West Harwich, MA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

West Harwich Short-Term Rental Market Overview

West Harwich, MA, sits in the heart of Cape Cod — one of New England's most iconic summer destinations — and its short-term rental market reflects that seasonal draw. With an average annual revenue of $50,146 across just 18 active listings, the market is small but concentrated, offering investors the chance to capture outsized summer returns. An ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, supported by above-average market growth and a healthy revenue-to-price ratio relative to the area's premium home values.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the West Harwich 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 West Harwich

West Harwich appeals to investors seeking a compact Cape Cod market with strong summer revenue potential, above-average growth momentum, and relatively limited competition from other active listings.

Expert Market Assessment

"West Harwich presents a moderately attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. August leads all months at $13,773 in average revenue, while January bottoms out near $705 — a spread that underscores the market's reliance on summer tourism. The small supply base of 18 listings keeps competition contained, and above-average market growth suggests the area is still being discovered by STR investors. However, the current 9% occupancy rate sits well below the 44% Massachusetts average, reflecting the deep off-season lull that Cape Cod communities experience; successful operators here will need strong peak-season pricing to compensate."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in West Harwich

Average revenue by month in West Harwich

West Harwich's revenue curve is steeply seasonal: August peaks at $13,773 and July follows at $12,746, while January and February bottom out near $700. The roughly 20x spread between the best and worst months means investors should plan for a concentrated earning window from June through September, with minimal cash flow during the off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in West Harwich

Supply in West Harwich is split almost evenly between 2-bedroom (5 listings) and 4-bedroom (6 listings) properties, with no data on other sizes. The absence of 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, or 5+ bedroom options in the active supply could signal either regulatory constraints or a gap that investors with the right property could exploit.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in West Harwich

ADR roughly doubles from $249 for 2-bedroom properties to $510 for 4-bedroom listings, reflecting strong pricing power for larger homes that can accommodate families and groups. The premium on 4-bedroom units is significant and suggests that guests visiting Cape Cod are willing to pay substantially more for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in West Harwich

Four-bedroom properties generate $38 in RevPAN compared to $20 for 2-bedroom units, nearly doubling revenue per available night despite identical occupancy rates. This gap is driven entirely by the ADR premium on larger homes, making 4-bedroom configurations the stronger revenue play on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in West Harwich

Both 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings share the same 8% average occupancy rate, reflecting the market's intense seasonality rather than a difference in demand by size. This uniformly low figure underscores that West Harwich properties sit vacant for much of the year, making peak-season pricing strategy critical for cash-flow stability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in West Harwich

Four-bedroom properties earn roughly $7,297 per month on average — nearly three times the $2,468 that 2-bedroom listings bring in. For investors weighing acquisition costs against monthly income, larger properties clearly carry the revenue advantage in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in West Harwich

At $87,564 annually, 4-bedroom homes generate nearly three times the $29,625 earned by 2-bedroom units, making them the far stronger revenue option in West Harwich. Given average home values of approximately $1.44 million, 4-bedroom properties offer a more compelling path toward covering carrying costs and generating positive returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in West Harwich

Kitchens and parking are universal (100% of listings), while BBQ grills (83%), patios or balconies (78%), and washer/dryer setups (72%) are near-essential in this market. The prevalence of outdoor living amenities — backyards, outdoor furniture, and beach access — signals that guests expect a full Cape Cod vacation experience, so new listings should prioritize these features to remain competitive.

Understanding West Harwich's ROI Score: 64/100

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

West Harwich's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven by an average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth trends, with occupancy stability and supply/demand balance scoring at average levels. The above-average growth signal is encouraging — it suggests rising demand that hasn't yet been fully absorbed by new supply. Investors should pair this score with thorough research into Harwich's local STR regulations and seasonal cash-flow planning before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in West Harwich

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Harwich and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property. Investors should confirm current requirements directly with the Harwich town clerk's office and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, as rules can change between seasons.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Cape Cod communities include occupancy limits tied to septic capacity, minimum-stay requirements during peak summer weeks, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some towns also impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued, so early registration can be advantageous.

Tax Obligations

Massachusetts imposes a state room excise tax on short-term rentals, and municipalities may add a local option tax on top of that. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should verify compliance with both state and local tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, West Harwich should continue to benefit from Cape Cod's enduring summer tourism appeal, with July and August likely driving the bulk of annual revenue. The 73% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the market remains small enough that supply additions could moderate per-listing occupancy if the trend accelerates. We estimate ADR could hold steady or edge up 1–3% as hosts optimize for peak season, while shoulder-month occupancy may see incremental gains as the Cape's spring and fall events draw more visitors. Investors should plan for a highly seasonal cash-flow profile and budget conservatively for the quieter winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in West Harwich, MA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in West Harwich?

The current average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in West Harwich is 9%, which is significantly below the Massachusetts state average of 44%. This low figure reflects the market's extreme seasonality — Cape Cod properties see heavy bookings during summer months but very limited demand in winter. Investors should expect occupancy to spike during June through September and taper sharply outside that window.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in West Harwich?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in West Harwich earns approximately $50,146 per year, or about $4,178 per month on average. However, monthly revenue varies dramatically by season: August is the strongest month at roughly $13,773, while January averages around $705. Larger 4-bedroom properties significantly outperform smaller units, averaging about $87,564 annually.

Is West Harwich a good market for Airbnb investment?

West Harwich scores 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from Cape Cod's strong summer tourism brand, a small and manageable competitive set of just 18 active listings, and above-average market growth trends. That said, extreme seasonality means most revenue is earned in a few peak months, and average home values around $1,442,116 require significant upfront capital. Investors who can price aggressively in summer and manage costs through the off-season stand to do well.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in West Harwich is $451, which is below the Massachusetts state average of $582. ADR varies substantially by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $249 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $510 per night. The lower market-wide ADR relative to the state partly reflects the mix of smaller properties in the local supply.

Are short-term rentals legal in West Harwich?

Short-term rentals are permitted in West Harwich, though operators are generally required to register with both the Town of Harwich and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Local regulations may include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and health and safety standards tied to septic systems. We strongly recommend verifying the latest permit requirements and any seasonal restrictions with the town clerk's office before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in West Harwich?

Peak season in West Harwich runs from June through August, with July and August being the strongest months by a wide margin. August leads at $13,773 in average monthly revenue, followed closely by July at $12,746. Revenue drops off noticeably in September ($4,972) and continues declining through the fall and winter, with January and February being the slowest months at around $700 or less.

How many Airbnbs are there in West Harwich?

As of April 2026, there are 18 active Airbnb listings in West Harwich. The supply is concentrated in two property sizes: 5 listings with 2 bedrooms and 6 listings with 4 bedrooms. This is a notably small market, and the 73% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests more investors are entering, though the total count remains limited.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in West Harwich?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for West Harwich 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 up the remaining data 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 for the West Harwich market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Revenue estimates by month and property size derived from historical booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data aggregated across active listings in the market

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.