Watkins Glen, NY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Watkins Glen Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Watkins Glen earns a standout ROI score of 76 out of 100, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes it one of the more compelling small-market STR plays in New York's Finger Lakes region. With average home values around $353,377 and annual revenue averaging $48,702, the yield profile is attractive relative to the broader state. The market's deep seasonality — August revenue tops $8,842 while January dips to $1,055 — rewards investors who price strategically and plan for quieter winter months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Watkins Glen 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 Watkins Glen

An above-average revenue-to-price ratio and strong seasonal tourism demand make Watkins Glen appealing for investors seeking yield-focused STR opportunities in a smaller market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Watkins Glen represents a solid seasonal opportunity with above-average return potential relative to property costs. The market's pronounced seasonality — revenue peaks in August at $8,842 and drops sharply through winter — means cash flow is concentrated in five to six months, requiring disciplined budgeting. With 58 active listings and 127% year-over-year supply growth, competition is intensifying, though the supply/demand balance still offers room for well-positioned properties. Investors who target larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) and invest in outdoor amenities will be best positioned to capture premium rates during the busy season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Watkins Glen

Average revenue by month in Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen displays extreme seasonality, with August ($8,842) generating more than eight times the revenue of January ($1,055). The core earning window spans May through October, accounting for the vast majority of annual income — investors should plan cash reserves to cover the lean November-through-April stretch.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Watkins Glen

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 19 of 58 active listings, followed by four-bedrooms (14) and two-bedrooms (9). One-bedroom units are notably scarce at just 5 listings, which could represent either limited demand for smaller units or a niche opportunity for couples-oriented stays in a market geared toward groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Watkins Glen

ADR scales sharply with size, jumping from $184 for one-bedroom listings to $442 for five-bedroom properties. Notably, three-bedroom homes ($220) price below two-bedrooms ($271), likely reflecting higher competition at that size — four- and five-bedroom configurations offer the clearest premium positioning.

Average RevPAN by property size in Watkins Glen

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $91 per available night, followed by five-bedrooms at $83 and three-bedrooms at $52. Two-bedroom listings trail at just $34, suggesting that mid-to-large properties are the most efficient revenue generators when factoring in both rate and occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Watkins Glen

Occupancy rates cluster in a narrow range, with four-bedroom listings leading at 27% and one-bedrooms close behind at 25%. Two-bedroom properties underperform significantly at 13% occupancy, indicating softer demand or pricing misalignment for that configuration in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Watkins Glen

Five-bedroom homes top the monthly revenue chart at $6,360, more than three times the $1,846 earned by one-bedroom units. Two-bedroom and four-bedroom properties land in a similar band ($4,138 and $3,896 respectively), while three-bedrooms earn a modest $3,513 despite being the most common listing type.

Average annual revenue by property size in Watkins Glen

At $76,326 in average annual revenue, five-bedroom properties offer the strongest gross return potential — roughly 72% more than the market average. Two-bedroom listings ($49,660) outperform three-bedrooms ($42,167) despite lower nightly rates, underscoring that revenue depends on the interplay of rate, occupancy, and property positioning rather than size alone.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Watkins Glen

Parking (98%) and full kitchens (97%) are near-universal, reflecting the car-dependent, self-catering nature of Finger Lakes travel. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (72%), backyards (67%), and outdoor furniture (62%) signal that guests expect an experience beyond the property walls — hot tubs (19%) and lake access (16%) remain differentiators that could help premium listings stand out.

Understanding Watkins Glen's ROI Score: 76/100

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

Watkins Glen's ROI score of 76 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity tier, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — homes priced around $353K are generating close to $49K in annual revenue. Occupancy stability and market growth trend score as average, while the supply/demand balance rates below average, reflecting the 127% surge in active listings over the past year. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to confirm the opportunity fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Watkins Glen

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Watkins Glen, New York may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the village or Schuyler County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local government offices, as rules in smaller New York municipalities can change with limited notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA rules for properties in managed communities. Some New York municipalities also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued in a given area, so confirming availability early is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in New York are generally subject to state and local sales tax as well as occupancy or lodging taxes on short-term rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Watkins Glen is likely to see continued summer-driven demand fueled by Finger Lakes wine tourism, Watkins Glen State Park, and the area's motorsport heritage. ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% during peak season as supply growth (127% year-over-year listing growth) is absorbed by rising visitor interest. Occupancy, currently at 22% overall, may stabilize or edge higher as newer listings mature and optimize their pricing. Investors should anticipate that winter months will remain soft, with meaningful revenue concentrated between May and October."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Watkins Glen, NY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Watkins Glen?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Watkins Glen is currently 22%, which falls below the New York state average of 40%. This reflects the market's heavy seasonality — demand surges from late spring through early fall and drops significantly during winter. Four-bedroom properties lead with 27% average occupancy, while two-bedroom units trail at 13%. Investors focused on peak-season revenue rather than year-round bookings can still generate strong returns despite the lower annual occupancy figure.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Watkins Glen?

Airbnb hosts in Watkins Glen earn an average of $4,058 per month and approximately $48,702 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies considerably by property size — five-bedroom homes lead at roughly $76,326 annually, while one-bedroom units average about $22,155. Monthly earnings swing dramatically with the seasons, ranging from around $1,055 in January to $8,842 in August.

Is Watkins Glen a good market for Airbnb investment?

With an ROI score of 76 out of 100 — classified as a Standout Opportunity — Watkins Glen shows strong short-term rental investment potential. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is particularly attractive, with homes valued around $353,377 generating nearly $49,000 in annual revenue. Investors should be prepared for significant seasonality and a rapidly growing supply of listings, but the Finger Lakes region's tourism appeal provides a solid demand foundation.

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

The average daily rate in Watkins Glen is $292, which is below the New York state average of $381. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: one-bedroom listings average $184 per night, while five-bedroom properties command $442. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger, group-friendly homes that can capture premium nightly rates during the busy tourist season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Watkins Glen?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Watkins Glen area, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, registration, or zoning requirements. Regulations in smaller New York municipalities can evolve, so prospective investors should contact the Village of Watkins Glen or Schuyler County offices directly to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Watkins Glen?

Peak season in Watkins Glen runs from June through September, with August leading at an average revenue of $8,842 per listing. July follows closely at $7,813, and September brings in $5,959. The shoulder months of May ($4,446) and October ($4,933) also perform well. Winter months from December through March see much lower activity, with January being the slowest at $1,055 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Watkins Glen?

There are currently 58 active Airbnb listings in Watkins Glen. Three-bedroom homes make up the largest share with 19 listings, followed by four-bedroom properties (14) and two-bedroom units (9). The market has experienced significant growth, with active listings up 127% year-over-year, signaling rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Watkins Glen?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Watkins Glen 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 draws on 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 the Watkins Glen market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Market data reflects trailing 12-month averages and conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations should be independently verified before making investment decisions.