Tafton, PA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Tafton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Tafton, PA is a small lakeside market in the Poconos region with just 17 active Airbnb listings and an elevated average daily rate of $455—well above the $350 Pennsylvania state average. However, occupancy sits at only 14%, significantly below the 36% state benchmark, resulting in average annual revenue of roughly $47,699 per listing. The market's sharp seasonality, with summer months driving the lion's share of income, means investors need to plan carefully around a compressed peak earning window.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Tafton 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 Tafton

Investors are drawn to Tafton for its premium nightly rates and proximity to lake recreation in the Poconos, though low occupancy and rising competition require careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Tafton presents a competitive but challenging opportunity for STR investors. The market's strength lies in premium summer pricing—August alone averages $8,109 in revenue—but the deep off-season trough (April dips to $2,133) and 14% overall occupancy mean annual returns depend heavily on maximizing a short peak window. With listing growth surging 233% year over year and average home values exceeding $555,000, investors will need to source deals selectively to achieve attractive yields in what is becoming an increasingly crowded niche market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Tafton

Average revenue by month in Tafton

Tafton's revenue is sharply seasonal, with August ($8,109) and July ($7,115) generating roughly double to triple the income of shoulder and off-peak months. April marks the annual low at $2,133, creating a nearly 4:1 spread between the best and worst months—a pattern investors must account for in cash flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Tafton

The entire reportable supply in Tafton consists of 3-bedroom properties (7 listings with size data), suggesting this is the dominant configuration for the market's lakehouse inventory. Investors considering other bedroom counts have virtually no comparable data, which could signal either an underserved niche or limited demand for alternative sizes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Tafton

Three-bedroom properties in Tafton command an average daily rate of $441, closely aligning with the overall market ADR of $455. With only one property size segment reporting, there's no cross-size comparison available, but the rate itself reflects premium Pocono lakefront pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Tafton

Three-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $70, reflecting the combination of a strong $441 ADR tempered by modest 16% occupancy. This metric underscores that while nightly rates are high, the limited booking frequency significantly compresses effective per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Tafton

Three-bedroom properties average 16% occupancy, only slightly above the market-wide 14% figure. This low fill rate points to heavily seasonal demand and suggests that revenue optimization—through dynamic pricing and minimum stay adjustments in shoulder months—could meaningfully improve cash flow stability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Tafton

A 3-bedroom listing in Tafton generates an average of $4,237 per month, modestly above the overall market average of $3,974. This is the only property size with sufficient data, so it effectively represents the baseline earning potential for investors entering this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Tafton

Three-bedroom properties average $50,845 in annual revenue, which against an average home value of $555,711 implies a gross yield of approximately 9.1%. While this headline yield appears reasonable, the low occupancy and heavy seasonal concentration mean investors should stress-test returns under conservative booking assumptions.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Tafton

Parking (100%), kitchen (88%), and BBQ grill (82%) top the amenity list, while lake access (77%) and backyard space (77%) confirm the outdoor recreation focus of Tafton's guest base. Notably, hot tubs appear in only 24% of listings, suggesting an opportunity for differentiation—adding one could help capture bookings during cooler shoulder months.

Understanding Tafton's ROI Score: 37/100

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

Tafton's ROI score of 37 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning strong investor interest and demand exist but higher property prices and growing competition make selective deal sourcing essential. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance rate as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend score below average—reflecting the seasonal booking pattern and rapid supply expansion. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors identify the deals that can still pencil in this increasingly competitive Pocono market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Tafton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Tafton, PA should verify whether Pike County or the local township requires STR permits or registration. Investors are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant municipal offices before purchasing, as Pennsylvania does not have a uniform statewide STR permitting framework.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Pennsylvania lake communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA covenants—particularly in lakefront developments. Investors should review any deed restrictions or community association rules that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals on specific properties.

Tax Obligations

Pennsylvania imposes a hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Pike County may levy additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm all state and local tax obligations are fully addressed.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Tafton's performance will likely remain heavily tied to summer vacation demand, with July and August continuing to anchor annual returns. Given the 233% year-over-year growth in active listings, increased competition could pressure occupancy further unless demand scales proportionally. ADR may hold steady or see modest softening as supply expands, and investors should expect annual revenue in the $45,000–$52,000 range for a well-positioned 3-bedroom property. These estimates assume no major regulatory shifts or economic disruptions affecting Pocono tourism."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Tafton, PA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tafton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tafton is currently 14%, which is well below the Pennsylvania state average of 36%. This reflects the market's heavy seasonal orientation, with most bookings concentrated in the summer months. Properties with strong amenities like lake access and flexible pricing strategies may outperform this average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Tafton?

Airbnb hosts in Tafton earn an average of $3,974 per month and approximately $47,699 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with August peaking at $8,109 and April bottoming at $2,133. A 3-bedroom property—the most common listing type—averages about $50,845 annually.

Is Tafton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Tafton offers a competitive opportunity with a high average daily rate of $455 and strong summer demand driven by Pocono lake recreation. However, low year-round occupancy (14%) and average home values of $555,711 mean the revenue-to-price ratio requires careful evaluation. Investors who can acquire below market value and optimize for peak season bookings are best positioned to generate attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate in Tafton is $455, which is roughly 30% above the Pennsylvania state average of $350. This premium reflects the desirability of lake properties in the Poconos region. Three-bedroom properties specifically average $441 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Tafton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Tafton area of Pike County, Pennsylvania, though specific regulations may vary by township and community association. Investors should check with local municipal authorities and review any HOA or deed restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Tafton?

Peak season in Tafton runs through July and August, when average monthly revenue reaches $7,115 and $8,109 respectively. June and September also perform reasonably well at around $3,674 and $3,688. The slowest months are March and April, with revenue dipping below $2,500.

How many Airbnbs are there in Tafton?

There are currently 17 active Airbnb listings in Tafton, making it a very small and niche market. The listing count has grown 233% year over year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in the area. All reported listings with size data are 3-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Tafton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Tafton are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 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 Tafton, PA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.