Potsdam, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Potsdam Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Potsdam, NY presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors drawn to a college-town market with relatively affordable property values. With an average home value of $275,109 and annual revenue averaging $21,685, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above the state average — a standout metric in a market where only 37 active listings compete for guest demand. Seasonal swings are pronounced, but the combination of low acquisition costs and healthy yield potential makes this a market worth a closer look.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Potsdam 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 Potsdam

Potsdam's favorable revenue-to-price ratio, driven by affordable home values and steady university-linked demand, makes it a compelling option for investors seeking yield in a low-competition environment.

Expert Market Assessment

"Potsdam earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a market growth trend that outpaces many comparable small markets. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here — winter months like January ($689) and February ($778) are quiet, while the July–August corridor delivers the bulk of annual income. This pattern aligns with a college-town and summer-tourism cycle, meaning investors should plan for significant cash-flow variability across the calendar year. For those comfortable with that rhythm, the low entry cost and limited supply create genuine upside potential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Potsdam

Average revenue by month in Potsdam

Potsdam's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, with August ($3,703) and July ($3,493) generating roughly five times the income of January ($689) and February ($778). Investors should expect the May-through-October window to carry the majority of annual returns, with winter months serving more as holding periods than profit drivers.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Potsdam

One-bedroom units dominate Potsdam's supply at 17 of 37 total listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (8) and 3-bedrooms (7). The relatively thin inventory of larger properties could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire multi-bedroom homes, especially given the higher revenue potential those sizes deliver.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Potsdam

ADR scales from $126 for 1-bedroom listings to $191 for 2-bedrooms, though 3-bedroom properties actually price slightly lower at $180. The 2-bedroom tier appears to command the strongest nightly premium, suggesting guests perceive strong value in that configuration relative to alternatives.

Average RevPAN by property size in Potsdam

Two-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $45 per available night, narrowly edging out 3-bedrooms at $44, while 1-bedrooms trail at $34. The gap underscores that larger units translate their higher ADR into meaningfully better yield even after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Potsdam

Occupancy is fairly consistent across property sizes, with 1-bedrooms at 27% and both 2- and 3-bedroom units at 24%. The modest spread suggests that demand patterns in Potsdam affect all property types similarly, and no single size enjoys a clear occupancy advantage.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Potsdam

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,305, followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,957 and 1-bedrooms at $1,303. The $1,000 monthly gap between the smallest and largest configurations adds up to a meaningful annual difference, tilting the revenue case toward larger units.

Average annual revenue by property size in Potsdam

Annual revenue climbs steadily with size: 1-bedroom listings average $15,646, 2-bedrooms reach $23,490, and 3-bedroom properties top the market at $27,664. For investors evaluating return potential against acquisition cost, the 3-bedroom tier offers the strongest gross revenue, though purchase price and operating expenses will ultimately determine net yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Potsdam

Every listing in Potsdam offers a kitchen and 97% provide parking — both clear baseline expectations for guests in this market. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (76%), outdoor furniture (65%), and BBQ grills (43%) are also common, while waterfront and lake access appear on roughly 14–19% of listings, signaling a niche premium segment tied to the region's natural assets.

Understanding Potsdam's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Potsdam's ROI Score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where affordable home values translate into above-average revenue-to-price ratios. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both score at average levels, consistent with a small, seasonal market that hasn't yet been flooded with new listings. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of winter-month cash flow to build a complete picture of the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Potsdam

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Potsdam, NY may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the Village of Potsdam or St. Lawrence County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in New York municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-level prohibitions. Some communities also impose caps on the number of active permits, so confirming availability early in the process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in New York State are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm whether any additional county or municipal lodging taxes apply in St. Lawrence County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Potsdam's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven revenue peaks, with July and August historically generating $3,400–$3,700 per listing. The 89% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though demand drivers tied to Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam — graduation weekends, move-in periods, and campus events — should help absorb new supply. We estimate occupancy could hold in the 25–30% range annually, with modest ADR gains of 2–5% if supply growth moderates. Investors entering now may benefit from still-limited competition, though monitoring the supply trajectory will be important."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Potsdam, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Potsdam?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Potsdam is currently 27%, which falls below the New York state average of 40%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months drive the lion's share of bookings, while winter sees considerably less demand. Investors should factor in this seasonal pattern when projecting cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Potsdam?

Airbnb hosts in Potsdam earn an average of $1,807 per month and approximately $21,685 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $15,646 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $23,490, and 3-bedroom properties lead at roughly $27,664 per year. Peak summer months can generate $3,400–$3,700, while winter months may dip below $800.

Is Potsdam a good market for Airbnb investment?

Potsdam scores 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market's key strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values sit near $275,109, which is well below the state norm, while annual revenue averages $21,685. With only 37 active listings, competition remains limited. The main consideration is pronounced seasonality, so investors should be comfortable with revenue concentrated in the warmer months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Potsdam is $179, compared to a New York state average of $381. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom units average $126, 2-bedrooms come in at $191, and 3-bedroom listings average $180. The lower ADR relative to state figures reflects Potsdam's positioning as an affordable, small-market destination rather than a luxury travel hub.

Are short-term rentals legal in Potsdam?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Potsdam area, though operators should verify whether specific permits, registrations, or zoning requirements apply by contacting the Village of Potsdam and St. Lawrence County. New York State also imposes occupancy tax obligations on STR hosts. Regulations can change, so checking with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Potsdam?

Peak season in Potsdam runs from July through September, with August being the single strongest month at an average revenue of $3,703 per listing. July follows closely at $3,493, and September rounds out the high season at $2,525. The slowest months are January ($689) and February ($778), creating a roughly 5:1 ratio between the best and worst performing months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Potsdam?

As of April 2026, there are 37 active Airbnb listings in Potsdam. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 17 are 1-bedroom units, 8 are 2-bedrooms, and 7 are 3-bedroom listings. The relatively small total supply means new entrants face limited direct competition, though the 89% year-over-year growth in listings suggests the market is attracting more investor attention.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Potsdam?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Potsdam 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 results 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 because 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 Potsdam market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics 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)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, zoning rules, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements with municipal authorities before purchasing.