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

Melrose Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Melrose, FL is a small, lake-oriented market with just 20 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $17,793 per property. With an ADR of $244—well below the $498 state average—and occupancy at 34% versus 54% statewide, this is a niche market where selective deal sourcing and strong property positioning matter more than usual. Year-over-year listing growth of 106% signals rising investor interest, but the limited supply base means even modest additions can reshape competitive dynamics quickly.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Melrose 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 Melrose

Melrose attracts investors seeking affordable lakefront properties in a low-competition environment where differentiation can translate to outsized returns relative to entry cost.

Expert Market Assessment

"Melrose presents a competitive opportunity where returns are achievable but not automatic. The market's 34% occupancy rate and $83 RevPAN sit below statewide benchmarks, which means investors need to be deliberate about property selection and pricing strategy. Seasonality is moderate—March stands out as the clear revenue peak at $2,536, while September dips to $1,088—so operators should plan for meaningful revenue swings across the year. Properties with lake access, outdoor amenities, and 3-bedroom configurations are best positioned to capture the strongest share of guest demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Melrose

Average revenue by month in Melrose

March is the standout month in Melrose at $2,536 in average revenue—more than twice the September low of $1,088. The gap highlights moderate seasonality, with a secondary lift in July ($1,649) and the winter holiday period (December at $1,613), suggesting both spring visitors and summer vacationers drive demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Melrose

Supply in Melrose is concentrated in just two categories: 1-bedroom units (7 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (6 listings). The absence of 2-bedroom or 4+ bedroom listings in the data could represent an underserved niche for investors willing to offer mid-size accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Melrose

ADR scales sharply with size in Melrose—3-bedroom listings command $230 per night compared to $88 for 1-bedrooms, a 2.6x premium. For investors weighing acquisition cost against nightly rate, the jump to a 3-bedroom configuration delivers significantly stronger pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Melrose

Despite their lower ADR, 1-bedroom listings actually deliver a higher RevPAN of $43 versus $37 for 3-bedrooms, thanks to substantially better occupancy. This makes smaller units more efficient on a per-available-night basis, though 3-bedrooms still win on total monthly revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Melrose

One-bedroom properties maintain a 49% occupancy rate—nearly three times the 17% rate seen for 3-bedroom listings. The low occupancy for larger homes suggests they cater to less frequent but higher-value bookings, which creates more volatility in monthly cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Melrose

Three-bedroom properties lead on monthly revenue at $2,384 per month, roughly 3.7 times the $650 average for 1-bedroom units. Despite lower occupancy, the premium ADR on larger homes more than compensates, making them the higher-earning configuration in absolute terms.

Average annual revenue by property size in Melrose

At $28,617 annually, 3-bedroom listings generate nearly four times the $7,811 earned by 1-bedroom properties. For investors targeting total revenue potential, a well-appointed 3-bedroom with lake access represents the strongest earning profile in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Melrose

Parking and kitchens are universal across Melrose listings, while lake access (85%), backyards (80%), and patios (80%) reflect the market's outdoor, nature-driven identity. Investors should treat lake access and outdoor living spaces as essential rather than optional—guests in this market clearly expect them.

Understanding Melrose's ROI Score: 36/100

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

Melrose's ROI Score of 36 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, indicating that while the market has real potential, investors will need to be selective to achieve strong returns. The average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average supply/demand balance are encouraging, but below-average occupancy stability weighs on the overall score and highlights the importance of pricing strategy and property differentiation. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on lake-access properties will help investors make more informed acquisition decisions.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Melrose

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Melrose, FL should verify whether Putnam County or the state of Florida requires a vacation rental license or business tax receipt before listing. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) typically requires STR operators to hold a state license, so investors should confirm current requirements with both local and state authorities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Investors in HOA-governed communities should also review covenants for any prohibitions or limitations on short-term rental activity, as these can vary significantly by neighborhood.

Tax Obligations

Florida requires collection of a state sales tax and any applicable county tourist development tax on short-term rental stays. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should verify which obligations remain their responsibility.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Melrose's short-term rental performance will likely continue to track seasonal patterns, with March remaining the revenue peak and fall months staying softer. Given the market's rapid listing growth and below-average occupancy, investors should anticipate occupancy holding in the 30–38% range unless demand catches up to new supply. ADR may see modest appreciation of 2–4% driven by property upgrades and lake-access premiums, but meaningful revenue gains will depend on keeping occupancy stable as competition increases."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Melrose, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Melrose?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Melrose is currently 34%, which falls below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average 49% occupancy, while 3-bedroom properties average just 17%. This disparity suggests smaller units stay booked more consistently, though larger properties compensate with higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Melrose?

Airbnb hosts in Melrose earn an average of $1,482 per month and approximately $17,793 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, earnings vary widely by property size—1-bedroom listings average $7,811 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $28,617 per year. Actual results depend on property quality, amenities, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is marketed.

Is Melrose a good market for Airbnb investment?

Melrose carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 36 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and average revenue-to-price ratios, but below-average occupancy stability means investors need to be strategic. Properties with lake access, outdoor spaces, and strong amenity packages are most likely to outperform in this small but growing market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Melrose is $244, which is significantly below the Florida state average of $498. ADR ranges from $88 for 1-bedroom properties to $230 for 3-bedroom listings. The lower rate reflects Melrose's positioning as an affordable, nature-focused getaway rather than a premium resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Melrose?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Florida, but operators in Melrose should verify specific licensing requirements with both the Florida DBPR and Putnam County. Local zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and permit requirements may apply depending on the property's location. We recommend consulting with local authorities or a real estate attorney before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Melrose?

Peak season in Melrose centers on March, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,536—more than double the slowest month. July ($1,649) and February ($1,644) also perform above the annual average. The softest months are September ($1,088) and January ($1,183), so investors should budget for meaningful seasonal swings in income.

How many Airbnbs are there in Melrose?

Melrose currently has 20 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is split between 1-bedroom properties (7 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (6 listings), with the remainder falling into other configurations. Year-over-year listing growth of 106% indicates the market is expanding quickly from a small base.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Melrose?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Melrose 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 aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements before purchasing.