Marathon, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Marathon Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Marathon, FL sits squarely in the heart of the Florida Keys — one of the most sought-after vacation corridors in the country — and its short-term rental numbers reflect that appeal. With an average daily rate of $500 (essentially matching the state average) and a 60% occupancy rate that outperforms Florida's 54% statewide figure, hosts here are pulling in roughly $83,179 per year on average. The market's 610 active listings and above-average occupancy stability point to consistent traveler demand, though property values averaging $1.65 million mean investors need to pencil their numbers carefully.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Marathon 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 Marathon

Marathon's combination of premium Keys tourism demand, above-average occupancy stability, and high nightly rates makes it a compelling — if capital-intensive — STR market for investors who can clear the entry price.

Expert Market Assessment

"Marathon earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, landing in the "Attractive Opportunity" band — a reflection of healthy demand fundamentals tempered by elevated property prices and a below-average market growth trend. Revenue seasonality is pronounced: March peaks near $12,863 per month while September dips to $3,174, so investors should plan cash reserves to cover the quieter late-summer and early-fall stretch. The market's above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply/demand dynamics provide a degree of insulation, but the 147% year-over-year increase in active listings is worth monitoring closely to ensure revenue per listing doesn't erode."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Marathon

Average revenue by month in Marathon

Marathon's revenue peaks sharply in March at $12,863 and stays elevated through February ($10,584), then drops steeply to a September low of just $3,174 — a nearly 4x spread that underscores the market's pronounced winter seasonality. Investors should budget for several lean months from August through November and capitalize aggressively on the January–March high season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Marathon

Three-bedroom properties dominate Marathon's supply at 188 listings, followed closely by 2-bedrooms (151) and 4-bedrooms (120), while studios (15) and 6+ bedrooms (17) are the scarcest. The thin supply of larger 5- and 6+ bedroom homes could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire premium properties in an underserved segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Marathon

ADR scales steeply with size in Marathon: studios average $224 per night while 6+ bedroom properties command $1,348 — more than a 6x premium. The most notable jump occurs between 4 bedrooms ($638) and 5 bedrooms ($989), suggesting that the premium guests will pay for extra space and group accommodation is especially strong at the upper end.

Average RevPAN by property size in Marathon

RevPAN climbs steadily from $153 for studios to $651 for 6+ bedroom properties, confirming that larger homes generate substantially more revenue per available night even after accounting for their lower occupancy. Five-bedroom listings stand out with a $512 RevPAN, delivering strong per-night returns while still maintaining a reasonable 52% occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Marathon

Smaller properties fill more consistently — studios lead at 68% occupancy, with 1-bedrooms close behind at 66% — while 6+ bedroom homes sit at 48%. For investors prioritizing cash-flow predictability, the 1–2 bedroom segment offers the steadiest bookings, though the lower ADR of those units means total revenue is considerably less than larger homes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Marathon

Monthly revenue differences across property sizes are dramatic: studios and 1-bedrooms hover around $3,000/month, while 6+ bedroom properties average $20,398 — nearly seven times as much. The jump from 3-bedroom ($7,488) to 4-bedroom ($9,546) represents a sweet spot where revenue gains are meaningful without the occupancy challenges facing the largest homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Marathon

Annual revenue ranges from $35,898 for studios to $244,780 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom homes earning approximately $174,910 per year. Given Marathon's average home values of $1.65 million, investors should compare per-bedroom acquisition costs against these revenue tiers to identify the configuration that maximizes yield for their budget.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Marathon

Kitchens (97%), washers (93%), and dryers (91%) are table stakes in Marathon, while outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (80%), pools (73%), and waterfront access (64%) reflect the Keys' vacation lifestyle expectations. Listings without a pool or waterfront proximity may face a competitive disadvantage, and the relatively low hot tub prevalence (18%) could represent a differentiation opportunity.

Understanding Marathon's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Marathon's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply/demand dynamic — two factors that help insulate investors from the revenue volatility common in seasonal markets. However, the average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average market growth trend reflect the reality of high Keys property values and rapidly expanding listing supply. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative underwriting approach will give investors the clearest picture of whether a Marathon property pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Marathon

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

Permit Requirements

Marathon, FL and Monroe County generally require short-term rental operators to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a vacation rental license. Investors should verify all current permit and registration requirements directly with Monroe County and the City of Marathon before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Keys communities can include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, parking mandates, noise ordinances, and rules around trash collection and signage. HOA and condo association covenants may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing governing documents before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Florida are typically subject to state sales tax and county tourist development tax (bed tax), which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm the applicable combined rate in Monroe County and ensure they are registered for any obligations not automatically handled by their booking platform.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Marathon's strong seasonal demand curve — peaking in February and March — should continue to anchor annual revenue for well-positioned listings. Occupancy rates are likely to hold in the 58–62% range given the market's above-average stability score, though ADR growth may remain modest at an estimated 1–3% as supply has expanded significantly (147% year-over-year listing growth). Investors entering now should plan conservatively around the September–October trough and budget for the reality that new competition could moderate per-listing revenue if supply continues outpacing demand at this pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Marathon, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Marathon?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Marathon is currently 60%, which outperforms the Florida state average of 54%. Smaller properties like studios and 1-bedrooms tend to see the highest occupancy (66–68%), while larger 5- and 6+ bedroom homes run closer to 48–52%. This above-average occupancy reflects the consistent vacation demand the Florida Keys enjoy throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Marathon?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Marathon earn approximately $6,931 per month and $83,179 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size — studios and 1-bedrooms average around $3,000 per month, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $14,575 monthly and 6+ bedroom homes can reach about $20,398 per month. Peak earning months are February and March, when monthly revenue can exceed $10,500–$12,800.

Is Marathon a good market for Airbnb investment?

Marathon scores a 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong nightly rates ($500 ADR), though high property values averaging $1.65 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is average rather than exceptional. Investors who can absorb the entry cost and manage through the slower September–October months stand to benefit from the Keys' enduring tourism appeal.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Marathon is $500, which is essentially in line with the Florida state average of $498. Rates scale sharply with property size: studios average $224 per night, 3-bedroom homes command about $486, and 6+ bedroom properties can reach $1,348 per night. This tiered pricing structure rewards investors who can acquire and operate larger properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Marathon?

Yes, short-term rentals operate in Marathon, FL, and the broader Florida Keys area. Hosts are generally required to obtain a vacation rental license through the Florida DBPR and a local business tax receipt from Monroe County. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify the latest permit requirements, zoning rules, and any HOA restrictions with local authorities before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Marathon?

Peak season in Marathon runs from January through March, with March being the highest-earning month at an average of $12,863 in revenue. February follows closely at $10,584. The slowest months are September ($3,174) and October ($3,626), creating a seasonal spread of nearly $9,700 between the best and worst months. This pattern aligns with the classic Florida Keys winter tourism season when northern travelers flock to warmer weather.

How many Airbnbs are there in Marathon?

Marathon currently has 610 active Airbnb listings. The supply is concentrated in 2- and 3-bedroom properties (151 and 188 listings, respectively), which together account for more than half of all inventory. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 147% year-over-year, something investors should factor into their revenue projections.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Marathon?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Marathon 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 (like March at $12,863) and slower months (like September at $3,174) because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well 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 Marathon, FL market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may vary based on property condition, management quality, and pricing strategy. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — investors should verify current rules with Marathon and Monroe County authorities before acquiring a property.