Lava Hot Springs, ID Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lava Hot Springs Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lava Hot Springs sits at the intersection of natural hot-spring tourism and southeastern Idaho's growing outdoor recreation scene, giving short-term rental investors a niche market with clear seasonal appeal. With 77 active listings and an average annual revenue of $34,655, the market rewards operators who target summer travelers while managing leaner winter months. An average daily rate of $280 — just above the Idaho state average of $277 — pairs with a 26% occupancy rate that underscores the importance of strategic pricing and property selection.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lava Hot Springs 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 Lava Hot Springs

Lava Hot Springs appeals to investors seeking a tourism-driven niche market where larger properties can generate outsized revenue relative to the small supply of competitors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lava Hot Springs presents a moderately attractive investment opportunity — strong enough to reward well-run properties but demanding careful attention to seasonality. August leads the pack at $4,260 in average monthly revenue, while January dips to just $2,038, creating a roughly 2:1 spread between peak and trough months. The ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and below-average occupancy stability, meaning success here hinges on maximizing summer bookings and choosing property sizes that deliver the best per-night returns. Investors who target 4-bedroom or larger configurations — where RevPAN exceeds $100 — stand the best chance of generating meaningful cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lava Hot Springs

Average revenue by month in Lava Hot Springs

Seasonality drives a clear revenue arc in Lava Hot Springs, with August peaking at $4,260 and January bottoming out at $2,038 — a spread of over $2,200 between the best and worst months. The June-through-August window accounts for the lion's share of annual earnings, making summer optimization critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lava Hot Springs

Supply is remarkably evenly distributed across bedroom counts, with 1-bedroom (16 listings) and 2-bedroom (15) units slightly leading while 5-bedroom properties (5 listings) are the most underrepresented. That scarcity at the 5-bedroom tier, paired with strong revenue data for larger homes, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to go bigger.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lava Hot Springs

ADR scales steeply with property size in Lava Hot Springs — from $149 for 1-bedroom units up to $541 for 6+ bedroom properties, a 3.6x premium. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($320) to 5 bedrooms ($374) and then to 6+ ($541) suggests group-sized properties capture substantial pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lava Hot Springs

Revenue per available night favors larger configurations, with 6+ bedroom properties leading at $152 RevPAN and 4-bedroom listings earning $104 — both well above the market-wide average of $73. Notably, 5-bedroom listings dip slightly to $99 RevPAN, suggesting the 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom tiers offer the most efficient revenue generation per night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lava Hot Springs

Occupancy rates across all property sizes remain modest, ranging from 23% for 2-bedroom units to 33% for 4-bedroom listings. The relatively narrow 10-point spread indicates that while no size dominates bookings, 4-bedroom properties offer the most consistent demand — an important consideration for cash-flow planning in a seasonal market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lava Hot Springs

Monthly revenue climbs sharply with bedroom count: 1-bedroom units average $964 while 6+ bedroom properties pull in $7,229 — more than seven times as much. The 5-bedroom tier at $4,316 per month also stands out as a strong performer relative to its limited supply in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lava Hot Springs

On an annual basis, 6+ bedroom properties dominate at $86,756, far outpacing 5-bedroom units at $51,799 and 4-bedroom listings at $40,523. Investors focused on maximizing gross revenue potential should look at these larger configurations, though purchase price and operating costs will determine net returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lava Hot Springs

Parking (97%), self check-in (90%), and kitchens (90%) are near-universal expectations for Lava Hot Springs guests, reflecting a drive-to, self-catering market. Outdoor features like patios (68%), BBQ grills (66%), and backyards (64%) are also widespread, while hot tubs — surprisingly at just 13% — represent a potential differentiator in a town defined by soaking culture.

Understanding Lava Hot Springs's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Lava Hot Springs earns an ROI score of 58 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — a market with genuine upside that also carries some risk investors should weigh carefully. The average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth trend are encouraging, but below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance highlight the seasonal and competitive dynamics at play. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on high-performing property sizes will help investors make a well-informed decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lava Hot Springs

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Lava Hot Springs and Bannock County, as permit processes can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Idaho resort communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the total number of STR permits issued.

Tax Obligations

Idaho imposes a state sales tax and a travel and convention tax on short-term lodging, and Lava Hot Springs may have additional local lodging taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but owners should confirm their obligations with the Idaho State Tax Commission.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lava Hot Springs is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with peak-season months (June through August) sustaining strong nightly rates. The market's above-average growth trend suggests listing supply and visitor interest are both expanding, which could push annual revenues up modestly — perhaps 2–5% — if occupancy stabilizes alongside the growth in supply. Investors should expect occupancy to remain concentrated in warmer months, so revenue estimates for off-peak periods are likely to stay below $2,700 per month. Pairing a well-positioned property with competitive winter pricing or unique amenities like hot tubs could help narrow the seasonal gap."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lava Hot Springs, ID

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lava Hot Springs?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lava Hot Springs is currently 26%, which falls below the Idaho state average of 41%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 33%, while 2-bedroom units average just 23%. The market's strong seasonality — peaking in summer — means occupancy can fluctuate significantly month to month.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lava Hot Springs?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lava Hot Springs earn approximately $2,887 per month or $34,655 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $964 per month, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in roughly $7,229 per month. Peak summer months like August can push individual monthly revenues to around $4,260.

Is Lava Hot Springs a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lava Hot Springs scores 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a unique tourism draw centered on its natural hot springs. However, below-average occupancy stability and seasonal demand concentration mean investors should plan for significant revenue swings between summer and winter. Larger properties tend to perform better, so targeting 4+ bedroom homes may improve investment returns.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lava Hot Springs?

The average daily rate in Lava Hot Springs is $280, which is slightly above the Idaho state average of $277. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $149 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $541 per night. This pricing structure suggests that group travelers and families are the primary demand drivers willing to pay premium rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lava Hot Springs?

Short-term rentals do operate in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, with 77 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and hosts may need permits, business licenses, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Investors should verify current STR regulations directly with the City of Lava Hot Springs, Bannock County, and the State of Idaho before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lava Hot Springs?

Peak season in Lava Hot Springs runs from June through August, with August being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,260. July follows closely at $3,881, and June averages $3,600. The off-peak trough hits in January at around $2,038, making summer revenue roughly double what hosts earn in the slowest months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lava Hot Springs?

There are currently 77 active Airbnb listings in Lava Hot Springs. Supply is fairly well distributed across property sizes: 1-bedroom (16 listings), 2-bedroom (15), 3-bedroom (13), 4-bedroom (11), 5-bedroom (5), and 6+ bedrooms (13). The year-over-year growth in active listings has been 253%, indicating a rapidly expanding supply environment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lava Hot Springs?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Lava Hot Springs 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 remainder into 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 because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 Lava Hot Springs market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing performance
• Monthly and annual revenue trends broken down by property size
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Individual results may vary significantly based on property condition, location within the market, pricing strategy, and operational management. Local regulations governing short-term rentals can change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.