Wardsboro, VT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Wardsboro Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wardsboro, VT is a small but compelling short-term rental market tucked in southern Vermont's mountain corridor, where ski season and summer recreation drive pronounced seasonal demand. With an average daily rate of $545—well above the $452 state average—and average annual revenue of $38,322 across just 53 active listings, the market rewards hosts who price strategically around peak winter months. The ROI score of 61 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity, though below-average occupancy stability at 45% means investors should plan for meaningful off-season softness.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wardsboro 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 Wardsboro

Investors are drawn to Wardsboro for its premium nightly rates, manageable supply base, and the durable appeal of Vermont's four-season recreation economy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wardsboro presents a genuinely attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand seasonal markets. February stands out as the revenue leader at $5,825 per month, while the spring shoulder season (April–May) dips below $1,600—a spread that demands disciplined budgeting across the calendar year. The market's strength lies in its premium pricing power and limited listing inventory, but the below-average occupancy stability means cash-flow planning should account for four to five softer months. Investors targeting 4-bedroom properties will find the strongest combination of occupancy (52%) and revenue ($49,818 annually), making that configuration a clear focal point for acquisition strategies."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wardsboro

Average revenue by month in Wardsboro

Wardsboro shows dramatic seasonality, with February peaking at $5,825 and May bottoming out at $1,429—a nearly 4x spread that underscores the importance of winter ski demand. A secondary summer bump in August ($3,890) and strong December bookings ($5,004) provide two additional revenue anchors for investors planning their cash-flow calendar.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wardsboro

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 18 listings, closely followed by 4-bedrooms at 16, while 2-bedroom units are notably scarce with just 5 active listings. The low count of smaller units could signal either limited demand for that configuration or an underserved niche worth exploring for investors targeting budget-conscious guests.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wardsboro

ADR climbs steadily from $255 for 2-bedroom listings to $639 for 5-bedroom homes, reflecting strong pricing power for larger mountain properties that accommodate groups. The jump from 3-bedroom ($400) to 4-bedroom ($591) is especially steep, suggesting that the extra bedroom unlocks a premium guest segment willing to pay significantly more per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wardsboro

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $308, outperforming 5-bedrooms ($246) despite the latter's higher ADR—a result of the 4-bedroom segment's superior 52% occupancy rate. Two-bedroom units trail significantly at $92 RevPAN, indicating that smaller properties in this market struggle to fill enough nights to generate competitive per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wardsboro

Occupancy ranges widely, from 36% for 2-bedroom units to 52% for 4-bedroom homes, which are the only configuration surpassing the 50% threshold. Five-bedroom properties drop back to 39%, suggesting that while they command top-tier rates, the guest pool for the largest homes is more limited, creating more variable cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wardsboro

Four- and 5-bedroom properties both generate roughly $4,150 per month, nearly doubling the $2,443 earned by 3-bedroom listings. Interestingly, 2-bedroom units ($2,626/month) slightly outpace 3-bedrooms in monthly revenue, though this may reflect the small sample size of just 5 listings in that category.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wardsboro

The highest annual revenue potential sits with 4-bedroom homes at $49,818 and 5-bedrooms at $49,720—virtually identical despite different occupancy and rate profiles. Three-bedroom properties bring in $29,321 annually, making the step up to a 4-bedroom configuration the clearest inflection point for maximizing return in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wardsboro

Kitchens (100%), parking (98%), and self check-in (94%) are essentially table stakes in Wardsboro, while outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (85%), BBQ grills (83%), and patios (74%) reflect the mountain-retreat expectations of guests. Hot tubs appear in 45% of listings and likely serve as a meaningful differentiator, while pet-friendliness (59%) signals an opportunity to capture the growing segment of travelers who bring their dogs on vacation.

Understanding Wardsboro's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Wardsboro's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an average revenue-to-price ratio and average market growth trend that signal a functional—if not exceptional—investment environment. The below-average occupancy stability is the key drag on the score, reflecting the sharp seasonal swings typical of Vermont mountain towns. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling that accounts for several low-revenue months each year.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wardsboro

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wardsboro, VT may be required to register with the Town of Wardsboro and comply with Vermont's statewide lodging requirements. Investors should verify current permit or registration obligations directly with local town officials and the Vermont Department of Taxes before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Vermont towns include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking capacity rules, and any applicable HOA covenants. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so checking local zoning bylaws before purchasing is strongly advised.

Tax Obligations

Vermont imposes a 9% rooms and meals tax on short-term rentals, and hosts should confirm whether any additional local assessments apply in Wardsboro. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators are responsible for ensuring full compliance with all applicable tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wardsboro's STR market is likely to see continued strength during the winter ski season and late-summer foliage period, with ADR holding steady or edging up 1–3% as limited supply meets strong seasonal demand. Occupancy may hover in the 43–48% range annually given the market's leisure-driven nature, though listings that invest in amenities like hot tubs and pet-friendliness could outperform. The 110% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests rising investor interest, so new entrants should move thoughtfully to avoid diluting returns in what remains a compact market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wardsboro, VT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wardsboro?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wardsboro is currently 45%, which falls below the Vermont state average of 51%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—4-bedroom homes lead at 52%, while 2-bedroom units average just 36%. The seasonal nature of the market means winter months drive the highest occupancy, with a notable drop-off during spring.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wardsboro?

Airbnb hosts in Wardsboro earn an average of $3,193 per month, which translates to approximately $38,322 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Larger properties tend to earn more: 4- and 5-bedroom homes each bring in close to $50,000 annually, while 3-bedroom listings average around $29,321 per year. Peak winter months like February can generate nearly $5,825 in a single month.

Is Wardsboro a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wardsboro earns an ROI score of 61 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from premium nightly rates ($545 ADR) and limited competition with only 53 active listings. However, occupancy stability is below average, so investors should be prepared for seasonal revenue swings. Properties in the 4-bedroom range offer the strongest balance of occupancy and annual revenue.

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

The average daily rate in Wardsboro is $545, which is notably higher than the Vermont state average of $452. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $255 for 2-bedroom listings up to $639 for 5-bedroom homes. This premium pricing reflects the area's appeal as a mountain getaway destination where guests expect spacious, well-equipped properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wardsboro?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Wardsboro, VT, but hosts should verify local registration or permit requirements with the Town of Wardsboro and ensure compliance with Vermont's statewide lodging regulations. Zoning bylaws, HOA rules, and any applicable local restrictions may also affect your ability to operate. We recommend consulting with local authorities or a real estate attorney before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wardsboro?

Peak season in Wardsboro centers on the winter months, with February generating the highest average revenue at $5,825, followed closely by January ($5,025) and December ($5,004). A secondary peak occurs in late summer, with August averaging $3,890. The slowest months are April and May, when revenue dips to roughly $1,430–$1,500, reflecting the spring 'mud season' common across Vermont mountain towns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wardsboro?

As of April 2026, there are 53 active Airbnb listings in Wardsboro. The market is dominated by 3-bedroom (18 listings) and 4-bedroom (16 listings) properties, with 11 five-bedroom homes and just 5 two-bedroom units. Year-over-year listing growth of 110% suggests rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wardsboro?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Wardsboro 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, drops 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 and slower months because 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 Wardsboro and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and time period
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 averages as of April 2026; actual market conditions may have shifted since the reporting period. Local regulations, zoning changes, and HOA restrictions can materially affect STR eligibility and returns—always verify before purchasing.