Saranac Lake, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Saranac Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saranac Lake sits in the heart of New York's Adirondack region, drawing visitors year-round for lake recreation, hiking, and winter sports. With 141 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,679, the market offers a solid entry point for investors—especially given an ADR of $271, which comes in well below the $381 state average while still delivering meaningful returns against local property values. The ROI score of 60 out of 100 reflects balanced fundamentals: reasonable revenue relative to home prices, steady (if not spectacular) occupancy, and a market that continues to grow its listing base.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saranac Lake 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 Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake attracts investor interest because of its combination of Adirondack vacation demand, relatively affordable property costs by New York standards, and a revenue-to-price ratio that remains competitive for a seasonal leisure market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Saranac Lake represents an attractive but clearly seasonal investment opportunity. Revenue swings dramatically between peak summer months—August tops out at $5,969 average monthly revenue—and the quietest periods like March ($1,248) and November ($1,264), so cash-flow planning around a roughly 4:1 peak-to-trough ratio is essential. The supply/demand balance currently rates below average, suggesting the rapid growth in listings may be outpacing demand in the near term. That said, the market's core appeal—Adirondack lakefront living, outdoor adventure, and proximity to Northeast metro areas—provides a durable demand floor that rewards well-positioned, well-amenitized properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Saranac Lake

Average revenue by month in Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake's revenue pattern is sharply seasonal, with August ($5,969) and July ($5,631) generating nearly five times the revenue of the slowest month, March ($1,248). Investors should plan for a concentrated earning window from June through October, while winter months like January and February provide a modest secondary bump around $2,000–$2,200.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Saranac Lake

One-bedroom units dominate the supply at 53 listings (38% of the market), while 4-bedroom homes are the scarcest with just 13 listings. The relative undersupply of larger properties—particularly 4-bedrooms—presents a potential opportunity given their outsized revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Saranac Lake

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count, rising from $162 for 1-bedroom listings to $552 for 4-bedroom properties—a 3.4x premium. The biggest jump occurs between 3-bedroom ($310) and 4-bedroom ($552) properties, suggesting strong willingness among guests to pay a premium for larger group-friendly accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Saranac Lake

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $44 for 1-bedroom units to $112 for 4-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes generate meaningfully more income per calendar night even after accounting for occupancy. The gap between 3-bedroom ($100) and 4-bedroom ($112) RevPAN is narrower, suggesting both sizes deliver competitive returns on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Saranac Lake

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered between 20% and 32%, with 3-bedroom properties leading at 32% and 4-bedrooms trailing at 20%. While 4-bedroom homes fill fewer nights, their significantly higher nightly rates more than compensate, making occupancy alone a poor gauge of performance in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Saranac Lake

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,594 for 1-bedroom listings up to $6,221 for 4-bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful income increase. Three-bedroom units at $3,442 per month offer a strong middle ground—nearly 45% more revenue than 2-bedrooms while requiring a smaller investment than 4-bedroom homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Saranac Lake

Four-bedroom properties lead decisively with $74,657 in average annual revenue—nearly four times the $19,132 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors evaluating return potential against acquisition costs, the 3-bedroom tier at $41,313 annually offers a compelling balance of revenue and likely lower purchase price relative to the largest homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Saranac Lake

Parking (98%) and kitchen access (91%) are virtually table stakes in Saranac Lake, reflecting a market built around road-trip vacationers who cook at their rental. Outdoor-oriented amenities like furniture (67%), BBQ grills (63%), and backyards (61%) are widespread, while lake access (33%) and waterfront positioning (24%) remain differentiators that can command rate premiums.

Understanding Saranac Lake's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Saranac Lake's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, with a below-average supply/demand balance that warrants attention as new listings continue entering the market. The score signals that fundamentals support profitable STR operation—particularly for larger properties—but that investors won't find the kind of runaway demand that insulates against rising competition. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a conservative seasonal cash-flow model will give the clearest picture of real-world returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saranac Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Saranac Lake, New York may be required to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Village of Saranac Lake and the New York State Department of Taxation before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Adirondack communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking standards, and HOA-level covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. Investors should also check whether any local permit caps or zoning restrictions apply to their specific property type and location.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New York are generally subject to state and local sales tax, as well as occupancy or hotel taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with 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 Saranac Lake can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Saranac Lake's short-term rental market is expected to benefit from continued Adirondack tourism demand, with peak summer months likely sustaining ADRs above $300 for larger properties. Occupancy rates, currently at 29% on average, may edge up modestly as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing strategies—though the 107% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing competition that could temper gains. Investors should anticipate revenue concentration in July and August, with shoulder-season months generating roughly 25–45% of peak earnings. A conservative estimate would project overall market-level ADR increases in the 1–3% range, with revenue growth hinging more on occupancy improvements than rate hikes."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saranac Lake, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saranac Lake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saranac Lake is currently 29%, which falls below the New York state average of 40%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units performing best at 32% and 4-bedroom properties sitting lower at 20%. The relatively modest occupancy is typical of seasonal leisure markets where summer dominates demand, and hosts who optimize pricing for shoulder seasons can often outperform these averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saranac Lake?

Based on trailing 12-month data, Airbnb hosts in Saranac Lake earn an average of $2,639 per month or $31,679 annually. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $19,132 per year, while 4-bedroom properties can generate up to $74,657 annually. Peak earnings occur in July and August, when average monthly revenue exceeds $5,600.

Is Saranac Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Saranac Lake earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 60 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from year-round Adirondack tourism, a competitive revenue-to-price ratio, and strong summer demand. However, investors should factor in pronounced seasonality—revenue in the slowest months can be less than a quarter of peak summer income—and growing competition from new listings. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) tend to deliver the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate in Saranac Lake is $271, which is below the New York state average of $381. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $162 per night, 2-bedrooms average $214, 3-bedrooms average $310, and 4-bedroom properties command $552 per night. This pricing structure reflects the market's appeal to groups and families seeking larger vacation homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Saranac Lake?

Short-term rentals do operate in Saranac Lake, with 141 active Airbnb listings as of late April 2026. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning rules. Prospective hosts should verify the latest requirements with the Village of Saranac Lake and ensure they meet all New York State tax obligations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Saranac Lake?

Peak season in Saranac Lake runs through July and August, when average monthly revenue reaches $5,631 and $5,969 respectively—roughly 2–3 times the market's annual monthly average of $2,639. A secondary bump occurs in September and October as fall foliage draws visitors. The slowest months are March and November, each averaging around $1,250 in revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Saranac Lake?

There are currently 141 active Airbnb listings in Saranac Lake as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing by 107% year over year. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 53 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (37), 2-bedrooms (28), and 4-bedrooms (13).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saranac Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Saranac Lake 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July and August) and slower periods (like March and November). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Saranac Lake, 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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for the Saranac Lake market
• Trailing 12-month historical revenue and RevPAN metrics derived from actual booking performance of comparable listings
• Property-size breakdowns for key metrics including ADR, occupancy, and monthly and annual revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive positioning
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment return context

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 averages and current market snapshots; actual results will vary based on property condition, location, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change—investors should verify current rules with the Village of Saranac Lake and New York State authorities before purchasing or listing a property.