Vernal, UT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Vernal Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Vernal, UT is a compact short-term rental market with just 50 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,926 per property. With an average daily rate of $154—well below the Utah state average of $494—and average home values around $371,802, the market offers a relatively affordable entry point for investors looking to tap into northeastern Utah's outdoor recreation and energy-sector demand. The 168% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 22% (compared to 42% statewide) suggests the market is still maturing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Vernal 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 Vernal

Vernal appeals to investors seeking affordable property acquisition in a niche outdoor recreation market where competition remains limited but growing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Vernal's STR market presents a moderate opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a still-developing demand profile. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($2,959) and stays elevated through September, while winter months like February dip to just $815—a spread that underscores the importance of summer bookings to annual returns. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, tempered by below-average market growth trends. Investors targeting larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) will find the strongest revenue potential, but should plan for lean months and build cash reserves accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Vernal

Average revenue by month in Vernal

Vernal exhibits strong seasonality, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $2,959 and February bottoming out at just $815—a nearly 3.6x spread. The May-through-October window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making summer months critical for hitting revenue targets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Vernal

Three-bedroom properties dominate Vernal's supply with 16 listings, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units are tied at 9 each. The relatively even distribution across sizes suggests no single segment is dramatically oversaturated, though the lighter supply of 4-bedroom homes paired with their higher revenue may signal an underserved niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Vernal

ADR scales steadily from $90 for 1-bedroom units to $213 for 4-bedroom properties, with each additional bedroom adding roughly $30–$60 to the nightly rate. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($151) to 4-bedrooms ($213) is especially notable, suggesting guests are willing to pay a meaningful premium for larger spaces in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Vernal

RevPAN increases significantly with property size, from just $13 for 1-bedroom listings to $58 for 4-bedroom properties. This 4.5x difference reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy for larger homes, making 4-bedroom units the clear leader in revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Vernal

Occupancy ranges from 15% for 1-bedroom units to 27% for 4-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes capture more consistent bookings. Even the top-performing size falls well below the state average, reinforcing that Vernal is a seasonal market where cash-flow planning around off-peak months is essential.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Vernal

Monthly revenue climbs from $926 for 1-bedroom listings to $2,589 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms earning $1,832—close to the market-wide average. Investors targeting properties with 3 or more bedrooms can expect meaningfully higher monthly income, while 1-bedroom units may struggle to cover operating costs during slower months.

Average annual revenue by property size in Vernal

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $31,075, nearly triple the $11,115 earned by 1-bedroom units. With average home values at $371,802, the larger configurations offer the strongest path toward favorable revenue-to-price ratios and overall return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Vernal

Parking (98%), washer (94%), and dryer/kitchen (88% each) are near-universal amenities in Vernal, reflecting a market geared toward road-trip travelers and families who expect home-like conveniences. Outdoor features like backyards (66%), patios (64%), and BBQ grills (50%) are common differentiators, while hot tubs (4%) remain rare—a potential opportunity to stand out from competitors.

Understanding Vernal's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Vernal's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by average revenue-to-price ratios and stable (though modest) occupancy levels. The below-average market growth trend is a factor to watch—rapid supply increases (168% YoY listing growth) could pressure returns if demand doesn't keep up. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Vernal

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Vernal, UT may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Vernal and Uintah County, as local regulations can change with limited notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules in certain subdivisions. Some Utah municipalities also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the number of active STR permits, so it's important to research zoning and neighborhood-specific rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in Utah are generally required to collect and remit state sales tax and a transient room tax on bookings. Platforms like Airbnb often handle state-level tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm county or municipal tax obligations with Uintah County and the Utah State Tax Commission.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Vernal's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the sharp increase in new listings, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest summer months will remain the primary earnings driver, with July revenues potentially reaching $2,900–$3,100 for the average listing. ADR may hold relatively steady in the $150–$160 range, but investors should monitor whether the rapid supply expansion outpaces the area's tourism and workforce travel demand. Occupancy rates could settle in the low-to-mid 20% range unless operators differentiate through pricing strategy and amenity upgrades."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Vernal, UT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Vernal?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Vernal is currently 22%, which is below the Utah state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, ranging from 15% for 1-bedroom units to 27% for 4-bedroom properties. The lower overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonality, with most bookings concentrated during the warmer months from May through October.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Vernal?

Airbnb hosts in Vernal earn an average of $1,827 per month and approximately $21,926 per year based on trailing 12-month historical data. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $11,115 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $31,075 per year. Summer months are the primary revenue drivers, with July averaging $2,959 per listing.

Is Vernal a good market for Airbnb investment?

Vernal earns an ROI score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from affordable home values around $371,802 and limited competition with only 50 active listings. However, occupancy rates are below the state average and the market shows below-average growth trends, so investors should target larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) for the best revenue potential and plan for seasonal income fluctuations.

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

The average daily rate in Vernal is $154, significantly lower than the Utah state average of $494. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $90 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $120, 3-bedrooms at $151, and 4-bedroom properties command $213 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects the market's positioning as an affordable outdoor recreation destination rather than a luxury resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Vernal?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Vernal, UT, though operators may need to obtain local business licenses or permits. Regulations can vary at the city and county level, so investors should check directly with the City of Vernal and Uintah County for current requirements regarding permits, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Vernal?

Peak season in Vernal runs from June through September, aligning with the warmest months and prime outdoor recreation season. July is the strongest month with average revenue reaching $2,959 per listing, followed by June ($2,359), August ($2,336), and September ($2,264). The off-season dips significantly, with February being the slowest month at just $815 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Vernal?

As of April 2026, there are 50 active Airbnb listings in Vernal. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom units being the most common (16 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (13), and then 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties (9 each). Notably, the market has seen 168% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly growing investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Vernal?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Vernal 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. 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 how actively you manage your listing.

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 Vernal, UT market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.