Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Watertown market averaged 691 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 4% from a year earlier and up 57% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

An average Watertown listing earns $25K/year. High-performing listings earn $53K, while low-performing listings earn $12K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

Median Watertown home prices by size are 1-bedroom $107K, 2-bedroom $198K, 3-bedroom $237K, and 4+ bedroom $251K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Watertown is 27%, producing RevPAR of $47 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Watertown. Watertown: Moderate. Short-term rentals require registration with the city and compliance with zoning regulations. No specific owner-occupancy mandates, but rentals must meet health and safety codes. The city conducts periodic inspections and responds to complaints. Enforcement is moderate - violations result in warnings and fines if uncorrected. Some unlicensed operators exist but face penalties when discovered. Registration fees apply annually. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Watertown Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Watertown Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 6%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in March and January.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Kitchen (99%), TV (96%), Parking (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Hot Tub (+51%), Bbq (+36%), Heating (+24%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Watertown is $266, up 12% year-over-year. Rates peak in September and are lowest in March.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Watertown book an average of 38 days in advance, up 7% from last year. Booking windows range from 35 days for 2-bedroom listings to 45 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Watertown?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 47% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Alexandria Bay and Orleans	$52.7K 52 listings	18.7% 52 listings
2.Watertown and Eastern Jefferson	$31.1K 41 listings	17.1% 41 listings
3.Clayton and the River Islands	$50.4K 48 listings	15.2% 48 listings
4.Cape Vincent and Chaumont Bay	$35.5K 67 listings	13.7% 67 listings
5.Henderson and Sandy Creek	$32.1K 37 listings	13.5% 37 listings