Payson, AZ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Payson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Payson, AZ draws visitors seeking a cool mountain escape from the Phoenix metro heat, and its 168 active Airbnb listings reflect a growing but still manageable supply base. With an average daily rate of $232—well below Arizona's $434 state average—the market offers an accessible price point for guests, though occupancy sits at just 25% compared to the 53% state average. Annual revenue averages $25,174 per listing, and a notable 86% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest that warrants careful deal selection.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Payson 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 Payson

Payson appeals to investors targeting Arizona's mountain recreation market, where strong summer demand and relatively lower entry costs create opportunities for well-positioned properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Payson presents a competitive but selective opportunity for STR investors. Revenue is heavily seasonal—July peaks at $3,165 while February dips to just $1,211—so cash-flow planning needs to account for meaningful off-season softness. The rapid 86% listing growth combined with below-average occupancy and revenue-to-price ratios means this isn't a market where any property will perform; larger homes with strong amenity packages are far more likely to pencil out. Investors who target 4- or 5-bedroom properties and price aggressively during shoulder months stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Payson

Average revenue by month in Payson

Payson's revenue peaks sharply in July at $3,165 and drops to a low of $1,211 in February, creating a nearly 2.6x spread between the strongest and weakest months. This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for several lean months and consider dynamic pricing to capture as much summer and holiday revenue as possible.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Payson

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 54 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (44) and 1-bedrooms (30), while the 5-bedroom segment has just 11 listings. The relative scarcity of larger properties combined with their superior revenue performance could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 4- or 5-bedroom homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Payson

ADR scales steadily from $125 for studios to $350 for 5-bedroom properties, with the steepest jump occurring between 2-bedroom ($168) and 3-bedroom ($255) units. This $87 premium suggests that stepping up to a 3-bedroom configuration delivers a meaningful rate increase that may justify higher acquisition costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Payson

RevPAN climbs dramatically with property size, from just $16 for studios to $138 for 5-bedroom homes—nearly a 9x difference. Four-bedroom properties also perform well at $80 RevPAN, making the larger end of the market clearly more efficient at converting available nights into revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Payson

Five-bedroom homes lead occupancy at 39%, notably above every other category, while studios trail at just 13%. Mid-range properties (1–2 bedrooms) cluster around 26%, and 3-bedrooms dip to 20%, suggesting that the largest homes attract the most consistent group bookings and family travel demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Payson

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,237 for 1-bedroom units to $4,286 for 5-bedroom homes, with 4-bedrooms earning $3,322—both well above the market average of $2,097. Smaller units below 3 bedrooms generate under $1,800 per month, which may struggle to cover carrying costs on properties near the $704,693 average home value.

Average annual revenue by property size in Payson

Five-bedroom properties lead with $51,440 in average annual revenue, more than double the 2-bedroom figure of $21,567 and over three times the 1-bedroom figure of $14,854. For investors focused on maximizing return potential, 4-bedroom ($39,869) and 5-bedroom configurations offer the strongest top-line performance in Payson.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Payson

Parking (94%), kitchens (93%), and patio or balcony access (82%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for a drive-to mountain retreat with outdoor living space. BBQ grills and self check-in also appear in 82% of listings, while hot tubs (15%) remain a differentiator that could help a property stand out in a competitive field.

Understanding Payson's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Payson's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where investor demand is outpacing the fundamentals needed for easy returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance all point to a crowded field where selective sourcing matters, though the above-average market growth trend is a positive signal for longer-term demand. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting larger, amenity-rich properties will be key to finding deals that pencil in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Payson

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Payson, Arizona should verify whether the Town of Payson requires a business license or STR-specific registration before listing a property. Arizona's state law generally preempts local bans on vacation rentals, but municipalities may still impose regulatory requirements that hosts must follow.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and HOA covenants that could restrict or prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Investors should also be aware of potential minimum-stay rules and any nuisance-related enforcement provisions at the local level.

Tax Obligations

Arizona imposes a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on short-term rental income, and Gila County may levy additional lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state and county taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Payson's summer-driven demand pattern should continue to anchor revenue, with July historically generating around $3,165 per listing. The 86% surge in new listings may put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace, so investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering in the 23–28% range. ADR could hold steady or see modest 1–3% gains as larger properties continue commanding premium nightly rates, but returns will depend heavily on property type and seasonal pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Payson, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Payson?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Payson is currently 25%, which falls below Arizona's statewide average of 53%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—5-bedroom homes lead at 39%, while studios lag at just 13%. The lower overall rate reflects Payson's strong seasonality, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Payson?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb listing in Payson earns approximately $2,097 per month or $25,174 annually. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 5-bedroom homes average $51,440 per year, while 1-bedroom units average around $14,854. Peak months like July can generate $3,165 or more, while slower months like February may yield closer to $1,211.

Is Payson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Payson carries an ROI score of 44 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market shows above-average growth trends and strong summer demand driven by visitors escaping the desert heat, but its revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both fall below average. Larger properties tend to perform substantially better, so investors who are selective about property size and amenity quality are more likely to find workable deals.

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

The average daily rate in Payson is $232, which is significantly below Arizona's statewide average of $434. ADR scales with property size: studios average $125 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command around $350. This positions Payson as a more budget-friendly mountain destination, which can attract a broader guest base during peak season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Payson?

Arizona state law generally prohibits municipalities from outright banning short-term vacation rentals. However, the Town of Payson and Gila County may impose specific regulatory requirements such as business licensing, tax registration, safety standards, or nuisance provisions. Investors should verify current local rules with the Town of Payson and consult the Arizona Department of Revenue regarding tax obligations before operating an STR.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Payson?

Peak season in Payson runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,165 per listing. This aligns with Payson's appeal as a mountain retreat from Arizona's intense summer heat. Secondary peaks occur in October ($2,378) and December ($2,466), likely tied to fall foliage and holiday travel. The slowest months are January and February, when revenue drops to around $1,211–$1,365.

How many Airbnbs are there in Payson?

As of April 2026, there are 168 active Airbnb listings in Payson. The supply has grown 86% year over year, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 54 listings, followed by 2-bedroom units (44 listings) and 1-bedroom units (30 listings).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Payson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Payson 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. 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. 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 data. 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 Payson, AZ market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.