Hempstead

As of May 2026, Long Island, Hamptons, Fire Island have 1,225 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 21% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Hempstead generates $38K per year. High-performing properties earn $86K/year, while low-performing properties earn $15K/year. The substantial disparity between top-tier and average earners highlights a market where revenue is heavily concentrated, suggesting that successful listings capture a disproportionate share of the limited demand.

Average home prices in Hempstead vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $458K, 2-bedroom homes average $619K, 3-bedroom properties are around $788K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $880K. These prices reflect median home values across the Long Island, Hamptons, Fire Island area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Hempstead, with an average gross yield of 4% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 9%, which is considered fair for short-term rental investment. This spread indicates that while market-wide returns are modest, top-performing assets successfully navigate current revenue contractions to maintain viable profitability.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Hempstead is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $314, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $68 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Hempstead, with an average gross yield of 6% and annual revenue of $65K. These properties balance purchase price ($880K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Hempstead market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Hempstead area. Long Island (Suffolk County): Moderate. Varies by town; most require permits/registration, some have owner-occupancy rules. Enforcement inconsistent—stricter in Hamptons villages, lighter elsewhere. Hamptons: Strict. Village-specific licenses required, minimum 14-day rentals common, seasonal caps. Active enforcement with fines, especially summer. Many operate unlicensed but risk penalties. Fire Island: Moderate. Community-dependent rules, permits often required, seasonal focus. Enforcement varies—stricter in incorporated villages, lighter in unincorporated areas. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Hempstead Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 21% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 35%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both supply and revenue suggests that the market is recalibrating as operators exit in response to diminished earnings potential.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -1% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Hempstead listings include: Air Conditioning (97%), Kitchen (94%), Tv (89%), Heating (78%), Parking (54%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Pool, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 114% more ($96K/year vs $45K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Hempstead over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $975, February: $839, March: $1K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Hempstead is $314, up 22% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $162/night, 2-bedroom properties average $278/night, 3-bedroom properties average $482/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $843/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Hempstead book an average of 29 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 29 days, 3-bedroom: 39 days, 4+ bedroom: 37 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Hempstead Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 21%, revenue per listing decreased 35%, occupancy fell 21%, average nightly rates increased 22%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics point to a shift toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, suggesting that operators are struggling to sustain occupancy despite pricing adjustments.

In Hempstead, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 41% higher occupancy than weekdays.