Tombstone, AZ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Tombstone Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Tombstone, AZ is a niche short-term rental market with 43 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $15,228 per property. While the town's storied Old West heritage draws a steady stream of heritage-tourism visitors, an average occupancy rate of 34% — well below Arizona's 53% state average — signals that demand is concentrated rather than consistent. With an average daily rate of $146 and average home values around $321,747, investors will find relatively affordable entry points but should underwrite conservatively given the market's seasonal rhythms.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Tombstone 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 Tombstone

Tombstone's iconic Western heritage and affordable property prices relative to Arizona metro markets make it a compelling — if selective — opportunity for STR investors who can optimize around seasonal demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Tombstone presents a competitive but measured opportunity for STR investors. The ROI score of 50 out of 100 reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio paired with below-average occupancy stability — meaning the numbers can work, but margins are tighter than in higher-demand Arizona destinations. Seasonality is pronounced: March brings in the strongest revenue at $1,826 per month, while September dips to just $952, creating a nearly 2:1 spread between peak and trough. Selective deal sourcing, strong pricing strategy during the cooler tourist months, and attention to amenities that match guest expectations will separate profitable investments from underperformers here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Tombstone

Average revenue by month in Tombstone

Revenue in Tombstone follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in March at $1,826 before tapering through the summer to a low of $952 in September — a nearly 2:1 spread. A secondary peak emerges in the fall and early winter months (October–December), with revenues climbing back above $1,350, making dual-season optimization essential for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Tombstone

The market's 43 active listings are heavily skewed toward smaller properties, with 25 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom units accounting for the vast majority of supply. The absence of larger property types (3+ bedrooms) in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer group-friendly accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Tombstone

ADR scales modestly with size: 1-bedroom listings average $127 per night while 2-bedroom units command $165, a 30% premium. Given the relatively small price gap, 2-bedroom properties appear to offer a stronger rate-per-bedroom value proposition for guests, potentially supporting higher booking appeal.

Average RevPAN by property size in Tombstone

Two-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $59 compared to $42 for 1-bedrooms, reflecting both their higher nightly rates and slightly better occupancy. This 40% RevPAN advantage makes 2-bedroom units the stronger revenue generators on a per-available-night basis in Tombstone.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Tombstone

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes — 34% for 1-bedrooms and 36% for 2-bedrooms — both sitting well below Arizona's 53% state average. The narrow gap suggests that demand constraints in Tombstone are market-wide rather than tied to a specific property configuration.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Tombstone

Two-bedroom listings earn an average of $1,568 per month compared to $1,105 for 1-bedrooms, a $463 monthly advantage that compounds meaningfully over a full year. For investors weighing acquisition costs, the incremental revenue from a second bedroom deserves careful analysis against any added purchase or renovation expense.

Average annual revenue by property size in Tombstone

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties generate approximately $18,823 versus $13,262 for 1-bedrooms — a difference of over $5,500. This roughly 42% revenue uplift positions 2-bedroom units as the more compelling configuration for investors seeking stronger gross returns in Tombstone.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Tombstone

Parking dominates at 95% of listings, reflecting the reality that most Tombstone visitors arrive by car. Self check-in (77%), patios or balconies (67%), and kitchens (63%) round out the top amenities, signaling that guests expect practical, road-trip-friendly accommodations rather than resort-style luxury — investors should prioritize these essentials over premium add-ons.

Understanding Tombstone's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Tombstone's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine investor appeal but requires thoughtful deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio grades as average and market growth trends are steady, but below-average occupancy stability is the key drag — underscoring the seasonal nature of demand in this heritage-tourism town. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic pro forma that accounts for summer vacancy will be critical before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Tombstone

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Tombstone, Arizona should verify whether a local business license or STR permit is required through the City of Tombstone and Cochise County. Arizona's state law generally restricts municipalities from outright banning vacation rentals, but local registration and compliance requirements may still apply.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Arizona STR markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Investors should also review any applicable HOA rules, as deed-restricted communities may impose additional limitations such as minimum stay requirements or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals.

Tax Obligations

Arizona imposes a transaction privilege tax (TPT) on short-term rentals, and Cochise County may levy additional lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with a local tax professional to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Tombstone's STR market is likely to follow its established seasonal pattern, with revenue peaking in the spring (March) and fall (October–December) months popular with desert tourists. Active listing counts have surged 124% year over year, so new supply could pressure occupancy and rates unless visitor volume keeps pace. We'd estimate ADR holding steady in the $140–$155 range, with occupancy potentially drifting toward 30–35% as the market absorbs additional inventory. Investors entering now should plan for softer summer months and build marketing strategies around the town's event calendar and cooler-season appeal."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Tombstone, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tombstone?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Tombstone is currently 34%, which falls below the Arizona state average of 53%. This lower occupancy reflects the town's seasonal and tourism-driven demand patterns, with stronger bookings during cooler months and events, and quieter periods through the summer.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Tombstone?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Tombstone earn approximately $1,269 per month and $15,228 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies meaningfully by property size — 2-bedroom listings average about $18,823 annually, while 1-bedroom units come in around $13,262. Actual earnings depend heavily on pricing strategy, guest reviews, and seasonal optimization.

Is Tombstone a good market for Airbnb investment?

Tombstone carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market's affordable home prices (averaging $321,747) and heritage-tourism draw are attractive, but below-average occupancy and a 124% year-over-year surge in active listings mean investors need to be strategic. Those who source deals carefully and optimize for peak seasons stand the best chance of solid returns.

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

The average daily rate in Tombstone is $146, significantly lower than the Arizona state average of $434. This reflects the market's positioning as a small-town heritage destination rather than a luxury resort market. ADR ranges from $127 for 1-bedroom units to $165 for 2-bedroom properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Tombstone?

Arizona state law generally prevents municipalities from banning short-term rentals outright, so STRs are broadly permitted in Tombstone. However, local registration requirements, business licensing, and compliance with health, safety, and zoning rules may still apply. Investors should confirm current requirements with the City of Tombstone and Cochise County before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Tombstone?

Peak season in Tombstone is March, when average monthly revenue reaches $1,826 — nearly double the September low of $952. The fall months of October through December also perform well, with revenues ranging from $1,356 to $1,437. Summer months (June–September) represent the off-peak period, as the desert heat reduces tourist foot traffic.

How many Airbnbs are there in Tombstone?

As of April 2026, there are 43 active Airbnb listings in Tombstone. This represents a 124% year-over-year increase, indicating growing investor and host interest in the market. The supply is concentrated in smaller property types, with 25 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom listings making up the bulk of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Tombstone?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Tombstone 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like March at $1,826) and slower months (like September at $952). 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 Tombstone, AZ market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data from active listings

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.