Palmerton, PA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Palmerton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Palmerton, PA earns an ROI score of 79 out of 100, placing it firmly in "Standout Opportunity" territory for short-term rental investors. With an average daily rate of $337 and occupancy running at 48%—well above Pennsylvania's 36% state average—this small Lehigh Valley-area market punches above its weight. Average annual revenue sits at $40,881 against home values averaging $366,140, creating a revenue-to-price ratio that outpaces many comparable markets. The compact supply of just 30 active listings suggests room to enter without drowning in competition.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Palmerton 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 Palmerton

Palmerton appeals to investors because it combines a favorable revenue-to-price ratio with above-average occupancy and a still-manageable competitive landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Palmerton presents a compelling opportunity for investors willing to navigate its seasonal revenue swings. The market's 79/100 ROI score reflects above-average revenue-to-price performance and solid growth trends, tempered by average—but perfectly workable—occupancy stability and supply/demand dynamics. Peak months in July and August can generate $5,800–$7,000, while the softest stretch in March–April brings in closer to $1,900–$2,300, so operators should price aggressively in summer and consider minimum-stay strategies during quieter periods. With only 30 active listings and strong demand indicators, this is a market that rewards well-positioned properties—especially larger homes that can command premium rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Palmerton

Average revenue by month in Palmerton

Palmerton's revenue peaks sharply in August at $7,011 and July at $5,845, while April marks the low point at just $1,866—a spread of over $5,100 that signals strong summer-driven seasonality. December ($3,755) and February ($3,572) offer secondary revenue bumps, likely tied to holiday and winter recreation traffic, giving operators some relief outside the core summer window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Palmerton

Four-bedroom properties dominate Palmerton's supply with 11 listings, followed by 9 three-bedroom and just 5 two-bedroom units. The relatively thin two-bedroom inventory could represent an opportunity for investors targeting couples or smaller groups, though the market clearly skews toward larger, group-friendly accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Palmerton

ADR scales substantially with size in Palmerton—from $199 for two-bedroom units to $297 for three-bedrooms and $434 for four-bedroom properties. The jump from three to four bedrooms adds $137 per night, suggesting that the extra capacity commands a meaningful premium likely driven by group and family travelers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Palmerton

Four-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $175, followed by three-bedrooms at $153 and two-bedrooms at $108. While the gap narrows compared to raw ADR due to lower occupancy in larger units, four-bedroom properties still generate the strongest revenue per available night overall.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Palmerton

Two-bedroom properties lead in occupancy at 55%, with three-bedrooms close behind at 52%, while four-bedroom listings lag at 40%. Investors targeting four-bedroom units should expect fewer booked nights but can compensate through significantly higher nightly rates that still produce superior total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Palmerton

Four-bedroom properties earn $4,322 per month on average—roughly 56% more than three-bedrooms at $2,764 and nearly double two-bedroom units at $2,244. This revenue hierarchy makes larger properties the clear top earners despite their lower occupancy rates, driven by their premium daily rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Palmerton

At $51,866 in average annual revenue, four-bedroom properties in Palmerton significantly outperform three-bedrooms ($33,177) and two-bedrooms ($26,931). For investors evaluating return potential against acquisition and operating costs, the four-bedroom configuration offers the strongest top-line revenue, though carrying costs and seasonal vacancy should be factored into net yield calculations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Palmerton

Washer, parking, and kitchen amenities each appear in 97% of Palmerton listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor-oriented features are notably prevalent—87% offer a patio or balcony, 83% have outdoor furniture, and 77% include a BBQ grill—signaling that guests in this market prioritize outdoor living spaces, while hot tubs (40%) and lake access (23%) could serve as competitive differentiators.

Understanding Palmerton's ROI Score: 79/100

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

Palmerton's ROI score of 79 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio—the most heavily weighted factor—which reflects strong earning potential relative to local home values. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, meaning the market performs reliably without exceptional volatility, while the above-average market growth trend suggests momentum is building. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm that the market-level opportunity translates to their specific deal.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Palmerton

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Palmerton, PA should verify whether a short-term rental permit or registration is required through the Borough of Palmerton and Carbon County. Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide STR licensing framework, so requirements can vary at the local level—contacting the municipal zoning office before listing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants or deed restrictions that could limit short-term rental use, particularly in newer developments or planned communities.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Pennsylvania are typically subject to the state's 6% hotel occupancy tax, and Carbon County may impose an additional local room tax. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance and maintain records for any obligations not handled by the platform.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Palmerton's STR market is expected to continue benefiting from strong summer demand, with July and August historically driving revenue well above $5,800–$7,000 per month. Year-over-year listing growth of 80% signals rising investor interest, though the market's small base of 30 listings means supply is still modest enough to support healthy occupancy. ADR could see incremental gains of 2–4% as operators refine pricing around peak seasons, while occupancy is likely to hold in the 45–52% range given stable demand drivers and an above-average supply/demand balance. Investors entering now should plan for pronounced seasonality, budgeting conservatively for softer months like March and April when revenue can dip below $2,400."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Palmerton, PA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palmerton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palmerton is currently 48%, which significantly exceeds Pennsylvania's statewide average of 36%. Two-bedroom properties tend to see the highest occupancy at 55%, while four-bedroom homes average around 40%. This above-average occupancy suggests healthy demand relative to the market's limited supply of active listings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Palmerton?

Airbnb hosts in Palmerton earn an average of $3,406 per month and approximately $40,881 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: two-bedroom listings average about $26,931 annually, three-bedrooms bring in around $33,177, and four-bedroom properties lead at roughly $51,866 per year. Peak summer months like August can push monthly revenue above $7,000.

Is Palmerton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Palmerton scores 79 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a "Standout Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average annual revenue of $40,881 against home values around $366,140. Its compact supply of just 30 active listings and occupancy well above the state average make it an attractive entry point, though investors should account for notable seasonality between summer peaks and quieter spring months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Palmerton is $337, slightly below Pennsylvania's $350 state average. ADR scales meaningfully with property size—two-bedroom units average $199, three-bedrooms come in at $297, and four-bedroom properties command $434 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who opt for larger properties that can accommodate groups.

Are short-term rentals legal in Palmerton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Palmerton, PA, though specific permit or registration requirements may apply at the municipal level. Investors should contact the Borough of Palmerton and review any applicable Carbon County regulations before listing a property. It's also wise to check for HOA restrictions or zoning overlays that could affect STR eligibility in certain neighborhoods.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Palmerton?

Peak season in Palmerton runs through July and August, when average monthly revenues reach $5,845 and $7,011 respectively—roughly double or triple what hosts earn during slower months. December and February also show above-average performance at $3,755 and $3,572. The softest months are March and April, when revenue dips to the $1,900–$2,300 range, so pricing and minimum-stay strategies should be adjusted accordingly.

How many Airbnbs are there in Palmerton?

As of April 2026, Palmerton has 30 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen significant year-over-year listing growth of 80%, though the absolute number remains small. Supply is concentrated among larger properties, with 11 four-bedroom listings, 9 three-bedroom listings, and 5 two-bedroom listings making up the tracked inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Palmerton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Palmerton 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, removes 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, 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 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 the Palmerton, PA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data across active listings

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.