Stanley, ID Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Stanley Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Stanley, Idaho sits at the heart of the Sawtooth Valley — a remote mountain destination that draws summer adventurers and winter recreation seekers to one of the state's most scenic corridors. With just 36 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $59,261, the market is small but earns well during its pronounced peak season. An ROI score of 64 out of 100 reflects attractive potential tempered by high property values averaging $1,581,612, making careful deal selection essential for investors entering this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Stanley 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 Stanley

Stanley's combination of dramatic seasonal revenue swings, limited competition, and strong outdoor recreation demand creates an opportunity for investors who can manage cash flow through quieter months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Stanley presents a seasonal but compelling opportunity for investors who understand mountain-resort economics. Revenue is heavily front-loaded into summer — July alone averages $10,867, more than five times the January figure of $2,047 — so annualized returns depend almost entirely on four peak months. The market's small supply base and above-average occupancy stability work in an operator's favor, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio (driven by home values above $1.5M) means investors need to pencil conservative deals. Overall, this is an attractive niche market rather than a volume play, best suited for buyers who already own or can acquire property at a reasonable basis."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Stanley

Average revenue by month in Stanley

Stanley's revenue profile is sharply seasonal: July leads at $10,867, more than five times the January low of $2,047, with June ($8,033), August ($8,885), and September ($6,640) forming the core earning window. Investors should plan for roughly 70% of annual income to be generated between June and October.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Stanley

The market's 36 listings skew heavily toward smaller properties, with 18 one-bedroom units and 6 studios accounting for all reported inventory. This concentration on compact units could signal an opening for investors willing to offer larger, group-friendly accommodations that are currently underrepresented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Stanley

Studios in Stanley command a notably higher ADR of $203 compared to $132 for 1-bedroom listings, suggesting that unique or boutique-style smaller units can charge a premium. The gap likely reflects distinctive cabin or glamping-style experiences that appeal to couples and solo travelers seeking a Sawtooth getaway.

Average RevPAN by property size in Stanley

Studios lead on RevPAN at $55 per available night versus $38 for 1-bedroom units, indicating that despite similar occupancy rates, the higher nightly rate for studios translates into stronger per-night revenue yield. For investors focused on maximizing revenue efficiency, studios appear to deliver a better return on each available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Stanley

Occupancy rates are relatively consistent across property sizes — studios at 27% and 1-bedrooms at 29% — suggesting that demand patterns are driven more by Stanley's seasonal cycle than by unit configuration. Neither size enjoys a meaningful occupancy advantage, so revenue differentiation comes primarily from pricing power.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Stanley

One-bedroom listings edge out studios slightly in average monthly revenue at $3,667 versus $3,574, a modest $93 difference that reflects the 1-bedroom's marginally higher occupancy offsetting its lower ADR. Both property types generate comparable monthly income, making the choice between them largely a function of acquisition cost and guest experience strategy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Stanley

Annual revenue is closely matched between studios ($42,897) and 1-bedrooms ($44,014), with neither size offering a dramatically better return. Given the narrow spread, investors should weigh acquisition price and furnishing costs against these revenue figures to determine which configuration pencils best for their specific property.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Stanley

Parking is universal across Stanley's listings (100%), reflecting the remote mountain location where guests arrive by car. Kitchen access (83%), self check-in (72%), BBQ grills (69%), and pet-friendliness (56%) round out the top amenities, signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient outdoor-lifestyle experience — investors entering this market should treat these as baseline requirements rather than differentiators.

Understanding Stanley's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Stanley's ROI Score of 64 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity tier, driven by above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trends that indicate healthy, expanding demand. The score is tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — a direct result of high property values relative to the roughly $59,000 in average annual revenue — meaning investors need to find deals well below the $1.58M average to achieve strong cash-on-cash returns. Pairing these data insights with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative financial model will help investors determine whether a specific Stanley property pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Stanley

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Stanley, Idaho may need to obtain a local permit or business registration before listing their property. Investors should confirm current requirements directly with Custer County and the City of Stanley, as rules can evolve quickly in small mountain communities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar Idaho resort communities include occupancy limits tied to septic or water capacity, noise ordinances, parking requirements (especially relevant given that 100% of Stanley listings offer parking), and potential HOA covenants on cabin or subdivision properties. Minimum-stay rules and seasonal permit caps are also worth investigating before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Idaho imposes a state sales tax and a travel and convention tax on short-term lodging, and Custer County may levy additional local occupancy taxes. Most major booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should verify local obligations to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Seasonal demand in Stanley should continue to concentrate heavily in the June–September window, where monthly revenues can exceed $8,000–$10,800. Listing growth of 68% year-over-year suggests increasing investor interest, though the market's small absolute size (36 listings) means even modest supply additions shift the competitive landscape. Above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trends point to steady demand over the next 12–18 months, with ADR likely holding near its current $276 level or edging slightly higher given limited inventory. Investors should plan for significant off-season softness — January through May revenues run well under $3,300 — and size their cash reserves accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Stanley, ID

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Stanley?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Stanley is currently 30%, which falls below the Idaho state average of 41%. This reflects the market's pronounced seasonality — occupancy surges during the summer months and drops significantly in winter and early spring. Investors should expect cash flow to concentrate in a relatively short peak window.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Stanley?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Stanley Airbnb hosts earn an average of $4,938 per month, which translates to approximately $59,261 annually. Revenue varies dramatically by season: July tops $10,867, while January dips to around $2,047. Actual earnings will depend on property type, pricing strategy, and guest experience quality.

Is Stanley a good market for Airbnb investment?

Stanley earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 64 out of 100, categorized as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, but high average home values ($1,581,612) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can acquire property below the market average or who already own in the area are best positioned to generate meaningful returns.

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

The average daily rate in Stanley is $276, which is essentially in line with the Idaho state average of $277. Studios command a higher ADR of $203 compared to $132 for 1-bedroom listings, likely reflecting premium cabin or unique lodging experiences. ADR tends to climb during peak summer months when demand is highest.

Are short-term rentals legal in Stanley?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Stanley, Idaho, as evidenced by 36 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local permit requirements, zoning rules, and tax obligations may apply. Investors should consult with Custer County and the City of Stanley directly to confirm current regulations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Stanley?

Peak season in Stanley runs from June through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $10,867 in revenue. June and August also perform strongly at $8,033 and $8,885 respectively. The off-season stretches from November through April, when monthly revenues typically fall between $2,000 and $3,300.

How many Airbnbs are there in Stanley?

As of April 2026, there are 36 active Airbnb listings in Stanley. The supply is split between studios (6 listings) and 1-bedroom properties (18 listings), with the remaining listings likely falling into other configurations. Year-over-year listing growth of 68% indicates the market is expanding, though it remains very small in absolute terms.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Stanley?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Stanley 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 remainder 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 data. 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 Stanley, ID and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.