Lewes, DE Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lewes Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lewes, DE is a coastal Delaware market with 164 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $57,696 per property. The market's strong summer seasonality — with August revenues hitting $14,705 — underscores its appeal as a beach destination, while an ADR of $276 sits below the state average of $342, suggesting room for premium positioning. With an ROI score of 60 out of 100, Lewes offers an attractive entry point for investors who can capitalize on peak-season demand and manage leaner winter months effectively.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lewes 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 Lewes

Lewes attracts STR investors with its coastal tourism appeal and meaningful summer revenue potential, balanced against moderate year-round metrics that reward strategic operators.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lewes presents a moderately attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand seasonal coastal markets. The dramatic revenue swing from $800 in January to nearly $14,705 in August means cash flow is heavily front-loaded into summer, and investors need to budget accordingly for quieter months. With all four ROI calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance — rated as average, this is a market that rewards disciplined execution rather than passive ownership. Larger properties, particularly 5-bedroom homes, show outsized revenue potential and may offer the best path to strong returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lewes

Average revenue by month in Lewes

Lewes displays extreme seasonality, with August ($14,705) and July ($14,281) generating roughly 18 times the revenue of January ($800). The sharp concentration of earnings between June and September means about 75% of annual revenue is earned in just four months, making effective peak-season pricing and occupancy management critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lewes

Three-bedroom properties dominate the Lewes market with 58 listings (35% of supply), followed by 2-bedroom units at 34 and 4-bedroom homes at 30. The 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom categories are relatively underserved with only 13 and 9 listings respectively, which may represent an opportunity given those sizes' strong revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lewes

ADR climbs steadily from $152 for 1-bedroom units to $496 for 5-bedroom properties, reflecting the premium guests will pay for larger beach houses. Notably, 6+ bedroom listings average $458 — slightly below the 5-bedroom tier — suggesting that the sweet spot for rate premiums tops out around 5 bedrooms in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lewes

Five-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $101 per available night, nearly double the next best performer (3-bedroom at $64) and almost triple the 4-bedroom figure of $37. This gap signals that 5-bedroom homes convert their high ADR into actual booked revenue more efficiently than other property sizes in Lewes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lewes

Smaller units hold the occupancy edge in Lewes, with 1- and 2-bedroom properties each at 28%, while 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom homes lag at 11% and 12% respectively. Investors in larger properties should expect lower occupancy rates and plan for revenue to be concentrated in fewer, higher-value bookings during peak summer weeks.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lewes

Monthly revenue scales with size up to the 5-bedroom tier, which leads at $8,492 per month — nearly 90% more than 3-bedroom properties at $4,667. Four-bedroom homes earn $5,309 monthly, while 6+ bedroom listings at $6,933 fall between the 4- and 5-bedroom tiers, reinforcing that the 5-bedroom configuration offers the strongest monthly income potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lewes

Five-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $101,915, the only category to break six figures, followed by 6+ bedrooms at $83,196 and 4-bedrooms at $63,711. One-bedroom units bring in $38,092 annually — still meaningful but roughly 37% of what a 5-bedroom earns, making larger homes considerably more compelling on a gross revenue basis.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lewes

Parking (99%) and kitchen access (97%) are near-universal in Lewes, reflecting the family-oriented beach market where guests expect to drive in and cook at home. Outdoor living amenities are also prominent — patios or balconies (73%), backyards (65%), and BBQ grills (54%) — while differentiators like pools (42%), pet-friendliness (26%), and hot tubs (17%) are less common and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Lewes's ROI Score: 60/100

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

With an ROI score of 60 out of 100, Lewes falls into the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — a market with genuine potential that demands careful operator execution rather than passive returns. All four calculation factors (revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance) rate as average, meaning no single metric is dragging the score down but none is providing standout lift either. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target property configurations — particularly 5-bedroom homes — that have demonstrated the ability to outperform market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lewes

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lewes, Delaware may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Lewes and the State of Delaware, as regulations can evolve quickly in popular coastal communities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in beach markets like Lewes may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during peak season, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA rules that can vary by neighborhood. Investors should also be aware that some areas may impose caps on the total number of short-term rental permits issued.

Tax Obligations

Delaware may require short-term rental hosts to collect and remit accommodations taxes, and local jurisdictions can layer on additional lodging or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Delaware Division of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lewes is likely to see continued summer-driven demand with peak revenues concentrated between June and August. Given the 131% year-over-year growth in active listings, supply is expanding rapidly, which could moderate occupancy and ADR gains — investors should expect occupancy to hover around 20–25% on an annualized basis with potential ADR increases of 1–3% if the market absorbs new inventory steadily. Properties that differentiate through premium amenities or larger configurations may outperform as competition intensifies, though the off-season from November through March will remain a revenue challenge that requires careful pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lewes, DE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lewes?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lewes is currently 22%, which falls below the Delaware state average of 32%. This lower annualized figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy concentrates heavily in the summer months. Smaller properties (1- and 2-bedroom units) tend to perform best at 28% occupancy, while larger 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom homes see lower rates of 11% and 12% respectively. Investors should factor in this seasonal pattern when modeling cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lewes?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lewes earn approximately $4,808 per month or $57,696 annually based on trailing 12-month data. However, revenue varies significantly by property size: 5-bedroom properties lead the market with an average of $8,492 per month ($101,915 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $3,174 per month ($38,092 annually). Seasonality also plays a major role, with peak months like July and August generating over $14,000 in average revenue compared to less than $1,000 in January.

Is Lewes a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lewes earns an ROI score of 60 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from strong coastal tourism demand during summer months, and larger properties — especially 5-bedroom homes — can generate over $100,000 in annual revenue. However, investors should be prepared for a pronounced off-season and a rapidly growing supply of listings (131% year-over-year growth). Success here depends on choosing the right property size, offering competitive amenities, and managing pricing dynamically through seasonal swings.

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

The average daily rate in Lewes is $276, which is below the Delaware state average of $342. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $152 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $496 per night. Interestingly, 6+ bedroom properties average $458, slightly less than 5-bedroom homes, which may reflect differences in location or quality within that tier. Investors targeting higher ADR should consider larger family-oriented properties with premium amenities.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lewes?

Short-term rentals do operate in Lewes, DE, with 164 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and operational requirements can change, so prospective investors should verify the latest rules directly with the City of Lewes and the State of Delaware before purchasing a property. It's also wise to check for any HOA restrictions that may apply to specific neighborhoods or communities.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lewes?

Peak season in Lewes runs from June through August, with revenue reaching its highest point in August at an average of $14,705 per listing. July is nearly as strong at $14,281. The shoulder months of May ($4,519) and September ($4,941) offer decent secondary demand. The slowest period spans from November through February, when monthly revenues drop below $1,300, making strategic winter pricing and minimum-stay adjustments important for maintaining some cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lewes?

As of April 2026, there are 164 active Airbnb listings in Lewes. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 58 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (34) and 4-bedroom (30) properties. The market has experienced significant growth, with active listings increasing 131% year-over-year, indicating strong investor interest in this coastal Delaware market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lewes?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lewes 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 uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like summer in Lewes) and slower periods (like winter). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Lewes market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size and time period
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Property value benchmarks 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and current snapshots as of the dates indicated; market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.