Speculator, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Speculator Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Speculator, NY sits in the heart of the Adirondacks, making it a draw for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lake access, hiking, and seasonal mountain getaways. With just 17 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $35,713, this is a small but meaningful market where limited supply meets seasonal demand. The ROI score of 61 out of 100 reflects an attractive opportunity with an above-average supply/demand balance, though occupancy at 27% trails the state average of 40%, signaling a market that thrives during peak months and quiets down considerably in the shoulder seasons.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Speculator 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 Speculator

Speculator appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, nature-tourism-driven market where limited supply provides pricing power during peak summer months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Speculator presents a moderately attractive investment opportunity for those comfortable with pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings sharply from a low of $1,471 in April to a high of $6,765 in August — a nearly fivefold gap — meaning cash flow will be heavily front-loaded into the summer months. The favorable supply/demand balance and small competitive set offer real upside for well-positioned properties, particularly those with lake access or outdoor amenities. However, the 27% average occupancy rate and $618,611 average home value mean investors need to run the numbers carefully to ensure summer peaks can sustain year-round ownership costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Speculator

Average revenue by month in Speculator

Speculator's revenue is heavily concentrated in summer, with August ($6,765) and July ($6,234) delivering two to four times the revenue of any other month. The off-season trough in April ($1,471) underscores the importance of pricing aggressively during peak months and managing expenses during the quieter winter and spring periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Speculator

All 5 listings with reported size data are 3-bedroom properties, indicating an extremely homogeneous supply mix. This limited data suggests there may be untapped opportunity for investors offering different configurations, such as smaller couples' retreats or larger family-sized homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Speculator

Three-bedroom properties in Speculator command an ADR of $272, closely aligned with the market-wide average of $278. With only one property size represented in the data, there's no cross-size comparison available, but the rate reflects competitive positioning for an Adirondack cabin-style market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Speculator

Three-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $85, slightly above the market-wide average of $74. This suggests that 3-bedroom properties outperform the broader market on a per-available-night basis, likely benefiting from stronger group and family bookings during peak season.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Speculator

Three-bedroom properties achieve a 31% occupancy rate, which is 4 percentage points above the market average of 27%. While still below the state benchmark, this relatively higher fill rate indicates that mid-size homes attract more consistent demand than the market as a whole.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Speculator

At $1,919 per month, 3-bedroom properties generate slightly less than the market-wide monthly average of $2,976. The discrepancy may reflect that some higher-earning listings outside the 3-bedroom category are pulling the overall average up, or that the specific 3-bedroom cohort has different seasonal booking patterns.

Average annual revenue by property size in Speculator

Three-bedroom homes bring in roughly $23,031 per year on average, compared to the market-wide figure of $35,713. Investors targeting 3-bedroom properties should model returns conservatively against the $618,611 average home value to ensure the investment pencils out.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Speculator

Parking is universal (100%) and a kitchen is nearly so (94%), reflecting the rural, drive-to nature of Speculator. BBQ grills (82%), backyards (71%), and washer/dryer combos (71%) signal that guests expect a full outdoor-lifestyle experience, while lake access (47%) and pet-friendliness (53%) serve as meaningful differentiators that could boost bookings for properties that offer them.

Understanding Speculator's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Speculator's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, suggesting meaningful investment potential tempered by some caution areas. The market's standout factor is its above-average supply/demand balance — with only 17 listings, competition is thin — while revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend all register as average. Investors should pair these data points with on-the-ground regulatory research and realistic seasonal cash-flow modeling before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Speculator

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Speculator, NY may need to register or obtain permits through the Town of Speculator or Hamilton County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local municipal offices and the New York Department of State before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New York STR markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA or lakefront community covenants may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any deed restrictions or homeowner association bylaws before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in New York are generally subject to state and local sales taxes, as well as county-level occupancy or bed taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Speculator's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with July and August remaining the revenue anchors. Given that active listings grew 125% year-over-year, new supply could moderate per-listing earnings slightly, though the market's small base means even a handful of new listings creates outsized percentage changes. ADR may hold steady in the $270–$290 range given the niche, nature-oriented appeal, while occupancy could settle between 25–30% annually as the market matures. Investors should plan for significant off-season lulls and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Speculator, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Speculator?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Speculator is currently 27%, which is below the New York state average of 40%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — properties fill up during peak summer months but see considerably lower bookings during the colder off-season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Speculator?

Based on trailing 12-month data, Airbnb hosts in Speculator earn an average of $2,976 per month and approximately $35,713 per year. Revenue varies significantly by season, with August being the strongest month at an average of $6,765 and April the slowest at $1,471.

Is Speculator a good market for Airbnb investment?

Speculator carries an ROI score of 61 out of 100, categorized as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance with just 17 active listings, offering reduced competition. However, heavy seasonality and a 27% occupancy rate mean investors should plan for significant income fluctuations and ensure summer revenue can cover year-round expenses.

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

The average daily rate in Speculator is $278, which is below the New York state average of $381. For 3-bedroom properties specifically, the ADR sits at $272. While lower than urban New York markets, this rate is competitive for a rural Adirondack destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Speculator?

Short-term rentals operate in Speculator, NY, but local regulations may apply. Prospective hosts should check with the Town of Speculator and Hamilton County for any permit, registration, or zoning requirements. New York State also imposes tax obligations on STR operators that must be met.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Speculator?

Peak season in Speculator runs during the summer months, with July ($6,234) and August ($6,765) delivering the highest average monthly revenue. September and October see moderate demand as fall foliage draws visitors, while April and November are the slowest months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Speculator?

As of April 2026, there are 17 active Airbnb listings in Speculator. The market saw 125% year-over-year growth in listing count, though this large percentage increase reflects the small base — even a few new listings create a significant change.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Speculator?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Speculator 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 remaining data up to 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. 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 Speculator market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from historical booking performance of comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue where data is available
• Home value benchmarks 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 Apr, 27 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 may have changed since the last update. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.