Saint Michaels, MD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Saint Michaels Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saint Michaels, a charming Eastern Shore destination in Maryland, draws weekend travelers and summer vacationers to its waterfront setting, historic inns, and boating culture. With an average daily rate of $417—well above the $368 state average—the market commands premium nightly pricing, though occupancy sits at just 15% compared to 35% statewide. The small supply of only 35 active listings keeps competition modest, but high home values averaging $1,631,279 mean investors need to be highly selective to make the numbers work. Annual revenue averages $63,613, driven heavily by a pronounced summer peak that defines the market's seasonal rhythm.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saint Michaels 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 Saint Michaels

Saint Michaels attracts investor attention for its premium nightly rates and small-town waterfront appeal, though high property prices and sharp seasonality require disciplined deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Saint Michaels presents a competitive but demanding opportunity for STR investors. The market's strength lies in its ability to command premium rates—$417 ADR and $116 RevPAN for 3-bedroom properties—yet its below-average revenue-to-price ratio and low year-round occupancy of 15% underscore the challenge of generating consistent returns against $1.6M average home values. Seasonality is the defining feature here: August revenue ($11,764) runs roughly eight times higher than February ($1,358), making cash reserves and pricing strategy essential for navigating the off-season. Investors who source properties below the market's average price point and optimize for summer and shoulder-season demand stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Saint Michaels

Average revenue by month in Saint Michaels

Saint Michaels displays extreme seasonality, with August peaking at $11,764 and February bottoming out at just $1,358—a nearly 9x spread. Investors should plan for roughly 70% of annual revenue to concentrate between May and September, making cash reserves critical for covering carrying costs during the quieter winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Saint Michaels

Supply is fairly evenly distributed across 1-bedroom (9), 2-bedroom (9), and 3-bedroom (12) properties, with 3-bedrooms holding a slight edge. The compact total of 35 listings means even a handful of new entrants in any size category could shift competitive dynamics meaningfully.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Saint Michaels

ADR scales aggressively with size in Saint Michaels, jumping from $267 for 1-bedroom units to $539 for 3-bedroom homes—a 102% premium. The step up from 2-bedrooms ($352) to 3-bedrooms ($539) is particularly steep, suggesting groups and families are willing to pay a significant premium for larger waterfront properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Saint Michaels

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $116, more than double the $53 earned by 2-bedroom units and over four times the $27 for 1-bedrooms. This widening gap reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy for larger homes, making them the clear revenue-efficiency leaders in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Saint Michaels

Occupancy climbs with property size: 1-bedrooms average just 10%, 2-bedrooms hit 15%, and 3-bedrooms lead at 22%. While none of these figures are high in absolute terms—underscoring the market's seasonal nature—the relative advantage of larger properties points to stronger and more consistent demand for group-friendly accommodations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Saint Michaels

Three-bedroom properties dominate monthly revenue at $8,868, nearly double the $4,603 earned by 2-bedroom units and more than triple the $2,698 from 1-bedrooms. The gap is significant enough that investors focused on cash flow should prioritize larger configurations, provided acquisition costs support the return.

Average annual revenue by property size in Saint Michaels

Annual revenue ranges from $32,378 for 1-bedroom listings to $106,420 for 3-bedroom homes, with 2-bedrooms landing at $55,243. The 3-bedroom segment stands out as the most compelling from a gross revenue perspective, though investors must weigh these figures against Saint Michaels' average home values of over $1.6 million when modeling net returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Saint Michaels

Washer, parking, dryer, and kitchen top the amenity list at 86–89% prevalence, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor features like backyards (71%), patios (69%), and BBQ grills (60%) reflect the leisure-oriented nature of the market, while waterfront access (40%) and pools (40%) represent potential competitive advantages for properties that offer them.

Understanding Saint Michaels's ROI Score: 45/100

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 Michaels earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 45 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band—meaning demand and investor interest are real, but the economics require careful deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, driven by home values averaging over $1.6 million against $63,613 in annual revenue, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting properties priced well below the market average will be essential for investors looking to generate attractive returns here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saint Michaels

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Saint Michaels, Maryland, may need to obtain a local rental permit or register their property with Talbot County or the Town of Saint Michaels. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with local government offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Maryland communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA rules that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so checking availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Maryland are generally subject to state and local occupancy and sales taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with Maryland's Comptroller office and any applicable Talbot County tax authority.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Saint Michaels to maintain its strongly seasonal demand profile, with July and August continuing to deliver the bulk of annual revenue. ADR may hold steady or edge up 1–3% given the market's premium positioning and limited inventory, though occupancy is unlikely to shift dramatically without significant new demand drivers. The 213% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could tighten competition and put downward pressure on occupancy if supply continues outpacing demand. Investors should plan conservatively around winter cash flow gaps and target properties that can capture shoulder-season bookings in spring and fall."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saint Michaels, MD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint Michaels?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saint Michaels is currently 15%, which is below the Maryland state average of 35%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom properties averaging 22% while 1-bedroom units sit around 10%. The low overall figure reflects the market's pronounced seasonality—demand concentrates heavily in the summer months, with much lighter booking activity from November through March.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saint Michaels?

Airbnb hosts in Saint Michaels earn an average of $5,301 per month or approximately $63,613 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $32,378 annually, 2-bedroom properties bring in about $55,243, and 3-bedroom homes lead at $106,420 per year. Peak summer months like July and August can generate over $11,000 in a single month, while winter months may dip below $1,500.

Is Saint Michaels a good market for Airbnb investment?

Saint Michaels carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 45 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market commands an impressive ADR of $417 and benefits from limited supply with just 35 active listings, but high average home values near $1,631,279 compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Success here depends on sourcing properties below market averages and optimizing for the strong May-through-October demand window. Investors comfortable with seasonal revenue swings and premium property costs will find the most potential in larger 3-bedroom configurations.

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

The average daily rate in Saint Michaels is $417, which is notably higher than the Maryland state average of $368. Rates scale sharply with property size: 1-bedroom units average $267 per night, 2-bedroom properties command $352, and 3-bedroom homes reach $539. This premium pricing reflects the market's appeal as a waterfront leisure destination on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Are short-term rentals legal in Saint Michaels?

Short-term rentals operate in Saint Michaels, as evidenced by 35 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local permit or registration requirements may apply, and restrictions such as occupancy limits, parking rules, or HOA covenants could affect individual properties. Investors should verify current regulations with the Town of Saint Michaels and Talbot County before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Saint Michaels?

Peak season in Saint Michaels runs from June through September, with August being the single highest-revenue month at an average of $11,764. July follows closely at $11,117. Revenue drops significantly during winter, with January averaging just $1,471 and February at $1,358. The shoulder months of May ($6,025) and October ($5,036) also deliver solid returns, giving attentive hosts a roughly six-month earning window.

How many Airbnbs are there in Saint Michaels?

Saint Michaels currently has 35 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across three main property sizes: 9 one-bedroom units, 9 two-bedroom properties, and 12 three-bedroom homes. Notably, the market saw 213% year-over-year growth in active listings, signaling increasing investor interest in this Eastern Shore destination.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saint Michaels?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Saint Michaels 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 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, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 for the Saint Michaels market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to guide property optimization

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 and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.