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

Safford Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Safford, AZ is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 27 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $14,395 per property. While the average daily rate of $147 sits well below Arizona's $434 state average, significantly lower property values ($371,917) help offset the gap and keep the barrier to entry manageable. A remarkable 272% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, and the market's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" range.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Safford 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 Safford

Investors are drawn to Safford for its low property acquisition costs relative to Arizona peers, an above-average market growth trend, and room to establish early-mover advantage in a still-small market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Safford presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to work in a compact, emerging market. The combination of low home values and steady—if modest—rental income creates a viable entry point, though the 32% occupancy rate and $47 RevPAN signal that cash flow will be thin without careful cost management. Seasonality is noticeable: January leads at $1,793 in average revenue while August and September dip to around $710–$729, so investors should budget for quieter months. The above-average market growth trend is encouraging, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means returns hinge on keeping expenses lean and occupancy competitive."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Safford

Average revenue by month in Safford

January is the clear revenue leader at $1,793, more than double the weakest months of August ($729) and September ($710), revealing pronounced seasonality. A secondary cluster of solid months—October, November, June, and March—each top $1,300, giving hosts several revenue peaks spread across the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Safford

The market is dominated by 2-bedroom listings (12) followed by 1-bedroom units (7), with no larger property sizes tracked—suggesting an opportunity gap for investors considering 3+ bedroom homes that could serve families or groups. The tight concentration in smaller units reflects Safford's modest tourism profile and lower property values.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Safford

ADR is virtually flat across property sizes, with 1-bedrooms at $111 and 2-bedrooms at $110, indicating that guests in this market aren't paying a premium for extra space. This parity suggests that differentiation through amenities, design, or location may be more effective at commanding higher nightly rates than simply adding bedrooms.

Average RevPAN by property size in Safford

One-bedroom listings deliver a slightly higher RevPAN of $38 compared to $32 for 2-bedrooms, driven by their modestly better occupancy rate. For investors focused on per-night yield efficiency, smaller units currently edge out larger ones in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Safford

One-bedroom properties maintain a 35% occupancy rate versus 30% for 2-bedrooms, though both sit below the state average of 53%. The relatively narrow 5-percentage-point gap means neither size class enjoys a significant booking frequency advantage, and both leave considerable room for improvement through better marketing and pricing.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Safford

Two-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $1,160 compared to $851 for 1-bedrooms, a 36% premium that stems from slightly higher total bookings despite lower occupancy. Investors choosing between property sizes should weigh the higher gross revenue of 2-bedrooms against the per-night efficiency advantage of 1-bedroom units.

Average annual revenue by property size in Safford

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties generate approximately $13,929 versus $10,218 for 1-bedrooms, a difference of roughly $3,700 per year. Given the similar acquisition costs for small properties in Safford, the 2-bedroom configuration offers better absolute return potential for investors prioritizing top-line revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Safford

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchens (93%) and self check-in (89%) are near-standard, signaling that guests in Safford expect a self-sufficient, drive-in experience. Laundry amenities appear in about 70% of listings while outdoor features like backyards (52%) and grills (44%) offer a way to differentiate, and premium additions like hot tubs (4%) remain rare enough to stand out.

Understanding Safford's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Safford's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where healthy growth trends and balanced supply-demand dynamics are partially offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Occupancy stability scores average, meaning cash flow is reasonably predictable but not exceptional, while the above-average market growth trend points to expanding demand that could improve returns over time. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and careful property-level underwriting to determine whether Safford's low entry cost translates into strong net yields for their situation.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Safford

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Safford, Arizona may need to register or obtain a permit through the city or Graham County before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local authorities, as Arizona's state-level preemption of STR bans does not eliminate municipal registration or safety compliance obligations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and adherence to building safety codes. HOA rules can also impose additional limitations, so prospective hosts should review any community covenants before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Arizona are generally subject to state and county transaction privilege tax as well as any locally imposed lodging taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, 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 Safford can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Safford's short-term rental market is likely to see continued supply expansion given the strong listing growth trend, though this could moderate occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonal patterns suggest January and October will remain the strongest booking months, with ADR potentially rising 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies in this maturing market. Occupancy is estimated to hover around 30–35%, and investors should plan for meaningful revenue dips in August and September when monthly income may drop below $750."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Safford, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Safford?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Safford is currently 32%, which is below Arizona's state average of 53%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 35% and 2-bedroom listings coming in at 30%. While these numbers are modest, they reflect a small market where strategic pricing and quality amenities can help individual hosts outperform the average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Safford?

Airbnb hosts in Safford earn an average of $1,199 per month, which works out to roughly $14,395 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $851 per month ($10,218 annually), while 2-bedroom properties bring in approximately $1,160 per month ($13,929 annually). Peak months like January can push monthly revenue above $1,793, though slower periods like August and September may dip below $750.

Is Safford a good market for Airbnb investment?

Safford earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from low home values averaging $371,917, above-average growth trends, and a balanced supply-demand dynamic. However, the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and 32% occupancy rate mean investors should approach with realistic cash-flow expectations and factor in seasonal income variation when underwriting a deal.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Safford is $147, well below Arizona's statewide average of $434. Interestingly, ADR is nearly identical across property sizes—$111 for 1-bedroom and $110 for 2-bedroom listings—suggesting that rate premiums are more about amenities and listing quality than bedroom count alone.

Are short-term rentals legal in Safford?

Arizona has state-level legislation that generally prevents municipalities from outright banning short-term rentals, which is favorable for Safford investors. However, the city and Graham County may still require registration, permits, or compliance with safety and zoning standards. Prospective hosts should check with local authorities for the most current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Safford?

Peak season in Safford is January, when average monthly revenue reaches $1,793—roughly 2.5 times the slowest months. October ($1,478), March ($1,309), June ($1,357), and November ($1,357) also perform well. The slowest period runs from August through September, with revenue dipping to around $710–$729, so investors should plan for meaningful seasonal swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Safford?

There are currently 27 active Airbnb listings in Safford as of April 2026. The market is heavily concentrated in smaller properties, with 12 two-bedroom and 7 one-bedroom listings making up the tracked supply. Year-over-year listing growth of 272% shows the market is expanding rapidly from a small base, which is worth monitoring for competitive dynamics.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Safford?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Safford 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 roll 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 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 by market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.