Mount Desert, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mount Desert Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mount Desert, ME commands some of the highest nightly rates in the state — an average daily rate of $425 compared to the $415 state average — driven by its proximity to Acadia National Park and the rugged Maine coastline. With just 38 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $118,451 per property, this is a small, premium market where well-positioned homes can generate meaningful income during a concentrated summer season. The ROI score of 60 out of 100 reflects healthy demand and above-average occupancy stability, though elevated home values (averaging $2,181,018) temper the revenue-to-price ratio.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mount Desert 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 Mount Desert

Investors are drawn to Mount Desert for its premium nightly rates, iconic natural attractions, and a small supply of competing listings that keeps quality properties in high demand during peak season.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mount Desert presents an attractive but sharply seasonal opportunity. Revenue swings are dramatic — August listings average $26,769 while January drops to just $1,581 — which means investors must be comfortable with a cash-flow cycle that peaks hard in summer and nearly goes dormant in winter. The market's strengths lie in its premium pricing power and above-average occupancy stability, suggesting that demand during peak months is reliable rather than speculative. However, the supply/demand balance scores below average, and the 115% year-over-year listing growth warrants monitoring to ensure the market doesn't tip toward oversupply in a destination with inherently limited winter demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mount Desert

Average revenue by month in Mount Desert

Mount Desert's revenue is extremely seasonal, peaking in August at $26,769 and bottoming out in January at $1,581 — a spread of over $25,000. Roughly 68% of annual revenue is earned between June and October, so investors should plan cash reserves to cover five months of minimal income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mount Desert

Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 11 listings, while 1-bedrooms are the scarcest at just 6. The relatively even distribution across 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom sizes suggests no single configuration dominates, though the limited 1-bedroom inventory could signal either lower demand or a niche opportunity for smaller units targeting couples and solo travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mount Desert

ADR scales up to the 3-bedroom tier, which commands the highest rate at $489 per night — nearly double the $258 charged by 1-bedroom listings. Notably, 4-bedroom properties average only $344, suggesting that the premium-to-cost trade-off may be strongest in the 2- to 3-bedroom range where rates are robust and acquisition costs may be more manageable.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mount Desert

Two-bedroom units deliver the highest RevPAN at $110, edging out 3-bedrooms ($105) and 4-bedrooms ($98), while 1-bedrooms lag at $60. This indicates that 2-bedroom properties strike the best balance between nightly rate and occupancy, making them a compelling option for investors focused on per-night yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mount Desert

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered between 22% and 29% across all property sizes, with 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings sharing the top spot at 29%. The narrow range suggests that guest demand in Mount Desert is more driven by seasonality than by property size, so cash-flow stability hinges more on peak-season performance than on choosing the right bedroom count.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mount Desert

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $15,943, followed by 3-bedrooms at $12,067 and 2-bedrooms at $8,843, while 1-bedrooms trail at $4,721. Revenue roughly triples from the smallest to largest configurations, making larger homes the top earners — though investors should weigh higher operating and acquisition costs accordingly.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mount Desert

Annual revenue scales steadily from $56,652 for 1-bedroom units up to $191,321 for 4-bedroom properties. Given average home values of $2,181,018, even the highest-earning 4-bedroom configuration yields a revenue-to-price ratio that requires careful underwriting, but the $191K annual figure represents a meaningful income stream for investors with longer time horizons.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mount Desert

Kitchens (97%) and parking (95%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient stays in a rural coastal destination. Outdoor amenities — backyards (68%), BBQ grills (63%), and patios (61%) — are also widespread, signaling that guests value outdoor living space, while waterfront and beach access (each at 24%) remain differentiators that can justify premium pricing.

Understanding Mount Desert'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

Mount Desert's ROI Score of 60 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where strong nightly rates and above-average occupancy stability are partially offset by average revenue-to-price ratios and a below-average supply/demand balance driven by rapid listing growth. The score suggests solid earning potential for well-managed properties, but the high cost of entry ($2.18M average home value) means investors need to run detailed cash-flow models. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal revenue plan will give you the clearest picture of whether Mount Desert fits your portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mount Desert

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Mount Desert, Maine may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing it. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the town office and the State of Maine, as local rules can change between seasons.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Maine communities include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during peak weekends, noise ordinances, and parking mandates that reflect the area's narrow roads. Some properties may also fall under homeowner association rules or deed restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so title review is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Maine are generally required to collect and remit a state lodging tax, and platforms like Airbnb often handle this collection automatically. Investors should confirm whether the Town of Mount Desert imposes any additional local taxes or fees on top of the state obligation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mount Desert's short-term rental market is likely to maintain its sharp seasonal pattern, with the bulk of revenue concentrated between June and October. Active listings grew 115% year over year, which could introduce modest competitive pressure, but the area's constrained geography and strong tourist draw should keep ADRs in the $400–$450 range for peak months. Occupancy during shoulder months may remain soft — expect annual occupancy to hover around 22–28% depending on property type — so investors should budget for meaningful off-season downtime. Incremental gains are most likely for operators who extend bookings into October and early November through competitive pricing and fall-foliage marketing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mount Desert, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mount Desert?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mount Desert is currently 24%, which is well below the Maine state average of 55%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy surges during summer months when Acadia National Park draws visitors, then drops significantly in winter. By property size, 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units tend to perform best at 29% occupancy, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings average 22–23%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mount Desert?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Mount Desert earns approximately $9,870 per month and $118,451 per year. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $56,652 annually, while 4-bedroom properties reach roughly $191,321. Keep in mind that the bulk of this income is generated during the June–October peak season, with August alone averaging nearly $26,769 per listing.

Is Mount Desert a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mount Desert earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 60 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from premium nightly rates ($425 ADR), above-average occupancy stability, and strong summer demand tied to Acadia National Park tourism. The primary challenges are high property values (averaging $2,181,018) and pronounced seasonality, which mean investors need to be comfortable with concentrated income periods and a longer payback timeline compared to year-round markets.

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

The average daily rate in Mount Desert is $425, slightly above the Maine state average of $415. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $258 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $376, and 3-bedroom properties command the highest rate at $489. Interestingly, 4-bedroom listings average $344, which may reflect a mix of property types or locations within the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mount Desert?

Short-term rentals do operate in Mount Desert, ME, with 38 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can include permit requirements, occupancy limits, and other restrictions. Investors should contact the Town of Mount Desert directly and review any applicable Maine state regulations before purchasing or listing a property to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mount Desert?

Peak season in Mount Desert runs from June through October, with July and August generating the highest revenue. August is the single strongest month, with average per-listing revenue of $26,769, followed by July at $23,839. September and October remain strong at $15,206 and $13,403 respectively, likely boosted by fall foliage visitors. The off-season from November through April sees a sharp drop, with winter months averaging under $2,500.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mount Desert?

As of April 2026, there are 38 active Airbnb listings in Mount Desert. The market saw 115% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating increasing investor interest. Supply is distributed across property sizes, with 2-bedroom units being the most common (11 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (8), 4-bedrooms (7), and 1-bedrooms (6).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mount Desert?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Mount Desert 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 up into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like the $26,769 August average) and slower months (like January at $1,581). 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 Mount Desert and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data showing what top-performing listings offer

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 regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.