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

Riverhead Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Riverhead, NY sits at the gateway to the North Fork — a seasonal market where summer demand drives outsized revenue but the off-season is notably quiet. With an average daily rate of $436, well above the $381 New York state average, and average annual revenue of $62,373 across just 29 active listings, the market rewards operators who can capture peak-season bookings. The 238% year-over-year growth in listings signals rapidly rising investor interest, though occupancy at 20% (half the state average) underscores the highly seasonal nature of returns here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Riverhead 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 Riverhead

Riverhead appeals to investors seeking premium nightly rates in a low-supply coastal market with strong summer tourism demand, though the pronounced seasonality requires careful cash-flow planning.

Expert Market Assessment

"Riverhead presents a competitive but sharply seasonal opportunity. Summer months — particularly July and August — deliver extraordinary revenue, with August averaging $18,071 per listing, but the market essentially hibernates from November through March when monthly revenue drops below $1,608. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a positive signal, yet below-average occupancy stability means investors need strong financial reserves or alternative income strategies for off-peak months. Selective deal sourcing on well-appointed properties near waterfront or beach access will be key to outperforming in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Riverhead

Average revenue by month in Riverhead

Riverhead exhibits extreme seasonality, with August generating $18,071 in average revenue — more than 22 times the January figure of $808. The lucrative June–August window accounts for the vast majority of annual income, while November through March barely breaks four figures, making off-season carrying costs a critical planning factor for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Riverhead

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 11 of the 29 active listings, while 1-bedrooms account for 8. Two-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties are equally represented at 5 each, suggesting potential opportunity for larger homes that can command premium rates with relatively limited competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Riverhead

ADR climbs steeply with property size, from $225 for 1-bedroom units to $660 for 4-bedroom homes — nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($398) to 3-bedrooms ($506) represents a solid rate increase that may justify the added acquisition cost for investors targeting the mid-size segment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Riverhead

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $97, closely followed by 1-bedrooms at $89, while 2-bedrooms lag significantly at just $31. This suggests that both ends of the size spectrum outperform the middle on a per-available-night basis, with 2-bedroom units struggling to convert their ADR into consistent bookings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Riverhead

One-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 40% — double the market average — while 2-bedrooms sit at just 8%, signaling potential oversaturation or pricing misalignment for that size. Three- and 4-bedroom units occupy a middle ground at 13% and 15% respectively, consistent with their seasonal, vacation-oriented booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Riverhead

Four-bedroom listings are the top monthly earners at $11,733, roughly three times the revenue of 1-bedroom units ($3,629). Three-bedrooms come in at $6,420, while 2-bedrooms at $4,299 underperform relative to their ADR, reflecting the low occupancy challenge for that property size in Riverhead.

Average annual revenue by property size in Riverhead

Annual revenue scales dramatically with size: 4-bedroom properties average $140,806 — more than triple the $43,556 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors targeting maximum gross revenue, larger properties clearly outperform, though the higher acquisition and operating costs should be weighed against these top-line figures.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Riverhead

Kitchens (100%), parking (97%), and BBQ grills (90%) are near-universal across Riverhead listings, reflecting guest expectations for a self-contained vacation home experience. Outdoor amenities like backyards (83%), patios (66%), and outdoor furniture (72%) are also heavily represented, while differentiators like beach access (28%), hot tubs (24%), and pet-friendliness (35%) may offer competitive advantages for listings that include them.

Understanding Riverhead's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Riverhead's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band — meaning the fundamentals are there but selectivity matters. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend are encouraging, but below-average occupancy stability reflects the sharp seasonal swings that define this North Fork market. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and stress-test their financials against the 5+ months of soft occupancy each year.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Riverhead

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Riverhead in New York State may require short-term rental registration or a permit before listing a property, and investors should verify current requirements directly with the town clerk's office or local planning department before operating.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New York municipalities can include occupancy limits tied to the number of bedrooms, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also check for any HOA rules or zoning restrictions that may limit STR activity in specific neighborhoods or developments.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in New York are generally subject to state and county occupancy taxes, and in some cases local tourism or sales taxes. Major booking platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Riverhead's short-term rental market is likely to see continued supply growth as investors chase its strong summer revenue potential, which could push occupancy slightly lower if demand doesn't keep pace. ADR may hold steady or edge up 2–4% given the area's premium positioning on the North Fork, though winter months will remain soft with monthly revenues likely staying below $1,100 from December through March. Investors entering now should build financial plans around a roughly 7-to-1 revenue swing between peak August and the January trough, and budget accordingly for carrying costs during the quiet season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Riverhead, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Riverhead?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Riverhead is currently 20%, which is below the New York state average of 40%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — demand surges during summer months and drops significantly in winter. One-bedroom properties perform best on occupancy at 40%, while 2-bedroom units average just 8%. Investors should plan for extended low-occupancy periods outside of the May–September window.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Riverhead?

Airbnb hosts in Riverhead earn an average of $5,197 per month and approximately $62,373 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. However, revenue varies dramatically by season — August averages $18,071 while January drops to around $808. Larger properties command significantly higher returns, with 4-bedroom homes averaging $140,806 annually compared to $43,556 for 1-bedroom units.

Is Riverhead a good market for Airbnb investment?

Riverhead carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 52 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's strengths include an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive growth trends, but occupancy stability is below average due to extreme seasonality. With average home values around $888,992 and strong summer revenue potential, it can work well for investors who secure the right property at the right price and have the financial flexibility to weather quieter months.

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

The average daily rate in Riverhead is $436, which is approximately 14% higher than the New York state average of $381. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $225, 2-bedrooms come in at $398, 3-bedrooms at $506, and 4-bedroom properties command $660 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Riverhead?

Short-term rentals operate in Riverhead, but local regulations may require permits or registration. The Town of Riverhead and New York State may impose specific requirements on STR operators, including zoning compliance and tax obligations. We recommend consulting directly with the town's planning or clerk's office and reviewing any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Riverhead?

Peak season in Riverhead runs from June through August, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $18,071 in revenue per listing. July follows closely at $15,203. The shoulder months of May ($4,847) and September ($5,961) also perform respectably. The slowest period runs from December through March, when monthly revenue averages between $808 and $1,104.

How many Airbnbs are there in Riverhead?

There are currently 29 active Airbnb listings in Riverhead as of April 2026. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 11 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (8 listings), while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units each account for 5 listings. The relatively small supply is notable, though listing counts have grown 238% year over year.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Riverhead?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Riverhead 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 into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical data. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Riverhead, 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 Riverhead market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance and market conditions may shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.