State College, PA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

State College Short-Term Rental Market Overview

State College stands out as a university-driven short-term rental market with dramatic seasonal spikes that reward investors who plan around Penn State's academic and athletic calendar. With an ROI score of 82 out of 100 and an average daily rate of $501—well above the $350 Pennsylvania state average—the market commands premium nightly pricing, particularly for larger properties that cater to visiting families and football weekends. Average annual revenue across all listings sits at $43,770, though larger configurations significantly outperform that figure, with 6+ bedroom properties pulling in nearly $144,000 per year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the State College 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 State College

Investors are drawn to State College for its event-driven pricing power, above-average revenue-to-price ratios, and recurring demand anchored by one of the largest universities in the country.

Expert Market Assessment

"State College presents a standout opportunity for STR investors who understand and embrace its highly seasonal revenue pattern. October alone generates an average of $8,944 per listing—more than five times the December low of $1,581—making fall football season the financial engine of the market. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability provide a solid foundation, though the 32% average occupancy rate (slightly below the 36% state average) reflects the event-dependent nature of demand rather than a structural weakness. Investors targeting 4+ bedroom properties are best positioned to capitalize on the group-travel dynamics that define this college-town market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in State College

Average revenue by month in State College

State College displays extreme seasonality: October leads at $8,944 in average revenue, followed closely by September at $7,755, while December bottoms out at just $1,581. This roughly 5.7x spread between peak and trough months means investors should plan for concentrated fall earnings and budget reserves to cover quieter winter and early-summer periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in State College

Three-bedroom properties lead supply with 91 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (81) and 4-bedrooms (75), while 5-bedroom (12) and 6+ bedroom (7) homes remain scarce. The thin inventory of larger properties—combined with their significantly higher revenue potential—suggests an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in State College

ADR escalates sharply with size: 1-bedroom listings average $229 per night while 6+ bedroom properties command $1,951, reflecting the premium groups are willing to pay for accommodating entire families or friend groups during events. The jump from 3-bedroom ($452) to 4-bedroom ($773) represents a particularly strong inflection point where pricing power accelerates.

Average RevPAN by property size in State College

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with property size, from $76 for 1-bedrooms to $565 for 6+ bedroom homes. Four-bedroom ($267) and 5-bedroom ($271) units deliver similar RevPAN despite different occupancy rates, while the 6+ bedroom tier more than doubles the next closest category, underscoring the outsized earning power of large group-stay properties.

Average occupancy rates by property size in State College

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across most sizes, ranging from 31% (3-bedroom) to 35% (4-bedroom), with 5-bedroom properties dipping to 22%. The 4-bedroom sweet spot—highest occupancy paired with strong ADR—offers the most consistent cash-flow profile, while 5- and 6+ bedroom units trade occupancy for far higher per-booking revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in State College

Monthly revenue scales reliably with size: 1-bedroom units average $2,327 while 6+ bedroom properties bring in $11,990 per month. The 4-bedroom category at $6,360 per month represents a compelling middle ground, nearly tripling 1-bedroom earnings without the operational complexity and narrower buyer pool of the largest homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in State College

Annual revenue ranges from $27,933 for 1-bedroom listings to $143,880 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful revenue increase. Four-bedroom homes earning $76,331 annually stand out as a strong return configuration, particularly when weighed against the relative scarcity of 5- and 6+ bedroom inventory.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in State College

Parking dominates at 99% prevalence—essentially a requirement in this car-dependent college town—followed by kitchens (90%) and self check-in (80%). A workspace is offered by 52% of listings, suggesting hosts cater to visiting parents and professionals, while differentiating amenities like hot tubs (3%) and EV chargers (3%) remain rare and could help listings stand out.

Understanding State College's ROI Score: 82/100

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

State College's ROI score of 82 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" tier, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability—two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, reflecting the 113% surge in new listings that investors should monitor closely. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific revenue analysis will give investors the clearest picture of actual return potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in State College

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

Permit Requirements

State College, Pennsylvania may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Borough of State College and Centre County authorities, as local rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar Pennsylvania markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA prohibitions. Investors should review zoning designations and any applicable homeowner association covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Pennsylvania are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligation with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, State College's STR market is expected to remain tightly linked to Penn State's event calendar, with October and September continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR could edge up another 2–5% as demand for game-day and graduation weekend accommodations intensifies against limited hotel supply. Occupancy, currently at 32%, may see modest improvement if listing growth (up 113% year-over-year) stabilizes and supply-demand dynamics rebalance. Investors should anticipate strong cash-flow concentration in fall months and plan reserves accordingly for quieter winter stretches."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in State College, PA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in State College?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in State College is currently 32%, slightly below the Pennsylvania state average of 36%. This figure reflects the market's event-driven nature—occupancy spikes significantly during Penn State football season, graduation weekends, and other university events, then dips during quieter periods like winter break. Four-bedroom properties tend to perform best at 35% occupancy, while 5-bedroom units average around 22%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in State College?

Airbnb hosts in State College earn an average of $3,647 per month and approximately $43,770 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue varies dramatically by property size. One-bedroom units average about $27,933 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in around $143,880 per year. Revenue is also highly seasonal, with October being the top-earning month at nearly $8,944 on average.

Is State College a good market for Airbnb investment?

State College earns an ROI score of 82 out of 100 on Rabbu's proprietary scale, placing it in the "Standout Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, driven largely by Penn State University's event calendar. Larger properties that accommodate groups tend to perform exceptionally well. Investors should be comfortable with pronounced seasonality—fall months generate the lion's share of annual revenue—and should factor in quieter winter periods when budgeting.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in State College is $501, which is significantly higher than the $350 Pennsylvania state average. ADR scales steeply with property size: 1-bedroom units average $229 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $773 and 6+ bedroom homes reach $1,951. These elevated rates are largely driven by high-demand weekends tied to university events.

Are short-term rentals legal in State College?

Short-term rentals do operate in State College, Pennsylvania, with 326 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and registration requirements can change, so prospective investors should contact the Borough of State College and review any applicable Centre County ordinances before purchasing or listing a property. HOA rules may also apply in certain neighborhoods.

When is peak season for Airbnb in State College?

Peak season in State College runs from September through November, aligning with Penn State's football season and fall events. October is the highest-earning month by a wide margin, with average listing revenue reaching $8,944—nearly six times the December average of $1,581. September ($7,755) and November ($4,787) also see strong performance. The slowest months are December through March, when university activity and visitor traffic are at their lowest.

How many Airbnbs are there in State College?

There are currently 326 active Airbnb listings in State College as of April 2026. The market has seen significant supply growth, with active listings up 113% year-over-year. The inventory is spread across property sizes, with 3-bedroom homes (91 listings) and 1-bedroom units (81 listings) being the most common, followed by 4-bedroom properties (75 listings).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in State College?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for State College 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, 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 rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like October football weekends) and slower months (like December) because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 State College market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with State College and Pennsylvania authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.