Sussex County, Delaware Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Sussex County, Delaware? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $12,456 per year — at a $347 nightly rate, 24.5% occupancy, and a $89 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.

At 54 active listings, Sussex County is a boutique market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 8.0% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Sussex County?

In Sussex County, the headline Airbnb metrics are $12,456 in average annual revenue,24.5% occupancy, $347 ADR, and $89 in RevPAR, and guests book about 62 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$347
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Sussex County.
Occupancy Rate(?)
24.5%
Lower demand, potentially seasonal or market factors at play.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$12,456
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Sussex County. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$89
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-2.6%
Slight decrease (-2.6%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
54
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
62 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Sussex County. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Sussex County.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Sussex County.
Airbnb Data API
Access this data programmatically. 22 endpoints, 20M+ properties, 190+ countries.
API Access

How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Sussex County?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Sussex County is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Sussex County is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Sussex County across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,710+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,241 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,755 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,035, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Sussex County

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Sussex County?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Sussex County STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Sussex County:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 50%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 35% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 19%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 10% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Sussex County

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Sussex County?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Sussex County involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Sussex County typically peaks in August and dips lowest during October. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $587+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $438 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $328 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $244 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Sussex County

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Sussex County?

RevPAR in Sussex County is currently $89. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $56 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $78 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $103 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $148 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Sussex County

RevPAR Insights for Sussex County

  • The average RevPAR in Sussex County is $89. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
  • The gap between the top 10% ($148) and bottom 25% ($56) is $92, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
  • RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Sussex County benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $78, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $103+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
  • Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

Get Live Sussex County Market Intelligence 👇

Discover Sussex County Airbnb Analytics
🏠
🏠
🏠

Explore Real-time Analytics

When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Sussex County?

Sussex County's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, June, while the softest stretch is January, February, December. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (July, August, June)
  • Revenue averages $5,000 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 42.6%
  • Daily rates average $474
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $1,681 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 21.1%
  • Daily rates hold near $330
Low Season (January, February, December)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,061 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 11.2%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $358

Seasonality Insights for Sussex County

  • Airbnb seasonality in Sussex County is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Sussex County's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $6,065, occupancy reaching 48.2%, and ADRs peaking at $500.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $954, occupancy could drop to 9.7%, and ADRs may adjust to $319.
  • Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Sussex County need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
  • In a highly seasonal market like Sussex County, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Sussex County?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Sussex County, Delaware, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Sussex County to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Sussex County?

Sussex County is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Sussex County
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Rehoboth Beach
Popular seaside resort town known for its beautiful beaches, boardwalk, and vibrant nightlife. Attracts families and beachgoers during the summer months, making it a prime location for vacation rentals.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Funland, Rehoboth Beach, Cape Henlopen State Park, Jungle Jim's Water Park
Bethany Beach
Charming small beach town with a family-friendly atmosphere. Known for its peaceful beaches, quaint shopping, and outdoor activities, making it appealing for families and couples.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk, Bethany Beach Nature Center, South Bethany Beach, Fresh Pond State Park
Lewes
Historic town with rich heritage and close proximity to beaches. Offers a quaint downtown area and is known for its scenic beauty, appealing to those looking for a more relaxed beach experience.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Lewes Historical Society, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes Beach, Zwaanendael Museum
Fenwick Island
Quiet beach community ideal for families and those looking for a more laid-back vacation. Offers easy access to both ocean and bay activities.
Fenwick Island State Park, Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, Bayside Resort Golf Club
Laurel
A small town with charm, offering a mix of natural beauty and local culture. Attractive for those seeking more affordable vacation rentals away from the busy beach towns.
Laurel Train Depot, Trap Pond State Park, Cypress Swamp, Dagsboro
Milford
A quaint, historic town along the Mispillion River, known for its charming downtown and local businesses. Offers a unique experience with potential for growth in tourism.
Milford Museum, Mispillion Riverwalk, Historical Society of Milford
Dewey Beach
Known for its lively beach atmosphere and nightlife, making it popular among younger crowds. Ideal for investors looking to attract party-goers and summer vacationers.
Dewey Beach, Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station Museum, Starboard
Selbyville
A quiet town close to the beach yet away from the hustle and bustle. A great option for those seeking peace while still being close to attractions.
Bayside Resort Golf Club, Assawoman Bay, Local dining options

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Sussex County offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Sussex County?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Sussex County

  • The Sussex County Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 100% of the 54 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Sussex County, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (68.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 29.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 1.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Sussex County Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Sussex County

  • The dominant room capacity in Sussex County is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 33.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 64.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Sussex County, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 44.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Sussex County.

