich properties can help investors identify deals that outperform the market-level averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lakeside

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lakeside, Arizona should verify whether Navajo County or the state requires a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license or any local registration before listing a property. Arizona's statewide framework generally prevents municipalities from banning STRs outright, but compliance with applicable permits remains the host's responsibility.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for rural properties, and any covenants imposed by homeowner associations. Investors should also check for septic or well-water capacity rules, which can affect maximum guest counts in rural mountain communities.

Tax Obligations

Arizona requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), which functions similarly to a sales tax, along with any applicable county surcharges. Major platforms like Airbnb often handle state-level TPT collection automatically, but hosts should confirm county-specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lakeside's summer-driven demand pattern is expected to hold steady, with July and August continuing to anchor the revenue calendar. ADR may edge up modestly — perhaps 1–3% — as larger, amenity-rich properties push the ceiling higher, but occupancy will likely remain in the low-to-mid-20s market-wide given the rapid influx of new listings. Investors who target 4- or 5-bedroom properties could see occupancy closer to 28–30% and meaningfully higher RevPAN, though the average home value of $631,824 means returns hinge on securing properties below market or with strong differentiation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lakeside, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakeside?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lakeside is currently 23%, which sits well below the Arizona state average of 53%. Occupancy varies by property size — 4-bedroom homes average around 30%, while 3-bedroom properties come in lower at about 17%. The market's strong summer seasonality means occupancy spikes during the warmer months and drops significantly in spring and late fall.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lakeside?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lakeside earn approximately $2,056 per month and $24,675 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 5-bedroom homes average $4,028 per month ($48,346 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in about $1,598 per month ($19,184 annually). Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $3,800 on average.

Is Lakeside a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lakeside scores 47 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from strong summer demand as Phoenix-area visitors seek mountain escapes, but a 116% year-over-year increase in listings has tightened competition. Investors focused on larger properties with standout amenities — particularly 4- and 5-bedroom homes — tend to see the strongest returns. Careful deal sourcing is important given the average home value of $631,824 relative to annual revenue.

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

The average daily rate in Lakeside is $195, which is significantly lower than the Arizona state average of $434. ADR scales substantially with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $100 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command around $348. This range means larger homes capture a meaningful nightly premium that, when paired with moderate occupancy, drives considerably higher monthly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lakeside?

Arizona state law generally prohibits local governments from outright banning short-term rentals, so STRs are permitted in Lakeside. However, hosts are typically required to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax license and comply with local ordinances regarding noise, parking, and occupancy limits. Investors should verify current requirements with Navajo County and any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lakeside?

Peak season in Lakeside runs from June through August, when visitors from lower-elevation Arizona cities escape the desert heat. July is the strongest month with average revenue reaching $3,832, followed by August at $3,362. The off-peak period falls in late winter and early spring, with April being the slowest month at just $911 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lakeside?

As of April 2026, there are 152 active Airbnb listings in Lakeside. The supply has grown dramatically, with a 116% year-over-year increase in listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 55 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (36) and 1-bedroom (33) units, while 4- and 5-bedroom homes are less common with 16 and 8 listings respectively.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lakeside?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Lakeside 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month draws on its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $3,832 average) and slower periods (like April's $911). 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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for the Lakeside market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns covering bedroom-level ADR, occupancy, and revenue performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and differentiation opportunities
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment return context

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before purchasing an investment property.