Wilmington, DE Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Wilmington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wilmington, DE offers a competitive short-term rental landscape where selective deal sourcing can uncover worthwhile opportunities. With 141 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $17,821 and an ADR of $125—well below the $342 state average—the market caters to budget-conscious travelers and mid-market demand rather than premium leisure stays. The 90% year-over-year listing growth signals strong investor interest, though occupancy at 36% (slightly above the 32% state average) suggests the market rewards hosts who differentiate their properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wilmington 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 Wilmington

Wilmington's proximity to Philadelphia, moderate home values relative to neighboring metro markets, and growing corporate and travel demand make it appealing to investors seeking cash-flow opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic corridor.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wilmington presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate a competitive and rapidly growing supply environment. Revenue follows a clear seasonal pattern—July leads at $1,941 per month while February dips to $842—so investors should budget for meaningful off-peak softness from January through March. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, offset by above-average growth trends; the supply/demand balance leans below average, meaning newer entrants face stiffer competition. Targeting 3- or 4-bedroom properties, which command significantly higher RevPAN and annual revenue, is one of the clearest paths to outperforming the market median."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wilmington

Average revenue by month in Wilmington

Wilmington's revenue cycle peaks in July at $1,941 and bottoms out in February at $842, producing a roughly 2.3x spread between the best and worst months. This pronounced seasonality means investors should plan for strong summer cash flow offset by notably softer winter performance from December through March.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wilmington

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 86 of 141 listings (61%), while larger 3- and 4-bedroom properties account for just 24 combined listings. The relative scarcity of larger homes—paired with their significantly higher revenue—may signal an opportunity for investors willing to enter the less crowded end of the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wilmington

ADR scales meaningfully with size, rising from $87 for 1-bedroom units to $240 for 4-bedroom properties—a nearly 3x premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($144) to 3-bedroom ($217) is particularly steep, suggesting that the 3-bedroom tier offers a strong pricing sweet spot relative to acquisition and furnishing costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wilmington

Revenue per available night increases steadily from $33 for 1-bedroom listings to $92 for 4-bedroom properties, nearly tripling across the size range. Four-bedroom units deliver the highest RevPAN despite matching 1-bedrooms in occupancy, indicating their premium nightly rates more than compensate for the larger footprint.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wilmington

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across sizes, ranging from 30% (3-bedroom) to 39% (1-bedroom and 4-bedroom), which suggests that demand is distributed fairly evenly and no single property type suffers from outsized vacancy. The 4-bedroom category stands out for maintaining the same 39% occupancy as 1-bedrooms while commanding a much higher ADR—a favorable combination for cash-flow stability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wilmington

Monthly revenue nearly triples from $1,111 for 1-bedroom listings to $3,134 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $3,083. The minimal gap between 3- and 4-bedroom monthly earnings may make 3-bedroom properties the more capital-efficient choice for investors seeking strong returns without the additional cost of a larger home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wilmington

Larger properties clearly lead in annual revenue: 4-bedroom units average $37,613 and 3-bedrooms $37,003, while 1-bedrooms trail at $13,342. Investors targeting the highest gross revenue should focus on 3- and 4-bedroom homes, which generate roughly 2.8x the income of a typical 1-bedroom listing.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wilmington

Kitchens (98%), parking (89%), and self check-in (84%) are near-universal in Wilmington's listings, reflecting a guest base that values convenience and self-sufficiency—consistent with corporate and extended-stay travelers. Workspace availability at 77% further underscores this profile, while differentiators like pet-friendliness (43%) and outdoor spaces could help hosts capture additional demand segments.

Understanding Wilmington's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Wilmington's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, indicating that while demand and growth trends are encouraging, tighter competition and average revenue-to-price ratios require investors to be more selective. The score is buoyed by above-average market growth, but pulled down by a below-average supply/demand balance as the 90% listing surge intensifies competition. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a focus on higher-RevPAN property types can help investors identify deals that outperform the market median.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wilmington

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wilmington, DE may be required to obtain a rental permit or business license from the city, and Delaware state law may impose additional registration requirements. Investors should verify current permit obligations directly with the City of Wilmington's licensing office and the State of Delaware before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR operators in this area include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA rules that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so early research into local zoning and homeowner association bylaws is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Delaware are typically subject to state accommodations tax and may also owe local lodging or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with Delaware's Division of Revenue to ensure compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wilmington's above-average market growth trend suggests continued expansion in both supply and traveler demand. Summer months should remain the revenue peak, with June through August likely sustaining ADRs in the $125–$140 range and occupancy pushing into the high 30s to low 40s percent. The rapid listing growth could compress margins if supply outpaces demand, so investors entering now should anticipate occupancy stabilizing around 34–38% and focus on larger properties where revenue per night has shown stronger performance. Pairing careful pricing strategy with high-demand amenities will be key to outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wilmington, DE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wilmington?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wilmington, DE is currently 36%, which edges above the Delaware state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings both averaging 39%, while 2- and 3-bedroom units hover around 30–32%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with summer months driving the strongest demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wilmington?

Airbnb hosts in Wilmington earn an average of $1,485 per month, or roughly $17,821 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $13,342 annually, while 3- and 4-bedroom properties can generate $37,000 or more per year. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue near $1,941, whereas slower months like February may dip to around $842.

Is Wilmington a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wilmington carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market shows above-average growth trends and occupancy that beats the state average, but investors should be strategic—90% year-over-year listing growth means supply is expanding quickly. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) offer the strongest revenue potential, and hosts who invest in high-demand amenities like kitchens, parking, and workspaces are better positioned to stand out.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Wilmington is $125, which is substantially lower than the $342 Delaware state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $87, 2-bedrooms come in at $144, 3-bedrooms at $217, and 4-bedroom properties command around $240 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wilmington?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Wilmington, DE, but hosts may need to secure a rental permit or business license from the city. Delaware state regulations and local zoning rules may also apply, and some properties could be subject to HOA restrictions. It's essential to check directly with the City of Wilmington and the State of Delaware for the most current requirements before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wilmington?

Peak season in Wilmington runs from June through August, with July topping the chart at an average of $1,941 in monthly revenue. The shoulder months of May, September, and October also perform well, each generating between $1,594 and $1,700. The slowest period falls in January and February, when average monthly revenue drops to $842–$949.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wilmington?

As of April 2026, there are 141 active Airbnb listings in Wilmington, DE. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 90% year-over-year increase in listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 86 listings, followed by 28 two-bedroom, 17 three-bedroom, and 7 four-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wilmington?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Wilmington 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, removes 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 how effectively a host manages their listing.

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 Wilmington, DE market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift after publication. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decision.