Waterford, ME Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Waterford Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waterford, ME is a micro-market with just 12 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition landscape in rural western Maine. The average daily rate of $425 edges above the $415 state average, though occupancy sits at 27%—well below Maine's 55% average—resulting in average annual revenue of $44,324 per listing. The market's pronounced seasonality and limited supply suggest niche opportunity for well-positioned properties that can capture both winter and summer demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waterford short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Waterford

Waterford appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, high-ADR niche market with dual-season demand anchored by Maine's outdoor recreation appeal.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waterford presents a moderate-opportunity market best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality and lower overall occupancy. Revenue peaks sharply in February ($6,585) and August ($5,752), while shoulder months like May ($1,330) and April ($1,707) are notably soft—creating a roughly 5:1 spread between the best and worst months. Properties with lake access, winter recreation appeal, and standout amenities are best positioned to outperform in this small but premium-priced market. The limited supply means well-managed listings can capture outsized share, but investors should budget conservatively around the $44,324 annual average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waterford

Average revenue by month in Waterford

Revenue in Waterford follows a clear dual-peak pattern, with February ($6,585) and August ($5,752) leading the year while May ($1,330) and April ($1,707) represent the softest months. The nearly 5x spread between the highest and lowest months underscores the importance of pricing strategy and expense management through shoulder seasons.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waterford

Property-size breakdowns are not available for this market due to its small inventory of just 12 listings. Investors should evaluate individual property configurations based on comparable performance in nearby Maine markets.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waterford

ADR data by property size is not currently available for Waterford given the limited listing pool. The overall market ADR of $425 provides a useful benchmark, though larger or waterfront properties may command rates well above this average.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waterford

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are unavailable for this micro-market. The market-wide RevPAN of $116 reflects the combined effect of a strong ADR and low occupancy, suggesting that properties able to push occupancy above the 27% average can meaningfully outperform.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waterford

Size-specific occupancy data is not available for Waterford's small listing base. The 27% market-wide average indicates that most properties sit vacant for the majority of the year, making peak-season optimization critical for cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waterford

Monthly revenue by property size is not broken out for this market. With an overall average of $3,693 per month, investors should focus on seasonal revenue concentration rather than assuming steady monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waterford

Annual revenue by bedroom count is unavailable in this small market. The $44,324 market-wide annual average provides a baseline, but properties with premium features like lake access or hot tubs likely earn meaningfully more.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waterford

Every listing in Waterford offers a washer and kitchen, while backyard access, dryer, and parking each appear in 92% of properties—reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient, home-like stays. Lake access (50%), pet-friendliness (75%), and BBQ grills (75%) signal that outdoor lifestyle amenities are key differentiators in this recreation-driven market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waterford

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Waterford, Maine may need to register or obtain permits at the municipal level, and the state of Maine requires lodging operators to collect applicable taxes. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Waterford and the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Maine municipalities can include occupancy limits, noise and parking requirements, minimum-stay provisions, and compliance with local zoning or land-use ordinances. HOA covenants may also impose additional rules on short-term rental activity, particularly in lakefront communities.

Tax Obligations

Maine imposes a 9% lodging tax on short-term rentals, and hosts are generally required to register with the state for tax collection purposes. Major booking platforms typically remit lodging taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Maine Revenue Services.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waterford's dual-season demand pattern—winter ski months and summer lakeside activity—should continue to anchor revenue, with February and August likely remaining the strongest booking periods. ADR may hold steady or tick up modestly given the tiny supply base, though occupancy is unlikely to shift dramatically without new demand drivers. Investors should plan for soft shoulder seasons in April through June and target realistic annual revenue in the $40,000–$48,000 range based on current trends."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waterford, ME

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waterford?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waterford, ME is currently 27%, which is notably below Maine's state average of 55%. This lower occupancy reflects the market's strong seasonality—properties tend to book heavily during winter and summer peaks while experiencing quieter shoulder periods in spring and early summer.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waterford?

Airbnb hosts in Waterford earn an average of $3,693 per month and approximately $44,324 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Monthly revenue varies significantly by season, ranging from around $1,330 in May to $6,585 in February, so hosts should plan for uneven cash flow throughout the year.

Is Waterford a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waterford can be a worthwhile market for investors who appreciate low competition—there are only 12 active listings—and a premium ADR of $425 that exceeds the state average. However, the 27% occupancy rate means revenue is concentrated in peak months, so success depends on maximizing bookings during winter and summer seasons while keeping operating costs manageable during slower periods.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Waterford is $425, which is slightly above Maine's statewide average of $415. This premium reflects the appeal of the area's lakefront properties, outdoor recreation access, and the overall quality of accommodations in this small market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waterford?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Waterford, ME, though operators may be subject to local registration or permitting requirements as well as Maine's statewide lodging tax obligations. It's important to check directly with the Town of Waterford and state authorities for the most current regulations before launching a rental.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waterford?

Waterford has two distinct peak seasons. The winter months—particularly February ($6,585 average revenue) and December ($4,886)—drive strong bookings likely tied to ski and winter recreation. Summer also performs well, with August reaching $5,752 in average revenue as guests take advantage of lake activities and Maine's outdoor appeal.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waterford?

As of April 2026, there are 12 active Airbnb listings in Waterford, ME. This small supply base means competition is limited, which can be an advantage for hosts who offer well-maintained, amenity-rich properties that stand out to guests.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waterford?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Waterford 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 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 for the Waterford, ME market
• Historical occupancy and average daily rate trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue averages
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and aggregated for market-level consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics 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 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.