Saint James City, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Saint James City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saint James City, a small island community on Pine Island in Southwest Florida, presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity driven by its waterfront lifestyle and seasonal snowbird demand. With an average annual revenue of $28,635 across 81 active listings and an ADR of $231—well below the $498 Florida state average—the market offers accessible entry for investors targeting vacation-rental income in a coastal setting. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects balanced fundamentals, with above-average market growth and steady demand particularly during the winter high season.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saint James City 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 Saint James City

Investors are drawn to Saint James City for its blend of waterfront vacation appeal, below-state-average property pricing relative to coastal peers, and strong seasonal demand from winter visitors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Saint James City presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings dramatically between the March peak ($5,362 average) and the September trough ($844), so cash-flow planning around the winter high season is essential. The market's above-average growth trend and manageable listing count of 81 suggest the area hasn't yet reached saturation, though the rapid 85% year-over-year supply expansion warrants close monitoring. Investors who target 3- or 4-bedroom waterfront properties are best positioned to capture the strongest returns while differentiating from the crowded 2-bedroom segment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Saint James City

Average revenue by month in Saint James City

Saint James City exhibits extreme seasonality, with March generating the highest average revenue at $5,362—more than six times the September low of $844. The winter months (January–March) and December form the revenue backbone, while the late summer and early fall months represent a significant cash-flow valley that investors should budget around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Saint James City

Two-bedroom properties dominate the market with 30 of the 81 active listings, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at 26 units. The 4-bedroom segment is notably underserved with only 9 listings, which may represent a supply gap for investors given that larger properties generate the highest revenue in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Saint James City

ADR scales predictably with size, climbing from $168 for 1-bedroom units to $338 for 4-bedroom properties—roughly double. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($249) to 4 bedrooms ($338) represents the steepest per-bedroom premium, suggesting that larger homes command outsized nightly rates in this waterfront vacation market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Saint James City

RevPAN increases steadily with property size, from $60 for 1-bedroom listings to $162 for 4-bedroom units. Three-bedroom properties deliver a strong $139 RevPAN with the added benefit of the highest occupancy rate in the market, making them a compelling middle-ground option for investors balancing acquisition cost against revenue potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Saint James City

Three-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 56%, followed by 2-bedrooms at 52%, while 1-bedroom units lag significantly at just 36%. Four-bedroom listings sit at 48%, suggesting that while they command higher nightly rates, they face slightly more booking gaps—likely due to a smaller pool of guests seeking larger accommodations in this island market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Saint James City

Monthly revenue increases meaningfully with each additional bedroom: 1-bedrooms average $1,077, 2-bedrooms earn $2,131, 3-bedrooms bring in $2,883, and 4-bedrooms top the market at $3,453. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms nearly doubles monthly income, underscoring the significant revenue disadvantage of the smallest units in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Saint James City

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest annual revenue at $41,437, while 3-bedroom units follow at $34,604—both well above the market-wide average of $28,635. Given the limited 4-bedroom supply (just 9 listings) and their top-tier earnings, this configuration offers the strongest absolute return potential for investors who can secure suitable inventory.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Saint James City

Kitchens (98%), washers (91%), and parking (89%) are near-universal, reflecting the self-catering, drive-to nature of this island destination. Waterfront access appears in 72% of listings—a defining feature that guests clearly expect—while pools (35%) and hot tubs (17%) remain less common and could serve as meaningful differentiators for new listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Saint James City's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Saint James City's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, signaling balanced short-term rental fundamentals with room for upside. The score reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, tempered by an above-average market growth trend that points to increasing demand and investor interest. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-performing property sizes will help investors make a well-rounded acquisition decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saint James City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Saint James City, Florida, should expect to register or obtain a vacation rental license through both Lee County and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permit requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and rules set by homeowner associations. Some areas within Lee County may also impose caps on the number of short-term rental permits issued, so checking with the county zoning office is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rentals, which hosts are required to collect and remit. Platforms like Airbnb often handle the collection of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue and Lee County's tax collector.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Saint James City's short-term rental market is expected to benefit from continued above-average growth trends and strong seasonal demand during the January–March peak window. With an 85% year-over-year increase in active listings, the supply side is expanding rapidly, which could moderate occupancy rates—currently at 49%—if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate ADRs holding in the $225–$240 range, with occupancy stabilizing around 47–52% as the market absorbs new supply. Revenue gains are most likely for well-positioned waterfront properties that capitalize on the area's outdoor and fishing-oriented appeal."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saint James City, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint James City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saint James City is currently 49%, which falls slightly below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—3-bedroom units lead at 56%, while 1-bedroom listings see just 36%. Seasonality plays a major role, with winter months driving substantially higher occupancy than the summer and early fall periods.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saint James City?

Based on trailing 12-month historical data, the average Airbnb host in Saint James City earns approximately $2,386 per month, or about $28,635 annually. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $41,437 per year, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $12,928. The winter peak season, particularly February and March, accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income.

Is Saint James City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Saint James City scores a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and solid seasonal demand, particularly from January through March. However, the pronounced seasonality—with September revenues dropping to roughly $844 on average—means investors need to plan for lean off-peak months. Larger waterfront properties tend to deliver the best returns, and the relatively small supply of 81 listings suggests room remains for well-managed entrants.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Saint James City?

The current average daily rate in Saint James City is $231, which is significantly lower than the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $168 for 1-bedroom listings up to $338 for 4-bedroom properties. This comparatively affordable pricing helps attract budget-conscious vacationers seeking a waterfront Florida getaway.

Are short-term rentals legal in Saint James City?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Saint James City, but operators should expect to comply with licensing and registration requirements at both the county (Lee County) and state (Florida DBPR) levels. Local zoning regulations, HOA restrictions, and other rules may also apply. We recommend consulting with Lee County's zoning office and the Florida DBPR to confirm all current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Saint James City?

Peak season in Saint James City runs from January through March, with March being the single highest-earning month at an average revenue of $5,362. February follows closely at $4,039, and January comes in at $3,159. The off-peak trough occurs in September, when average monthly revenue drops to just $844—roughly one-sixth of the March peak. This sharp seasonality is typical of Southwest Florida's snowbird-driven markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Saint James City?

As of April 2026, there are 81 active Airbnb listings in Saint James City. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom (30 listings) and 3-bedroom (26 listings) properties, with smaller counts in the 1-bedroom (13) and 4-bedroom (9) segments. Notably, the market has experienced 85% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saint James City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Saint James City 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 remaining data into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Saint James City and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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