Southwest Harbor, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Southwest Harbor Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Southwest Harbor sits at the gateway to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, making it one of coastal Maine's most compelling seasonal STR markets. With an average annual revenue of $86,419 across just 39 active listings, the market offers meaningful income potential concentrated in the summer months. An ROI score of 59 out of 100 reflects healthy demand and solid occupancy stability, though investors should note that revenue is heavily weighted toward a four-to-five month peak window. Property values averaging $1,110,055 mean the revenue-to-price ratio requires careful penciling, but the limited supply and iconic location create a strong value proposition for the right buyer.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harbor appeals to investors seeking a premium coastal Maine location with concentrated seasonal demand driven by Acadia National Park tourism and limited existing supply.

Expert Market Assessment

"Southwest Harbor presents an attractive but distinctly seasonal investment opportunity. Revenue swings dramatically — from roughly $1,154 in January to $19,533 in August — so cash-flow planning must account for several lean months. The market's strengths lie in its above-average occupancy stability and the sheer earning power of the summer peak, where June through October alone can account for the vast majority of annual income. With a below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance flagged by the ROI score, investors who enter thoughtfully — targeting the right property size and pricing strategy — stand to benefit from this tightly supplied, high-demand coastal destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Southwest Harbor

Average revenue by month in Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harbor's revenue is extremely seasonal, with August ($19,533) and July ($17,388) generating more than 10× the revenue of winter months like January ($1,154) and February ($1,190). Investors should plan for roughly 75% of annual income to flow in during the June–October window, making expense management in the off-season critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Southwest Harbor

Three-bedroom properties lead supply with 12 of the 39 active listings, while 1- and 2-bedroom units each account for 8. There are no 4- or 5-bedroom listings showing in the data, which could represent an underserved niche for investors looking to capture the gap between mid-size homes and the 6+ bedroom category (6 listings).

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Southwest Harbor

ADR scales predictably with size — from $166 for 1-bedroom units up to $459 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($291) to 6+ bedrooms ($459) is notable, suggesting a strong premium for large group-friendly homes that can accommodate families or reunions visiting Acadia.

Average RevPAN by property size in Southwest Harbor

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $78, outperforming even the larger 6+ bedroom category ($65) and 3-bedroom units ($50). This suggests that 2-bedroom properties strike the best balance between rate and occupancy, making them an efficient choice for revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Southwest Harbor

Smaller properties fill more consistently, with 1-bedroom units at 34% occupancy and 2-bedrooms at 31%, while 3-bedroom (17%) and 6+ bedroom (14%) listings see significantly lower fill rates. For investors prioritizing steady cash flow over peak-night revenue, smaller units offer more predictable booking volume.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Southwest Harbor

Six-plus bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $16,257, nearly double the $7,889 earned by 3-bedroom units and more than four times the $3,533 from 1-bedroom listings. The revenue gap between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom ($4,575) is relatively modest, while the leap to larger configurations is dramatic.

Average annual revenue by property size in Southwest Harbor

Annual revenue scales sharply with size — 6+ bedroom properties average $195,089, compared to $94,672 for 3-bedrooms and $42,405 for 1-bedrooms. For investors weighing acquisition costs against income potential, the 3-bedroom tier may offer the best return profile given its lower entry price relative to the 6+ category, though larger homes clearly dominate on raw revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Southwest Harbor

Parking is universal (100%) in Southwest Harbor, reflecting the car-dependent nature of Acadia visitors, while kitchens (92%), backyards (77%), and washer/dryer access (74%) are near-standard. Amenities like waterfront access (15%) and beach access (10%) remain relatively rare, suggesting properties with these features can command meaningful premiums in a market where outdoor experience is the primary draw.

Understanding Southwest Harbor's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Southwest Harbor's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, signaling a market with real income potential balanced against notable considerations. The score is supported by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio, but pulled down by below-average marks in both market growth trend and supply/demand balance — the latter reflecting the 191% year-over-year listing growth that could pressure future performance. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a conservative financial model that accounts for the market's sharp seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Southwest Harbor

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Southwest Harbor, Maine may need to register or obtain a permit from the town before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Southwest Harbor town office and the State of Maine, as local ordinances can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Maine's coastal communities can include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and parking ordinances, and potential caps on the number of STR permits issued. HOA covenants, where applicable, may impose additional limitations that supersede town-level rules.

Tax Obligations

Maine imposes a lodging tax on short-term rentals, and hosts are generally responsible for collecting and remitting it — though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on behalf of operators. Investors should also confirm whether any local tourism or sales tax obligations apply in Southwest Harbor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Southwest Harbor is likely to maintain its pronounced summer-driven revenue pattern, with peak months (July–September) continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. Given above-average occupancy stability, we estimate occupancy during high season could hold in the 50–65% range, with ADR potentially rising 2–4% as Acadia National Park visitation trends remain robust. The 191% year-over-year growth in active listings is worth monitoring — a rapid supply increase could pressure rates and occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors entering now should plan conservatively for shoulder and winter months while capitalizing on the intense summer demand window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Southwest Harbor, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Southwest Harbor?

The current average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Southwest Harbor is 22%. This figure reflects the full-year average, including the slower winter months when much of coastal Maine sees minimal visitor traffic. During peak summer season, occupancy rates are substantially higher, particularly for 1- and 2-bedroom properties that maintain 31–34% occupancy on an annualized basis. Seasonality is the biggest factor — investors should expect the bulk of booked nights to fall between June and October.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Southwest Harbor?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Southwest Harbor earn approximately $7,201 per month and $86,419 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $42,405 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate roughly $195,089. Keep in mind that most revenue is concentrated in the summer months, with August alone averaging $19,533 across listings.

Is Southwest Harbor a good market for Airbnb investment?

Southwest Harbor earns an ROI score of 59 out of 100, categorized as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong summer demand tied to Acadia National Park tourism. However, average home values of $1,110,055 mean the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level, and investors need to be comfortable with heavy seasonal revenue concentration. For those who can manage carrying costs through the winter months and target the right property type, this market offers meaningful upside.

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

The average daily rate in Southwest Harbor is currently $315, which falls below the Maine state average of $415. ADR ranges widely by property size — 1-bedroom listings average $166 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $459. The comparatively lower market-wide ADR reflects the mix of smaller properties in the supply and the seasonal nature of pricing.

Are short-term rentals legal in Southwest Harbor?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Southwest Harbor, Maine, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permitting requirements. Regulations in Maine's coastal towns can change, so it's essential to check with the Southwest Harbor town office and the State of Maine for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Southwest Harbor?

Peak season runs from June through October, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $19,533 in revenue. July ($17,388) and September ($11,092) are also strong performers. The shoulder months of May and November see a steep drop-off, and winter months (December through March) typically generate under $2,000 per month. This seasonality is driven by Acadia National Park visitation and the appeal of Maine's coastal summer.

How many Airbnbs are there in Southwest Harbor?

As of April 2026, there are 39 active Airbnb listings in Southwest Harbor. The supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties (12 listings), with 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units each at 8 listings, and 6 properties offering 6 or more bedrooms. Notably, the listing count has grown 191% year over year, which investors should watch as it could affect future occupancy and pricing dynamics.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Southwest Harbor?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Southwest Harbor 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. 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Southwest Harbor and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• 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 averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or shifts in tourism patterns. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.