Sussex County Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Sussex County

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Sussex County vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (46.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Sussex County STR market, accounting for 68.5% of listings.
  • 74.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Sussex County.
  • On average, properties in Sussex County are equipped to host 6.3 guests.

How Do Listings in Sussex County Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Sussex County can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
36.9
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
4.7
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
11.1%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Sussex County

  • At 36.9 photos per listing on average, Sussex County hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 11.1% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
  • Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Sussex County averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Sussex County?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Sussex County

  • Essential amenities in Sussex County that guests expect include: TV, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Wifi, Dishes and silverware, Kitchen, Washer, Hot water, Dryer, Refrigerator. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Sussex County: TV, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Wifi, Dishes and silverware, Kitchen, Washer, Hot water, Dryer, Refrigerator.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV, Air conditioning, Dishes and silverware, Kitchen, Washer, Hot water, Dryer, Refrigerator.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Sussex County to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Sussex County?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Sussex County, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Free parking on premises
50.0%$20,773$4,138402.0%
Patio or balcony
33.3%$24,807$6,280295.0%
Cooking basics
38.9%$22,335$6,169262.0%
Children’s dinnerware
11.1%$34,182$9,740250.9%
Dining table
24.1%$26,949$7,860242.9%
Freezer
27.8%$25,475$7,448242.0%
Barbecue utensils
24.1%$26,885$7,881241.2%
Baking sheet
27.8%$24,628$7,774216.8%
Outdoor shower
14.8%$29,431$9,504209.7%
Beach essentials
16.7%$28,497$9,247208.2%

Revenue Impact Insights for Sussex County

  • Free parking on premises tops the revenue impact list with a 402.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $20,773 vs. $4,138 without it.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
  • Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Sussex County STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Sussex County. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Sussex County Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Sussex County

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Sussex County consists of primarily domestic travelers (91%), often arriving from nearby Washington, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 91.2% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (91.2%) and DC (6.1%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (71.4%) followed by Spanish (14.3%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Washington and Baltimore.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Sussex County?

Listings in Sussex County average 4.69 out of 5 overall, with about 27 reviews per active listing and 20.4% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Sussex County

  • An average rating of 4.69 places Sussex County in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
  • The strongest subcategory is Location (4.89), while Cleanliness (4.62) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 20.4% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus improvement efforts on Cleanliness — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
  • Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
  • With only 20.4% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.

Sussex County Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Sussex County

  • The most common availability pattern in Sussex County falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 77.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 100.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Sussex County (64.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Sussex County?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Sussex County

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Sussex County is 62 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 94 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 8 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (83 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (17 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (62 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Sussex County.
  • For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 94 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • During January, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (8 days avg.).
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 83 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Sussex County averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Sussex County?

Guests in Sussex County stay about 4.4 nights on average, generating roughly 473 reservations and 8.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Sussex County

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Sussex County

  • A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
  • Stay lengths peak in Mar (6.2 nights) and shorten in Jan (2 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
  • Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
  • Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Sussex County Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

2 Nights (29.6%)

2 Nights

16 listings

29.6% of total

3 Nights (22.2%)

3 Nights

12 listings

22.2% of total

4-6 Nights (14.8%)

4-6 Nights

8 listings

14.8% of total

7-29 Nights (7.4%)

7-29 Nights

4 listings

7.4% of total

30+ Nights (25.9%)

30+ Nights

14 listings

25.9% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Sussex County is 2 Nights, adopted by 29.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (25.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Sussex County, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 29.6% of Sussex County hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 25.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Sussex County.

Sussex County Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Super Strict 60 Days (66.7%)

Super Strict 60 Days

36 listings

66.7% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

1 listings

1.9% of total

Flexible

1 listings

1.9% of total

Moderate

2 listings

3.7% of total

Firm (16.7%)

Firm

9 listings

16.7% of total

Strict (9.3%)

Strict

5 listings

9.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Sussex County

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Sussex County is Super Strict 60 Days, used by 66.7% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (5.6%) and stricter (26.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
  • Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (9.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Super Strict 60 Days policy to align with the 66.7% market standard in Sussex County.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 9.3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Sussex County.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Sussex County?

Cleaning fees in Sussex County are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee
$191
Median Cleaning Fee
$166
Listings Charging a Fee
94.4%
Fee as Revenue Share
13.3%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Sussex County

  • 94.4% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Sussex County. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($191) and median ($166) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 13.3% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Sussex County median of $166. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
  • Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Sussex County Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Sussex Countybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Rehoboth Beach Vacation Rentals, New 7BR Luxury Be

Rehoboth Beach Vacation Rentals, New 7BR Luxury Be

Entire Place • 7 bedrooms

$78,236
Revenue
37.7%
Occupancy
$564.21
Daily Rate
Beautiful 3 Story Ocean-Block Home for Rent

Beautiful 3 Story Ocean-Block Home for Rent

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$39,145
Revenue
36.6%
Occupancy
$921.17
Daily Rate
Beach House on bay with dock

Beach House on bay with dock

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$37,704
Revenue
25.9%
Occupancy
$396.58
Daily Rate
Starfish Wish Bethany Beach Rental

Starfish Wish Bethany Beach Rental

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$35,557
Revenue
26.1%
Occupancy
$242.66
Daily Rate
Cozy Beach Cottage Escape! Dog Friendly!

