Salem, OR Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Salem Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Salem, Oregon's state capital, offers a compact short-term rental market with 172 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,793 per property. While the average daily rate of $174 sits well below the Oregon state average of $383, occupancy at 36% edges above the 33% state benchmark — suggesting steady demand even at modest nightly prices. With average home values around $574,139, investors will need to be selective in deal sourcing, but the market's above-average occupancy stability hints at a reliable guest base anchored by government, university, and regional travel activity.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Salem 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 Salem

Investors are drawn to Salem for its consistent government-driven demand and occupancy rates that outperform the state average, though competitive pricing and growing supply require careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Salem presents a competitive but navigable opportunity for STR investors who focus on the right property type. The market's pronounced seasonality — with August revenue ($3,344) nearly triple that of January ($1,144) — means cash-flow planning is critical, but above-average occupancy stability provides a cushion during slower months. Larger properties clearly outperform: 4-bedroom units generate roughly $43,368 annually compared to $18,504 for 1-bedrooms, making them the strongest candidates for meaningful returns. Given the below-average supply/demand balance and rapid listing growth, success here hinges on differentiation through property quality, amenities, and strategic pricing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Salem

Average revenue by month in Salem

Salem's revenue follows a strong seasonal arc, peaking in August at $3,344 and bottoming out in January at $1,144 — a nearly 3x spread that investors need to budget around. The core earning window runs from May through October, with all six months exceeding $2,200 in average revenue.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Salem

One-bedroom units dominate Salem's supply at 79 listings (46% of the market), while 4-bedroom properties represent just 11 listings. The thin supply of larger homes could signal less competition and stronger pricing power for investors targeting 3- and 4-bedroom configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Salem

ADR scales steadily with size, from $101 for 1-bedrooms up to $263 for 4-bedroom properties — a 2.6x premium. Interestingly, studios ($117) command a higher nightly rate than 1-bedrooms, suggesting unique or well-positioned studio listings can punch above their weight.

Average RevPAN by property size in Salem

RevPAN increases meaningfully with property size, from $40 for 1-bedrooms to $100 for 4-bedroom listings — the largest jump occurring between 3-bedrooms ($64) and 4-bedrooms. This pattern suggests that larger properties convert their rate premiums into superior per-night revenue even after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Salem

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 32% (2-bedrooms) to 40% (1-bedrooms). One-bedroom and 4-bedroom units lead occupancy at 40% and 38% respectively, while mid-size 2- and 3-bedroom listings hover in the low-to-mid 30s, indicating that the smallest and largest properties attract the most consistent bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Salem

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,614, more than double the $1,542 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom listings at $2,994 per month also represent a strong mid-tier option, while studios ($1,889) outperform 1-bedrooms despite their smaller footprint.

Average annual revenue by property size in Salem

Annual revenue ranges from $18,504 for 1-bedroom units to $43,368 for 4-bedroom properties, with the jump from 2-bedrooms ($24,527) to 3-bedrooms ($35,939) representing the largest absolute increase. Investors seeking the highest gross revenue should target 3- and 4-bedroom homes, though acquisition costs and operating expenses must be weighed against these top-line figures.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Salem

Parking is universal at 100% of Salem listings, followed by kitchens (94%) and self check-in (85%) — signaling that guests expect a practical, home-like experience rather than resort-style luxury. Differentiators like hot tubs (8%), EV chargers (11%), and pet-friendliness (39%) remain uncommon and could help properties stand out in a market increasingly saturated with standard amenities.

Understanding Salem's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Salem's ROI score of 48 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning strong demand exists but tighter competition and pricing dynamics require more deliberate property selection. Above-average occupancy stability is the market's standout factor, while the below-average supply/demand balance — driven by 136% listing growth — signals that new inventory is outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and target property types (particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes) where revenue premiums are most pronounced.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Salem

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Salem and the State of Oregon may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing them. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Salem's planning or licensing departments and check Oregon state-level regulations before operating.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Salem can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking rules, and caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA or neighborhood covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing all applicable rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Oregon are typically subject to state lodging taxes and may owe local transient occupancy taxes to the City of Salem. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Salem's STR market is likely to see continued demand from its role as the state capital and a regional hub, though the 136% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing competition. We estimate occupancy could hold in the 34–38% range, with modest ADR increases of 2–4% as hosts compete on value rather than luxury pricing. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain concentrated in the summer months, so investors should plan for leaner winters with monthly revenue potentially dipping below $1,300 from December through February."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Salem, OR

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salem?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salem is currently 36%, which is above the Oregon state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 40% and 2-bedroom listings at 32%. This above-average occupancy suggests consistent demand in the market relative to other Oregon destinations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Salem?

Airbnb hosts in Salem earn an average of $2,149 per month, or approximately $25,793 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 4-bedroom properties average $3,614 per month ($43,368 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,542 per month ($18,504 annually). Peak summer months like August can bring in around $3,344 on average.

Is Salem a good market for Airbnb investment?

Salem scores a 48 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market features above-average occupancy stability and average revenue-to-price ratios, but faces a below-average supply/demand balance due to rapid listing growth (136% year-over-year). Investors who target larger properties and differentiate through quality amenities can find viable returns, though selective deal sourcing is important given current competitive dynamics.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Salem is $174, significantly below the Oregon state average of $383. ADR scales with property size: studios average $117, 1-bedrooms $101, 2-bedrooms $153, 3-bedrooms $187, and 4-bedrooms command $263 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects Salem's positioning as a value-oriented market compared to Oregon's resort and coastal destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Salem?

Short-term rentals operate in Salem, OR, but hosts may need to obtain permits or register with the city and comply with Oregon state regulations. Local zoning rules, occupancy limits, and other restrictions may apply. We recommend contacting the City of Salem's planning or licensing office directly and reviewing state-level guidelines before launching an STR.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Salem?

Peak season for Airbnb in Salem runs from June through September, with August being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,344. July ($3,010) and June ($2,674) also perform well above the annual average. The off-peak period stretches from November through March, with January marking the lowest point at $1,144 in average revenue — less than a third of August's figure.

How many Airbnbs are there in Salem?

Salem currently has 172 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (79 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (40), 3-bedrooms (32), 4-bedrooms (11), and studios (5). Active listings have grown 136% year-over-year, indicating significant new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Salem?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Salem 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 aggregate the results into 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 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.