Palmer, AK Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Palmer Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Palmer, Alaska sits at the crossroads of Matanuska Valley tourism and outdoor recreation, drawing visitors during the state's dramatic summer season. With 121 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,326 per property, the market offers a distinctive seasonal earnings profile where peak months can generate more than four times the revenue of winter. Average home values of $571,319 and a 29% occupancy rate—well below the 51% state average—mean investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Palmer 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 Palmer

Palmer appeals to investors seeking exposure to Alaska's summer tourism boom, though the market's intense seasonality and rising supply demand careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Palmer represents a competitive but narrowly focused investment opportunity, best suited for operators who can capitalize on its intense summer peak. July and August alone can produce nearly $11,000 in combined monthly revenue, but the November-through-March stretch averages just $1,279 per month—a spread that demands disciplined cash-flow management. The ROI score of 49 out of 100 reflects this tension: occupancy stability rates above average, yet supply-demand balance is below average following a surge in new listings. Investors targeting larger properties—particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes—will find the strongest per-night revenue and the best annual return potential in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Palmer

Average revenue by month in Palmer

Palmer's revenue profile is sharply seasonal: July peaks at $5,484 per listing while January bottoms out at just $1,157—a nearly 5x spread. The prime earning window runs June through August, accounting for the majority of annual income, which makes off-season cost management a critical factor for profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Palmer

One-bedroom units dominate Palmer's supply at 48 of 121 total listings, followed by two-bedrooms (31) and three-bedrooms (18). Four-bedroom properties are the scarcest with only 8 listings, which—combined with their outsized revenue—may signal a supply gap worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Palmer

ADR scales steeply with property size in Palmer, jumping from $138 for studios and one-bedrooms to $382 for four-bedroom properties. The sharpest premium jump occurs between three-bedrooms ($237) and four-bedrooms ($382), suggesting strong willingness to pay among groups booking larger accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Palmer

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $131, more than four times the $28 figure for one-bedrooms, which suffer from the market's lowest occupancy. Two- and three-bedroom listings offer a solid middle ground at $66 and $88 respectively, making them practical options for investors seeking a balance of revenue and acquisition cost.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Palmer

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across sizes, ranging from 20% for one-bedrooms to 37% for three-bedrooms. Studios (36%) and three-bedrooms (37%) fill most consistently, while one-bedroom units significantly underperform—a red flag for investors considering the most supply-heavy segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Palmer

Four-bedroom properties lead by a wide margin at $8,083 per month on average, more than double the next closest size (three-bedrooms at $3,398). One-bedroom listings trail at $1,582 monthly, underscoring how smaller units struggle to generate meaningful cash flow in Palmer's seasonal market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Palmer

At $97,005 in average annual revenue, four-bedroom properties in Palmer earn nearly 2.4 times what three-bedrooms generate ($40,787) and more than five times the one-bedroom average of $18,984. For investors with the capital to acquire larger homes, the revenue premium in this market is substantial.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Palmer

Parking (99%) and a kitchen (95%) are near-universal in Palmer, reflecting the practical needs of road-tripping and self-sufficient Alaskan travelers. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (69%), BBQ grills (41%), and patios (46%) are common differentiators, while hot tubs (13%) and saunas (10%) remain relatively rare—potentially offering a competitive edge for listings that include them.

Understanding Palmer's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Palmer's ROI Score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but also meaningful headwinds—particularly a below-average supply-demand balance following 122% listing growth. On the positive side, occupancy stability scores above average, and both the revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend come in at average levels, suggesting the fundamentals haven't deteriorated despite increased competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target property types—especially larger homes—where the revenue premium is most pronounced.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Palmer

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Palmer, Alaska may need to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city or the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Investors should verify current registration and permit requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in the Palmer area include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit nightly rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the number of active STR permits in residential zones, so confirming the specifics for your target property is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Alaska are generally subject to state and local lodging or bed taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their obligations with the Alaska Department of Revenue and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Palmer's short-term rental landscape is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with June through August remaining the primary revenue window. Active listings grew 122% year-over-year, which introduces meaningful supply pressure and may compress occupancy further unless demand keeps pace. ADR is expected to hold relatively steady in the $200–$220 range market-wide, though larger properties commanding $300+ nightly rates may see modest increases as group travel to Alaska continues to trend upward. Investors should plan conservatively around off-season months where monthly revenue can dip below $1,200."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Palmer, AK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palmer?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Palmer is currently 29%, which is notably below Alaska's statewide average of 51%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—occupancy climbs significantly during summer months and drops off during winter. Three-bedroom properties lead with 37% occupancy, while one-bedroom units average just 20%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Palmer?

Airbnb hosts in Palmer earn an average of $2,610 per month and approximately $31,326 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average around $18,984 annually, while four-bedroom properties can generate up to $97,005 per year. Summer months are by far the strongest, with July averaging $5,484 per listing.

Is Palmer a good market for Airbnb investment?

Palmer carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 49 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market's revenue-to-price ratio and growth trend are average, and occupancy stability is above average, but the supply-demand balance is below average following 122% year-over-year listing growth. Investors who target larger properties and manage off-season costs carefully can find viable returns, but selective deal sourcing is important.

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

The average daily rate in Palmer is $212, which is below the Alaska state average of $254. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios and one-bedroom units average $138 per night, two-bedrooms reach $203, three-bedrooms hit $237, and four-bedroom properties command $382 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Palmer?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Palmer, Alaska, but hosts may be required to obtain local business licenses or STR permits from the city or the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Regulations can change, so investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Palmer?

Peak season in Palmer runs from June through August, closely aligned with Alaska's summer tourism window. July is the strongest month with an average per-listing revenue of $5,484, followed by August at $5,343 and June at $4,418. Revenue drops sharply from October through March, with January being the softest month at just $1,157 per listing.

How many Airbnbs are there in Palmer?

Palmer currently has 121 active Airbnb listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 48 listings, followed by two-bedrooms (31), three-bedrooms (18), studios (10), and four-bedrooms (8). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 122% year over year.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Palmer?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Palmer 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 into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since 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 Palmer and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Historical revenue and yield metrics 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of the date indicated and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.