Shapleigh, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Shapleigh Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Shapleigh, ME is a lakefront vacation market with just 17 active Airbnb listings, creating a tight supply environment that works in favor of existing and incoming hosts. With an average annual revenue of $54,573 and an ROI score of 81 out of 100, this small southern Maine town punches above its weight for investors targeting seasonal getaway demand. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance make it worth a closer look despite its pronounced seasonality.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Shapleigh 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 Shapleigh

Shapleigh's combination of constrained supply, lake-driven vacation demand, and above-average revenue relative to home prices creates a compelling case for seasonal STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Shapleigh represents a standout seasonal opportunity anchored by lake tourism in southern Maine. Revenue swings dramatically — from a winter low of roughly $1,200 in January to a summer peak above $12,700 in August — so investors need to plan cash flow around a compressed earning window. That said, the market's tight inventory of just 17 listings, above-average occupancy stability, and favorable revenue-to-price dynamics create real upside for well-positioned properties. Three-bedroom lakefront homes appear to be the sweet spot, delivering the strongest RevPAN and annual revenue figures in the market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Shapleigh

Average revenue by month in Shapleigh

Shapleigh's revenue is sharply seasonal, peaking in August at $12,717 and bottoming out in January at $1,209 — a spread of more than 10x. The core earning window of June through September accounts for the bulk of annual income, making cash-flow planning around these four months essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Shapleigh

The market's 17 listings are split between 2-bedroom (5 listings) and 3-bedroom (7 listings) properties, with no data on other sizes. This narrow supply concentration suggests there may be an opportunity for differentiated offerings like larger family homes or smaller studio-style retreats if demand exists.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Shapleigh

ADR jumps significantly from $243 for 2-bedroom units to $367 for 3-bedroom properties — a 51% premium for adding one bedroom. Given that three-bedroom homes also enjoy much higher occupancy, the extra bedroom appears to more than justify any incremental acquisition or operating cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Shapleigh

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $126 compared to just $48 for two-bedroom listings, meaning they generate roughly 2.6 times more revenue per available night. This gap is driven by both higher nightly rates and substantially better occupancy, making 3-bedroom configurations the clear efficiency leader in Shapleigh.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Shapleigh

Three-bedroom listings fill at 34% occupancy versus 20% for two-bedroom units, a meaningful difference that reflects stronger demand for larger lakefront properties suited to families and groups. The lower occupancy for 2-bedroom homes may indicate they compete less effectively for the typical Shapleigh guest profile.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Shapleigh

Three-bedroom properties earn an average of $4,913 per month — nearly double the $2,512 that two-bedroom listings generate. This revenue gap underscores how property size is a primary lever for maximizing returns in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Shapleigh

At $58,967 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties nearly double the $30,149 earned by 2-bedroom units. For investors weighing acquisition costs, the 3-bedroom configuration clearly offers the strongest return potential in Shapleigh's lake-driven vacation market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Shapleigh

Lake access and kitchen facilities are universal across Shapleigh listings (100%), while BBQ grills, self check-in, patios, parking, and outdoor furniture appear in 94% of properties — reflecting a market where outdoor lakefront living is the baseline guest expectation. Pet-friendliness at 65% and waterfront access at 82% signal that catering to families with pets and offering direct water proximity can serve as competitive differentiators.

Understanding Shapleigh's ROI Score: 81/100

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

Shapleigh's ROI score of 81 out of 100 places it in the 'Standout Opportunity' band, driven by above-average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, with market growth trending at an average pace. The strong revenue-to-price ratio is particularly notable — it suggests that the income potential of listings here is well-calibrated relative to local home prices, which average around $553,000. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a seasonal cash-flow model to ensure the numbers work for their specific acquisition target.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Shapleigh

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Shapleigh, Maine may need to register or obtain a permit from the town and comply with state-level lodging requirements. Investors should verify current permit and licensing obligations directly with the Town of Shapleigh and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Maine communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and septic or wastewater capacity rules — particularly relevant in lakefront areas. HOA covenants or deed restrictions may also limit rental activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing property-level documents is essential.

Tax Obligations

Maine imposes a 9% lodging tax on short-term rentals, and hosts are typically responsible for collecting and remitting this tax, though platforms like Airbnb often handle it automatically. Investors should also confirm whether any local assessments or registration fees apply in Shapleigh.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Shapleigh's summer-driven demand should remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August historically generating over $11,000–$12,700 per listing per month. ADR may see modest upward pressure in the range of 2–5% as limited supply meets steady vacation demand across southern Maine's lake region. Shoulder months like May, June, and September are likely to hold or slightly improve as remote-work flexibility continues to extend travel windows. Investors should plan conservatively for winter months, where revenue dips below $1,500, and budget accordingly for off-season carrying costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Shapleigh, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shapleigh?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Shapleigh is currently 25%, which is below the Maine state average of 55%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — demand surges in summer and drops considerably during the colder months. Three-bedroom properties perform noticeably better at 34% occupancy compared to 20% for two-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shapleigh?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Shapleigh earn approximately $4,547 per month and $54,573 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by season, with August generating around $12,717 per listing and January dropping to about $1,209. Three-bedroom properties lead the market with average annual revenue of roughly $58,967.

Is Shapleigh a good market for Airbnb investment?

Shapleigh scores 81 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios, strong supply/demand balance, and stable occupancy patterns relative to its seasonal profile. With only 17 active listings and universal lake access as a demand driver, there's room for well-managed properties to perform strongly — though investors should budget for low winter revenue.

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

The average daily rate in Shapleigh is $331, which is below the Maine state average of $415. ADR varies by property size: two-bedroom listings average $243 per night, while three-bedroom properties command $367 per night. The premium for larger properties reflects the family and group-oriented nature of lake vacation demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Shapleigh?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Shapleigh, Maine, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permitting requirements as well as state lodging regulations. Rules can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Shapleigh and relevant Maine state agencies for the most current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Shapleigh?

Peak season in Shapleigh runs from June through August, with July and August standing out as the highest-earning months at approximately $11,840 and $12,717 in average revenue, respectively. Shoulder months like May ($4,112) and September ($5,521) also see meaningful activity. Winter months from November through March are the quietest period, with monthly revenues typically between $1,200 and $1,850.

How many Airbnbs are there in Shapleigh?

As of April 2026, there are 17 active Airbnb listings in Shapleigh. The supply is concentrated in two- and three-bedroom properties, with 5 and 7 listings respectively. This limited inventory contributes to the market's favorable supply/demand dynamics for hosts.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Shapleigh?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Shapleigh are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drops regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 the Shapleigh market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.