Sun Valley, ID Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sun Valley Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sun Valley draws investors with its premium positioning as a year-round mountain resort destination, commanding an average daily rate of $420—well above Idaho's $277 state average. However, the market's high entry cost (average home values near $2.78M) and a 37% occupancy rate that trails the state average create a challenging revenue-to-price dynamic, reflected in an ROI score of 38 out of 100. With 185 active listings and a 240% year-over-year growth in supply, this is a competitive market where selective deal sourcing and differentiated properties will be essential to generating meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley

Sun Valley appeals to investors seeking exposure to a premium mountain resort market with dual-season demand drivers, though high home prices and growing competition require careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sun Valley presents a competitive opportunity where strong nightly rates and dual-season appeal are offset by elevated property costs and a rapidly expanding supply base. Revenue swings sharply by season—July tops $7,278 in average monthly revenue while November bottoms out near $1,016—so cash-flow planning needs to account for extended soft periods in spring and late fall. The market rewards larger, well-appointed properties disproportionately: 5-bedroom homes generate nearly seven times the annual revenue of 2-bedroom units. Investors who can secure properties at favorable entry points and deliver premium guest experiences will find the strongest returns here, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means this market isn't forgiving of overpaying."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sun Valley

Average revenue by month in Sun Valley

Sun Valley exhibits pronounced seasonality, with July ($7,278) and August ($6,455) generating roughly six to seven times the revenue of the slowest months—November ($1,016) and May ($1,080). Winter ski months offer a meaningful secondary peak, particularly February at $4,184, making dual-season strategy essential for maximizing annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sun Valley

Two-bedroom units dominate the supply with 70 listings, followed by 3-bedroom properties at 58, together comprising nearly 70% of the market. Larger 4-bedroom (16 listings) and 5-bedroom (5 listings) properties are notably scarce, which may signal a supply gap investors could exploit given the outsized revenue those sizes generate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sun Valley

ADR scales aggressively with property size in Sun Valley—from $132 for studios up to $1,765 for 5-bedroom homes, a more than 13x premium. The steepest rate jump occurs between 4-bedroom ($762) and 5-bedroom ($1,765) properties, suggesting strong willingness to pay for luxury-scale accommodations in this resort market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sun Valley

Revenue per available night climbs sharply with bedroom count, from $38 for studios to a standout $974 for 5-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes convert their high ADR into effective revenue far more efficiently. Even 4-bedroom listings at $260 RevPAN significantly outperform the market average of $154, making them an attractive middle ground between investment scale and return potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sun Valley

Occupancy rates cluster between 29% and 37% for most property sizes, but 5-bedroom homes break the pattern at 55%—the highest in the market by a wide margin. This suggests strong and consistent demand for large group accommodations, offering investors in that segment more reliable cash flow compared to smaller units.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sun Valley

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,242 for studios to a remarkable $22,468 for 5-bedroom properties, with a notable jump between 3-bedroom ($3,828) and 4-bedroom ($7,995) units. Investors targeting the 4- and 5-bedroom segments can expect monthly income that far outpaces the market average of $3,304.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sun Valley

Five-bedroom properties lead the market dramatically at $269,618 in average annual revenue, followed by 4-bedroom homes at $95,949—both configurations that substantially outperform smaller units. Two- and 3-bedroom listings generate $41,077 and $45,941 respectively, roughly in line with the market-wide average, while studios and 1-bedrooms trail at under $23,000 annually.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sun Valley

Kitchens (98%), parking (97%), and in-unit laundry (washer 96%, dryer 94%) are table-stakes amenities that virtually every Sun Valley listing offers, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient mountain stays. Differentiators like hot tubs (53%), saunas (12%), and ski-in/ski-out access (10%) are present in a smaller share of listings, suggesting that adding these premium features could help a property stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Understanding Sun Valley's ROI Score: 38/100

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

Sun Valley's ROI score of 38 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where premium nightly rates and above-average growth potential are tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and a supply-demand balance that favors increasing competition. Occupancy stability rates as average, which is consistent with the market's strong dual-season demand offset by pronounced shoulder-season lulls. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger, differentiated properties where revenue potential can meaningfully offset Sun Valley's elevated entry costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sun Valley

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sun Valley, Idaho may be required to obtain permits or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Sun Valley and Blaine County, as regulations can evolve quickly in resort communities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain resort markets like Sun Valley can include occupancy caps, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations designed to protect residential neighborhoods. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, and some areas may restrict the total number of STR permits issued, so due diligence on the specific property and its governing covenants is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Idaho are generally subject to state sales tax and local lodging or resort taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the Idaho State Tax Commission and local tax authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Sun Valley's above-average market growth trend suggests continued investor interest and rising demand over the next 12–18 months, particularly from travelers seeking mountain recreation and luxury getaways. Summer months like July and August drive the bulk of annual revenue, and winter ski season provides a secondary peak—expect ADR to hold steady or edge up 1–3% as the resort economy matures. Occupancy may face modest downward pressure from the rapid influx of new listings, so investors should anticipate rates settling in the 35–40% range market-wide unless supply growth moderates. Properties that capitalize on both ski and summer seasons will be best positioned to outperform."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sun Valley, ID

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sun Valley?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sun Valley is currently 37%, which is slightly below Idaho's statewide average of 41%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size—5-bedroom homes lead at 55%, while studios sit at 29%. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer and winter ski months driving the highest booking volumes, while spring and late fall see considerably softer demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sun Valley?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Sun Valley earn approximately $3,304 per month or $39,652 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings scale dramatically with property size: 5-bedroom listings average $22,468 per month ($269,618 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,911 per month ($22,940 annually). Individual results will depend on property quality, amenities, pricing strategy, and how well the listing captures both ski and summer season demand.

Is Sun Valley a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sun Valley earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 38 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's premium daily rates ($420 ADR) and above-average growth trend are appealing, but the high average home value of approximately $2.78M creates a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source properties selectively—particularly larger homes that command outsized nightly rates—can find strong returns, but this market rewards careful deal analysis over blanket investment.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sun Valley is $420, which is significantly higher than Idaho's statewide average of $277. ADR scales steeply with property size: studios average $132 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $1,765 per night. This premium pricing reflects the resort market's appeal to vacationers willing to pay for quality mountain accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sun Valley?

Short-term rentals do operate in Sun Valley, Idaho, with 185 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific rules regarding occupancy, noise, and parking. We recommend consulting directly with the City of Sun Valley and Blaine County to confirm current requirements before investing, as resort communities often update their STR policies.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sun Valley?

Peak season in Sun Valley is during the summer months, with July averaging $7,278 in monthly revenue and August close behind at $6,455. The winter ski season provides a secondary peak—February leads at $4,184, followed by December at $3,636 and January at $3,450. The slowest months are April ($1,098), May ($1,080), and November ($1,016), reflecting the shoulder seasons between ski and summer activity.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sun Valley?

Sun Valley currently has 185 active Airbnb listings. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom (70 listings) and 3-bedroom (58 listings) properties, which together account for nearly 70% of inventory. The market has seen significant supply growth, with a 240% year-over-year increase in active listings, signaling strong investor interest but also intensifying competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sun Valley?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sun Valley 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 aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July's $7,278 average) and slower months (like November's $1,016) because 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates by market
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) and monthly/annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue across bedroom counts
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive advantages

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 current market snapshots; conditions may change as supply, demand, and regulations evolve. Local STR regulations in Sun Valley and Blaine County may affect permit availability and operational requirements—verify with local authorities before investing.