Cozy Beach Cottage Escape! Dog Friendly!

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$32,260
Revenue
39.6%
Occupancy
$286.19
Daily Rate
Private Cottage * 1 bedroom+loft * Rehoboth Beach

Private Cottage * 1 bedroom+loft * Rehoboth Beach

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$31,821
Revenue
57.9%
Occupancy
$209.08
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Sussex County?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Sussex County based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Sussex County by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Steve3$94,728194.80/5.0
Vacasa Delaware19$83,9942554.50/5.0
Vacasa Bethany Beach10$59,625774.75/5.0
Kirsten1$39,14565.00/5.0
Pamela1$37,704174.94/5.0
Chris1$35,557504.90/5.0
Robby1$32,260125.00/5.0
Cleopatra1$31,8211324.97/5.0
Caroline1$30,2242004.92/5.0
DEL 302 Management1$29,492105.00/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Sussex County.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Sussex County?

Sussex County leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.

Superhosts
18.5%
Professional Management
55.6%
Cohosted Listings
5.6%
Instant Book Enabled
22.2%
Simplified Pricing
44.4%

Host Profile Insights for Sussex County

  • Only 18.5% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting a relatively young or casual market where quality improvements can pay outsized dividends.
  • 55.6% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
  • 22.2% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 44.4% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. Lower adoption suggests a market with more independent hosts managing listings directly through Airbnb.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Sussex County averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Sussex County

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Sussex County, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Sussex County
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Steve3$94,728$50925.6%4.80/5
Vacasa Arizona19$83,994$34015.5%4.50/5
Vacasa Bethany Beach10$59,625$38922.4%4.75/5
Evolve1$17,384$15342.1%4.38/5
Jack Hickman1$9,333$37517.8%N/A
Heather2$6,737$37519.7%4.73/5

Management Company Insights for Sussex County

  • The leading management company, Steve, operates 3 listings with $94,728 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Sussex County.
  • Top managers average 6 properties each, suggesting professional management in Sussex County still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.63/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.

Recommendations

  • Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
  • If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.

How Does Sussex County's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Sussex County Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Mayo, Sussex County has 26 percentage points lower occupancy and about $142 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Sussex County — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Centreville17$6,015$573.4943%
Mayo13$5,615$489.2150%
Barnegat Light16$5,330$704.4146%
Stevensville79$5,306$574.0641%
Cape May Point23$5,221$569.5743%
Surf City46$5,195$735.8745%
Easton44$5,175$671.2240%
Stone Harbor41$5,113$822.3035%
Lower Windsor Township14$4,996$428.5045%
Worton10$4,966$617.7434%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Sussex County

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Sussex County.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sussex County?

Sussex County hosts earn about $12,456 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $347 and RevPAR of $89. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Sussex County, Delaware, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Sussex County market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sussex County?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sussex County is 24.5%. July is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Sussex County?

Listings in Sussex County average $347 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Sussex County?

Sussex County currently has about 54 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Sussex County?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Sussex County as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Sussex County?

RevPAR in Sussex County is about $89. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Sussex County?

Occupancy of 24.5% means Sussex County is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $12,456, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Sussex County?

The average booking lead time in Sussex County is about 62 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Sussex County?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Sussex County include Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Lewes. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Sussex County?

entire_home listings make up 100.0% of the active supply in Sussex County. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Sussex County compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Centreville posts $72,174 in average annual revenue with 43.1% occupancy, compared to Sussex County's $12,456 and 24.5%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Sussex County?

The average Airbnb stay length in Sussex County is about 4.4 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Sussex County?

Airbnb listings in Sussex County average 4.69 out of 5 overall. About 20.4% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Sussex County?

Free parking on premises and Patio or balcony are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Sussex County. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Sussex County?

Yes. About 94.4% of active Airbnb listings in Sussex County charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $191. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Sussex County?

Only 18.5% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting the market has a large share of newer or less active operators — an opportunity for committed hosts to stand out.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.

Access Real-Time Airbnb API

This report is powered by our industry-leading Airbnb Data API, providing direct access to live short-term rental data from global markets like Sussex County. Use this data to build powerful analytics tools, discover investment opportunities, and inform your vacation rental strategy.

Get API Access