Waterville Valley, NH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Waterville Valley Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waterville Valley, NH presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity driven by year-round mountain recreation — skiing in winter, hiking and lake activities in summer. With an average daily rate of $380 (well above the $322 New Hampshire state average) and occupancy at 53% versus the state's 49%, the market demonstrates stronger-than-average demand across a compact supply of just 28 active listings. Annual revenue averaging $32,323 per listing, paired with an ROI score of 62 out of 100, suggests a market where disciplined investors can find attractive returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waterville Valley 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 Waterville Valley

A small, supply-constrained resort market with above-average occupancy and daily rates makes Waterville Valley worth considering for investors targeting New Hampshire's mountain recreation corridor.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waterville Valley earns an 'Attractive Opportunity' designation, reflecting a market where revenue potential and demand fundamentals align favorably for short-term rental investment. Seasonality is pronounced but manageable: August leads at $5,382 in average monthly revenue while April bottoms out at $1,182, but a secondary winter peak in February ($3,028) and solid fall foliage demand in October ($3,173) help smooth annual income. The compact size of the market — just 28 active listings split between 2- and 3-bedroom properties — means individual operators can differentiate meaningfully through amenities, pricing strategy, and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waterville Valley

Average revenue by month in Waterville Valley

Revenue in Waterville Valley follows a clear dual-peak pattern: summer dominates with August at $5,382 and July at $4,430, while a winter bump in February ($3,028) and fall foliage boost in October ($3,173) provide secondary peaks. April is the slowest month at just $1,182, creating a roughly 4.5x spread between peak and trough that investors should plan for with appropriate reserves.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waterville Valley

Supply in Waterville Valley is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties (12 listings) and 2-bedroom units (8 listings), with no other bedroom counts represented in active inventory. This narrow distribution means investors considering studio, 1-bedroom, or 4+ bedroom configurations would face minimal direct competition, though demand for those sizes should be validated before committing.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waterville Valley

Three-bedroom properties command a $375 ADR compared to $304 for 2-bedroom units, representing a 23% premium for one additional bedroom. This step-up suggests guests in this mountain market value extra space, likely for family or group ski and summer trips.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waterville Valley

Three-bedroom properties deliver significantly stronger RevPAN at $209 versus $146 for 2-bedroom units, a 43% advantage driven by both higher nightly rates and better occupancy. This makes 3-bedroom configurations the more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waterville Valley

Three-bedroom properties outperform 2-bedroom units in occupancy, filling 56% of available nights compared to 48% for smaller units. The 8-percentage-point gap suggests groups and families preferring larger accommodations drive more consistent booking demand in this resort market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waterville Valley

Interestingly, 2-bedroom properties generate slightly higher average monthly revenue at $2,843 compared to $2,421 for 3-bedroom units, despite lower ADR and occupancy. This could reflect differences in availability patterns, pricing strategies, or the specific mix of properties in each category within this small market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waterville Valley

Two-bedroom properties lead in annual revenue at $34,125 versus $29,054 for 3-bedroom units, which is notable given that 3-bedroom listings show stronger ADR and occupancy metrics. Investors should weigh the lower acquisition cost of 2-bedroom units against the per-night efficiency advantages of 3-bedroom properties when modeling returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waterville Valley

Kitchens (100%) and parking (96%) are essentially table stakes in Waterville Valley, while washer/dryer availability (86–89%) signals guest expectations for longer or family stays. Differentiating amenities like hot tubs (29%), pet-friendliness (32%), and pools (43%) are present in less than half of listings, suggesting an opportunity for hosts who invest in these features to stand out in search results and command premium rates.

Understanding Waterville Valley's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Waterville Valley's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, indicating solid but not exceptional investment potential. The score is buoyed by above-average marks in occupancy stability and supply/demand balance — two factors that reduce downside risk — while the revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend come in at average levels, reflecting the area's higher property values ($777,475 average) relative to rental income. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific financial model will give investors the clearest picture of whether Waterville Valley fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waterville Valley

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

Permit Requirements

Waterville Valley, New Hampshire may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain permits at the local level, and investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Waterville Valley and the State of New Hampshire before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in New Hampshire resort communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA rules that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain developments. Because Waterville Valley has a significant condo and resort community presence, checking HOA and condominium association bylaws is particularly important.

Tax Obligations

New Hampshire imposes a Meals and Rooms Tax that applies to short-term rentals, which hosts are required to collect and remit — though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection automatically. Investors should confirm their specific tax obligations with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waterville Valley's dual-season demand — peaking in summer and holding steady through ski season — should continue supporting ADRs in the $370–$395 range. Occupancy stability, rated above average in our analysis, points to sustained bookings even during shoulder months like May and November. Revenue growth is expected to track modestly, roughly in line with the broader New Hampshire vacation rental market, though the small listing count (28 active properties) means new supply could shift dynamics quickly. Investors should monitor whether listing growth continues and whether the resort's amenity investments keep attracting visitors."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waterville Valley, NH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waterville Valley?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Waterville Valley is currently 53%, which outperforms the New Hampshire state average of 49%. Three-bedroom properties tend to stay fuller at 56% occupancy, while 2-bedroom units average 48%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waterville Valley?

Airbnb hosts in Waterville Valley earn an average of $2,693 per month and approximately $32,323 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, ranging from around $1,182 in the slowest month (April) to $5,382 during peak summer demand in August.

Is Waterville Valley a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waterville Valley scores 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an 'Attractive Opportunity' rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 28 active listings serving a year-round resort destination. The $380 average daily rate is notably higher than the state average, though investors should weigh this against average home values of $777,475 to evaluate their individual return potential.

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

The average daily rate in Waterville Valley is $380, which is 18% higher than the New Hampshire state average of $322. ADR ranges from $304 for 2-bedroom properties to $375 for 3-bedroom units, reflecting a premium that guests are willing to pay for larger mountain accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waterville Valley?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Waterville Valley, but hosts should verify current permit, registration, and zoning requirements with the Town of Waterville Valley and the State of New Hampshire. HOA and condominium association rules may also apply, particularly in resort-style developments common in the area.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waterville Valley?

Peak season in Waterville Valley centers on the summer months, with August generating the highest average revenue at $5,382 and July close behind at $4,430. A secondary peak occurs during winter ski season, with February averaging $3,028 in revenue. October also performs well at $3,173, likely driven by fall foliage tourism. April and November are the softest months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waterville Valley?

There are currently 28 active Airbnb listings in Waterville Valley as of April 2026. The market is split between 2-bedroom properties (8 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (12 listings), making it a compact and relatively low-competition market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waterville Valley?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Waterville Valley 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 remaining data 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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for Waterville Valley
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns showing how performance varies across bedroom configurations
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

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 and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results vary based on location within the market, property condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.