Ouray, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ouray Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ouray, a mountain town renowned for its hot springs, ice climbing, and scenic Jeep trails, presents an attractive niche for short-term rental investors willing to navigate a seasonal market. With an average annual revenue of $43,699 across just 111 active listings, the market remains relatively small yet shows strong summer earnings potential—July alone averages $7,925 per listing. The ROI score of 56 out of 100 reflects a healthy balance of above-average occupancy stability and market growth, tempered by competitive supply dynamics and average revenue-to-price ratios given home values near $1,037,832.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ouray 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 Ouray

Ouray attracts STR investors because of its concentrated outdoor-recreation demand, limited housing stock, and above-average occupancy stability relative to comparable mountain markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ouray represents a moderately compelling opportunity for investors who understand seasonal mountain-town dynamics. Revenue swings dramatically—from a low of $1,328 in April to a peak of $7,925 in July—so cash-flow planning around the June-through-September corridor is essential. The market's above-average occupancy stability and growth trajectory are encouraging, though the below-average supply/demand balance and 86% year-over-year listing growth suggest new inventory is entering faster than demand can absorb. Investors who differentiate with larger properties and standout amenities like hot tubs are best positioned to capture premium rates and weather the quieter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ouray

Average revenue by month in Ouray

Ouray's revenue is sharply seasonal, peaking at $7,925 in July and bottoming out at $1,328 in April—a nearly 6x spread that underscores the importance of summer bookings. A secondary winter bump in December ($2,899) and January ($2,590) reflects demand from ice climbers and hot-springs visitors, giving hosts a modest revenue floor outside summer.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ouray

Supply is concentrated among 1-bedroom (35 listings) and 3-bedroom (30 listings) properties, with 2-bedrooms close behind at 28. Four-bedroom homes represent just 9 listings, suggesting a potential supply gap for larger groups—an opportunity for investors willing to offer more spacious accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ouray

ADR scales steadily with size, from $180 for 1-bedroom units to $430 for 4-bedroom properties—a 139% premium at the top end. The jump from 2-bedroom ($256) to 3-bedroom ($328) represents the steepest absolute increase, indicating strong willingness from guests to pay more for extra space in this mountain setting.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ouray

RevPAN climbs consistently with bedroom count, from $61 for 1-bedroom listings to $132 for 4-bedroom homes, confirming that larger properties generate substantially more revenue per available night even after accounting for occupancy. The 3-bedroom tier at $112 RevPAN offers a strong middle-ground for investors looking to balance acquisition cost against earning potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ouray

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across all property sizes, ranging from 29% for 2-bedrooms to 34% for 1- and 3-bedroom listings. This consistency suggests demand is broadly distributed rather than concentrated in a single size category, giving investors flexibility in property selection without a significant occupancy penalty.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ouray

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,413 for 1-bedroom listings to $4,769 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms earning a solid $4,115. The relatively modest step-up from 3- to 4-bedrooms ($654/month) may make 3-bedroom units the sweet spot when factoring in lower acquisition and maintenance costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ouray

Four-bedroom properties lead with $57,231 in average annual revenue, followed by 3-bedrooms at $49,380—both well above the market-wide average of $43,699. One-bedroom listings trail at $28,961, meaning investors targeting higher gross returns should prioritize properties with three or more bedrooms.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ouray

Self check-in (87%), kitchen (84%), and washer/dryer (79%/77%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for convenience and home-like comfort in a mountain getaway. Differentiators like hot tubs (19%) and pet-friendly policies (46%) appear less frequently, giving hosts who add these features a competitive edge in attracting bookings and commanding higher rates.

Understanding Ouray's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Ouray's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and an encouraging market growth trend that signals increasing visitor demand. The average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average supply/demand balance—reflecting 86% year-over-year listing growth—temper the upside, meaning investors need to be selective about property size and amenities to outperform the market average. Pairing this data with thorough research into Ouray's local STR regulations and realistic cash-flow modeling around the pronounced summer peak will help sharpen any investment decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ouray

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Ouray and the State of Colorado may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of Ouray and San Juan County, as rules in Colorado mountain communities can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Colorado STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and potential caps on the number of permitted rentals in certain zones. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some areas enforce minimum stay requirements during peak seasons—so reviewing all applicable rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Colorado are typically responsible for collecting and remitting state sales tax, local lodging tax, and any applicable tourism or marketing district assessments. Many booking platforms collect state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm that all local obligations are also being met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ouray's STR market is likely to benefit from continued growth in outdoor recreation tourism, with occupancy holding steady around 30–35% annually and potential ADR increases of 2–5% as the market matures. The 86% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could compress margins if supply outpaces demand—though the town's natural capacity constraints may limit that risk. Peak summer months (June through September) should continue to anchor revenue, while winter visitors drawn to ice climbing and hot springs provide a modest secondary season. Investors entering now should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively around the softer spring months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ouray, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ouray?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ouray is currently 33%, which falls below the Colorado state average of 45%. Occupancy ranges from 29% for 2-bedroom properties to 34% for 1- and 3-bedroom units. The relatively modest occupancy reflects the town's strong seasonal demand pattern, where summer months drive the bulk of bookings while spring sees notably lighter traffic.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ouray?

Airbnb hosts in Ouray earn an average of $3,641 per month and approximately $43,699 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $28,961 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate up to $57,231. Monthly earnings peak sharply in summer, with July averaging $7,925, so hosts should plan for lean months in the $1,300–$2,000 range during spring.

Is Ouray a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ouray earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and growth trends, driven by year-round outdoor recreation. However, average home values of $1,037,832 paired with $43,699 in annual revenue mean the revenue-to-price ratio is only average, and rapid listing growth (86% year-over-year) could pressure margins. Investors who secure well-located, larger properties and manage costs tightly can find solid returns here.

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

The average daily rate in Ouray is $297, well below the Colorado state average of $529. ADR scales meaningfully with property size—from $180 for 1-bedroom listings up to $430 for 4-bedroom homes. This pricing reflects Ouray's character as a smaller, value-oriented mountain destination rather than a luxury resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ouray?

Short-term rentals operate in Ouray, but hosts should verify current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable regulations with the City of Ouray and San Juan County. Colorado mountain communities often have specific STR rules that can change, so confirming compliance before purchasing or listing a property is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ouray?

Peak season in Ouray runs from June through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $7,925 in revenue per listing. August ($6,210) and September ($6,052) follow closely behind. The off-peak trough hits in April at just $1,328, making summer the critical revenue window. A modest secondary bump occurs in winter (December–January) thanks to ice climbing and hot springs tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ouray?

Ouray currently has 111 active Airbnb listings. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across sizes, with 35 one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 30 three-bedroom, and 9 four-bedroom properties. Notably, active listings have grown 86% year-over-year, indicating significant new supply entering this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ouray?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ouray are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drops regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July's $7,925 average) and slower months (like April's $1,328) because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 for the Ouray, CO market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Ouray and San Juan County authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.