South Fork, CO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South Fork Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South Fork, CO is a small mountain community with 138 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced seasonal demand curve driven by summer outdoor recreation and winter activities. With an average annual revenue of $24,983 and an ADR of $232—well below Colorado's $529 state average—the market offers affordable nightly rates but struggles with a 29% occupancy rate that significantly trails the 45% state benchmark. The 60% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the low ROI score of 29 out of 100 suggests that property-specific due diligence is essential before committing capital here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South Fork 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 South Fork

Investors look at South Fork for its mountain-town appeal and relatively low entry costs compared to Colorado's premier resort markets, though the data warrants careful, property-level analysis.

Expert Market Assessment

"South Fork presents limited but not absent opportunity for short-term rental investors willing to target specific property types. The market's ROI score of 29 reflects below-average revenue-to-price ratios, soft occupancy, and a supply-demand imbalance exacerbated by rapid listing growth. That said, larger homes—particularly 4- and 5-bedroom properties—demonstrate meaningfully stronger performance, with RevPAN of $113 and $228 respectively, far outpacing smaller units. Seasonality is sharp: July's $3,435 average monthly revenue is nearly five times April's $730, so investors need to plan cash flow around a concentrated earning window in summer and a secondary bump in winter."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South Fork

Average revenue by month in South Fork

South Fork's revenue follows a steep seasonal curve, peaking in July at $3,435 and bottoming in April at just $730—a nearly 5x spread that underscores the market's dependence on summer visitors. A notable secondary bump in March ($2,888) likely reflects late-season snow activity, while the November–February stretch remains relatively soft.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South Fork

Three-bedroom properties dominate inventory with 44 listings (32% of supply), while 5-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 7 units. The relatively thin supply of larger homes is worth noting given their outsized revenue performance, which could signal an underserved niche for investors targeting group-travel demand.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South Fork

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $102 for studios to $452 for 5-bedroom properties—a 4.4x premium. The sharpest per-bedroom pricing jump occurs between 3-bedroom ($246) and 4-bedroom ($355) units, suggesting that the step up to larger homes commands a meaningful rate premium in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in South Fork

RevPAN strongly favors larger properties, with 5-bedroom units generating $228 per available night compared to just $32–$34 for 1- and 2-bedroom listings. Even 4-bedroom homes at $113 RevPAN nearly double the market average of $67, making larger configurations the clearest path to stronger per-night yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South Fork

Studios lead occupancy at 53%, and 5-bedroom homes follow at 50%, while mid-range properties (1–3 bedrooms) cluster between 22% and 26%. This U-shaped pattern suggests that both compact budget-friendly units and large group homes attract more consistent bookings, while the saturated middle of the market struggles to fill calendars.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South Fork

Monthly revenue diverges dramatically by size: 5-bedroom homes average $7,483 per month—more than four times the $1,689–$1,728 range for studios and 1-bedroom units. The jump from 3-bedroom ($2,125) to 4-bedroom ($3,665) represents the most significant revenue step-up in the market, highlighting where scale starts to pay off.

Average annual revenue by property size in South Fork

Five-bedroom properties stand out at $89,797 in average annual revenue, dwarfing studios ($20,268) and 1-bedroom units ($20,739) by more than 4x. Four-bedroom homes at $43,991 also deliver nearly double the 3-bedroom figure of $25,504, making larger properties the most compelling revenue generators for investors who can manage the higher acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South Fork

Kitchens (95%), self check-in (88%), and parking (86%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a rural mountain setting where car access is essential. The 60% pet-friendly rate and 75% BBQ grill prevalence signal an outdoor-lifestyle guest profile, while hot tubs at 35% remain a potential differentiator for listings looking to command premium rates.

Understanding South Fork's ROI Score: 29/100

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

South Fork's ROI score of 29 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability that trails Colorado norms. Supply/demand balance also rates below average, likely reflecting the 60% surge in new listings outpacing demand growth, while market growth trend holds at average. Investors considering this market should pair the data here with deep property-level analysis and thorough local regulatory research to identify whether specific niches—particularly larger homes—can overcome the broader market headwinds.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Fork

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in South Fork, Colorado may need to obtain permits or register their property with the local municipality and Rio Grande County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of South Fork and the State of Colorado before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Colorado mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and HOA-level covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Prospective hosts should review both municipal zoning rules and any applicable homeowner association bylaws.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Colorado are generally subject to state sales tax, local lodging or accommodations tax, and potentially county-level tourism taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with the Colorado Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, South Fork's performance will likely hinge on whether the rapid supply growth (60% YoY increase in listings) can be absorbed by demand. Seasonal patterns should remain intact, with July and August continuing as revenue peaks and April staying the softest month. ADR may face mild downward pressure as competition intensifies, though listings that differentiate with amenities like hot tubs or waterfront access could sustain or modestly grow their rates. Investors should anticipate occupancy holding in the 25–32% range market-wide unless demand drivers expand meaningfully."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South Fork, CO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Fork?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in South Fork is currently 29%, which falls below Colorado's statewide average of 45%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—studios lead at 53%, while 1-bedroom units sit at just 22%. Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) occupy at 32–50%, reflecting stronger demand for group-sized accommodations in this mountain market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Fork?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in South Fork earns approximately $2,081 per month or $24,983 per year. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size: studios and 1-bedroom units average around $20,000–$21,000 annually, while 5-bedroom properties average roughly $89,797 per year. Peak earning months are July ($3,435) and August ($3,109), with April being the slowest at $730.

Is South Fork a good market for Airbnb investment?

South Fork carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 29 out of 100, categorized as limited investment potential. Below-average occupancy, a soft revenue-to-price ratio, and rapid supply growth (60% year-over-year) contribute to the cautious outlook. That said, larger properties in the 4–5 bedroom range show significantly stronger revenue and occupancy metrics, so investors who target the right property type and manage costs tightly may still find workable opportunities with thorough due diligence.

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

The average daily rate in South Fork is $232, which is considerably lower than Colorado's statewide average of $529. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $102 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $452. The market's lower ADR reflects its positioning as a more affordable mountain getaway compared to Colorado's premier resort towns.

Are short-term rentals legal in South Fork?

Short-term rentals do operate in South Fork, with 138 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permit requirements, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions can vary, so prospective hosts should check directly with the Town of South Fork, Rio Grande County, and any applicable homeowner association for the most current regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South Fork?

Peak season in South Fork runs through the summer months, with July leading at $3,435 in average monthly revenue and August close behind at $3,109. A secondary shoulder season occurs in March ($2,888), likely driven by late-winter recreation. April is the market's slowest month at just $730, and November also dips to $1,140. Investors should plan for roughly five strong months and budget conservatively for the off-season.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Fork?

As of April 2026, there are 138 active Airbnb listings in South Fork. The supply grew by 60% year over year, a significant jump that investors should factor into competitive analysis. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of inventory with 44 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (30) and 1-bedroom (21) units.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South Fork?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for South Fork 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July at $3,435) and slower months (like April at $730). 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 South Fork and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue and yield metrics broken down by property size and month
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 or seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change—always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.