Zephyr Cove, NV Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Zephyr Cove Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Zephyr Cove sits on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, one of the West's premier year-round recreation destinations, and its short-term rental market reflects that dual-season appeal. With an average daily rate of $506 — essentially in line with the Nevada state average — and annual revenue averaging $64,019 per listing, the market rewards operators who can capture both winter ski traffic and summer lakefront demand. However, average home values above $2.3 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, making careful deal sourcing essential for positive cash flow.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Zephyr Cove 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 Zephyr Cove

Investors are drawn to Zephyr Cove for its dual-season Lake Tahoe demand drivers, premium nightly rates, and above-average occupancy stability — though high acquisition costs require disciplined underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Zephyr Cove earns a "Competitive Opportunity" designation — demand and investor interest are genuinely strong, but elevated home prices compress returns and demand sharper deal selection. Seasonality is pronounced: July leads the pack at $9,320 in average monthly revenue while April and May dip below $2,800, creating a roughly 3.4x spread between peak and trough. Operators who maximize summer and holiday-season bookings while maintaining reasonable shoulder-season occupancy will see the best outcomes. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a positive signal, suggesting that well-run listings maintain bookings more consistently than many competing Nevada markets."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Zephyr Cove

Average revenue by month in Zephyr Cove

Revenue in Zephyr Cove swings dramatically with the seasons — July peaks at $9,320 and April bottoms out at $2,774, a spread of more than $6,500. A secondary winter peak in December ($7,905) and January ($6,286) confirms the dual-season demand pattern that defines Lake Tahoe markets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Zephyr Cove

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 36 of the 84 active listings (43%), while 1-bedroom and 5-bedroom units are the scarcest at 8 and 6 listings respectively. The relatively thin supply at the 5-bedroom tier, paired with its top revenue performance, could signal opportunity for investors willing to operate larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Zephyr Cove

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count, jumping from $137 for 1-bedroom units to $951 for 5-bedroom homes — a nearly 7x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 3-bedroom ($477) and 4-bedroom ($682) properties, suggesting that the step up to four bedrooms unlocks a meaningfully higher price tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Zephyr Cove

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $237, edging out 5-bedroom units at $215 despite their lower ADR, thanks to slightly better occupancy. One-bedroom listings trail at $70 RevPAN, indicating that smaller units struggle to generate competitive revenue per available night in this premium market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Zephyr Cove

One-bedroom listings lead on occupancy at 52%, likely benefiting from lower nightly rates that attract a broader booking pool. Larger properties cluster between 23% and 36% occupancy, with 5-bedroom units at just 23% — a trade-off investors should weigh against their substantially higher per-night revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Zephyr Cove

Monthly revenue climbs consistently with size, from $1,906 for 1-bedroom units to $11,832 for 5-bedroom homes. The jump from 4-bedroom ($7,482) to 5-bedroom ($11,832) is particularly notable at over $4,300 per month, making the largest properties the clear top earners in Zephyr Cove.

Average annual revenue by property size in Zephyr Cove

Five-bedroom properties lead with average annual revenue of $141,984, more than six times the $22,873 generated by 1-bedroom units. For investors evaluating return potential, 3-bedroom homes at $64,764 annually represent a middle ground — they're the most common listing type and closely match the market-wide average.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Zephyr Cove

Kitchens (100%), parking (96%), and in-unit laundry (93–95%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient mountain vacation stays. Hot tubs appear in 46% of listings and lake access in 26%, suggesting these premium amenities can differentiate a property and potentially command higher rates in a market where outdoor lifestyle is central to the guest experience.

Understanding Zephyr Cove's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Zephyr Cove's ROI Score of 47 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where demand is real but entry costs are high relative to revenue. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio (driven by home values exceeding $2.3 million) is the primary drag on the score, while above-average occupancy stability provides a meaningful counterbalance — indicating that well-managed listings hold bookings more reliably than in many peer markets. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties where the acquisition price supports a viable cash-on-cash return.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Zephyr Cove

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Zephyr Cove, Nevada, which falls within Douglas County, should expect to register for a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current requirements directly with Douglas County and any applicable state-level agencies, as STR regulations in the Lake Tahoe basin can differ from broader Nevada rules.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in lakefront Nevada communities may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and trash management rules. HOA covenants are prevalent in many Tahoe-area neighborhoods and can impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is critical.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Nevada are generally subject to transient lodging taxes and may also owe a statewide commerce tax depending on revenue thresholds. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with Douglas County and the Nevada Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate Zephyr Cove ADRs could hold steady or tick up 1–3% as Lake Tahoe continues to attract remote workers and seasonal vacationers. Occupancy, currently at 35%, may fluctuate between 33–38% depending on snow conditions and summer tourism volumes. The 213% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, so new entrants should expect stiffer competition and focus on differentiation through amenities and pricing strategy. Peak months like July and December should continue anchoring annual performance, while shoulder-season revenue will likely remain softer."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Zephyr Cove, NV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Zephyr Cove?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Zephyr Cove is currently 35%, which falls below the Nevada state average of 40%. That said, occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 52%, while larger 5-bedroom homes see around 23%. This is characteristic of a premium vacation market where larger properties command high nightly rates but book fewer total nights.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Zephyr Cove?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Zephyr Cove earn approximately $5,334 per month or $64,019 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales substantially with property size: 1-bedroom units average about $22,873 per year, while 5-bedroom properties generate roughly $141,984 annually. Peak months like July ($9,320) and December ($7,905) drive a significant share of annual earnings.

Is Zephyr Cove a good market for Airbnb investment?

Zephyr Cove scores a 47 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from strong dual-season demand (winter and summer) and above-average occupancy stability, but the high average home value of roughly $2.37 million compresses the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who find well-priced properties and operate them effectively can do well, but this market rewards selective deal sourcing over broad-stroke investing.

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

The average daily rate in Zephyr Cove is $506, closely tracking the Nevada state average of $503. ADR ranges widely by property size — from $137 for 1-bedroom listings up to $951 for 5-bedroom homes. This premium pricing reflects the desirability of the Lake Tahoe area and the types of vacation properties available.

Are short-term rentals legal in Zephyr Cove?

Short-term rentals do operate in Zephyr Cove, with 84 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations in the Lake Tahoe basin can be complex and are subject to change, so prospective investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any HOA restrictions with Douglas County before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Zephyr Cove?

Peak season in Zephyr Cove centers on summer and the winter holidays. July is the strongest month with average revenue of $9,320, followed by August at $8,621 and December at $7,905. January also performs well at $6,286, reflecting winter ski demand. The slowest months are April and May, when revenue dips below $2,800 as the market transitions between seasons.

How many Airbnbs are there in Zephyr Cove?

As of April 2026, there are 84 active Airbnb listings in Zephyr Cove. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (36 listings), followed by 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units (15 each). Notably, the listing count has grown 213% year over year, indicating significant new investor activity in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Zephyr Cove?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Zephyr Cove 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 remainder to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the numbers to what hosts have actually earned recently while still 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 Zephyr Cove and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 performance and market conditions as of the date indicated; actual results may differ due to changes in regulations, competition, or demand. Local STR regulations in the Lake Tahoe basin are subject to change — always verify current rules with county and state authorities before investing.