Kākaunui, Otago Airbnb Market Data 2025: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Kākaunui, Otago? Based on AirROI's 2025 dataset (September 2024 – August 2025), the short answer is $13,810 per year — at a $108 nightly rate, 43.1% occupancy, and a N/A RevPAR.
With just 18 active listings, Kākaunui is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 50.0% year over year, and the market is recalibrating around a new competitive baseline. This is the stage where hosts who invest in amenities, guest experience, and dynamic pricing build durable advantages that compound as the market matures.
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.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Kākaunui?
In Kākaunui, the headline Airbnb metrics are $13,810 in average annual revenue,43.1% occupancy, $108 ADR, and $0 in RevPAR, and guests book about 42 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Kākaunui?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kākaunui 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 Kākaunui is typically January, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kākaunui across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $2,552+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,903 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,290 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $815, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kākaunui
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Kākaunui?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kākaunui STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while September 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 Kākaunui:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 66%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 38%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 27% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kākaunui
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Kākaunui?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kākaunui involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kākaunui typically peaks in July and dips lowest during March. 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 $152+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $123 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $103 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $89 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kākaunui
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kākaunui?
RevPAR in Kākaunui is currently N/A. 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 N/A RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate N/A RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn N/A RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve N/A RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Kākaunui
RevPAR Insights for Kākaunui
- RevPAR peaks in Jan 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 Kākaunui benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of N/A, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- 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.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Kākaunui?
Kākaunui's peak Airbnb season falls in January, December, February, while the softest stretch is May, June, September. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (January, December, February)
- Revenue averages $2,192 per month
- Occupancy rates average 63.4%
- Daily rates average $108
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,419 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 38.6%
- Daily rates hold near $108
Low Season (May, June, September)
- Revenue drops to average $905 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $110
Seasonality Insights for Kākaunui
- Airbnb seasonality in Kākaunui 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 Kākaunui's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $2,579, occupancy reaching 71.7%, and ADRs peaking at $118.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $812, occupancy could drop to 24.3%, and ADRs may adjust to $103.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Kākaunui.
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 Kākaunui, 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 Kākaunui?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Kākaunui, Otago, New Zealand 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 Kākaunui 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 Kākaunui?
With a compact short-term rental market, Kākaunui gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Kākaunui Beach | A scenic location perfect for beach activities and relaxation, attracting tourists who appreciate nature and outdoor adventures. | Kākaunui Beach, Otago Peninsula, local walking trails, bird watching spots, fishing areas |
| Kākaunui Village | The heart of the community with local shops and restaurants, ideal for visitors looking to experience the local culture. | Kākaunui Village Market, local cafes, art galleries, community parks, scenic views |
| Penguin Place | A unique wildlife sanctuary experience, popular among nature enthusiasts and families. | Penguin Place, wildlife tours, educational programs, beach access, scenic views |
| Otago Harbor | Offers stunning water views and activities like kayaking and sailing, appealing to adventure seekers. | Otago Harbor, kayaking trips, scenic boat tours, fishing spots, waterfront dining options |
| Surf Highway | Known for its excellent surf spots, attracting surfers and beachgoers. | Surf beaches, surf schools, scenic coastal drives, local dining options, wildlife watching |
| Kākaunui Scenic Reserve | A natural reserve with trails and picnic areas, great for families and nature lovers. | walking trails, picnic spots, native flora and fauna, viewing platforms, educational signage |
| Dunedin City Center | Close to Kākaunui, this vibrant city center offers urban attractions and amenities. | Dunedin Railway Station, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, local shops and cafes, Botanic Gardens, Larnach Castle |
| Otago Peninsula | Famous for its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, drawing tourists who want to explore nature. | Royal Albatross Centre, Larnach Castle, local wildlife tours, beaches, scenic viewpoints |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Kākaunui 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 Kākaunui?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Kākaunui
- The Kākaunui Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 88.9% of the 18 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Kākaunui, House properties are the most common (83.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 83.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 11.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Kākaunui Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Kākaunui
- The dominant room capacity in Kākaunui is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 38.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 66.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Kākaunui, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 44.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Kākaunui.
Kākaunui Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Kākaunui
- The most common guest capacity trend in Kākaunui vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (22.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 2 guests dominate the Kākaunui STR market, accounting for 38.9% of listings.
- 44.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kākaunui.
- On average, properties in Kākaunui are equipped to host 4.7 guests.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Kākaunui?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kākaunui
- Essential amenities in Kākaunui that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Dishes and silverware, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kākaunui: Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Dishes and silverware to increase appeal.
- 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 Kākaunui to stay competitive.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Kākaunui STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kākaunui. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKākaunui Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Kākaunui
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kākaunui consists of a mix of domestic (54%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby Christchurch, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
- Domestic travelers account for 54.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include New Zealand (54%) and Australia (11.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (61.7%) followed by Chinese (12.2%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- 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.
Kākaunui Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Kākaunui
- The most common availability pattern in Kākaunui falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 72.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 94.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Kākaunui (66.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 11.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Kākaunui?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kākaunui
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kākaunui is 42 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 87 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 22 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (65 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (30 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (42 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kākaunui.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 87 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 65 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kākaunui averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Kākaunui Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
9 listings
50% of total
2 Nights
8 listings
44.4% of total
30+ Nights
1 listings
5.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kākaunui is 1 Night, adopted by 50% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (94.4%) of the Kākaunui Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 50% of Kākaunui hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 5.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kākaunui.
Kākaunui Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
6 listings
33.3% of total
Moderate
10 listings
55.6% of total
Firm
1 listings
5.6% of total
Strict
1 listings
5.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kākaunui
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kākaunui is Moderate, used by 55.6% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 88.9% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Kākaunui may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (5.6%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 55.6% market standard in Kākaunui.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 5.6% 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 Kākaunui.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Kākaunui Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kākaunuibased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
The Kakanui Cube
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Uninterrupted ocean views - private beach access
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Bach Retreat Kakanui
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Kakanui Oceanside Retreat
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Kakanui Stirling Views
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Relaxed four bedroom home by the seaside.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
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 Kākaunui?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kākaunui based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mel | 3 | $44,960 | 290 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Finn & Liz | 1 | $42,216 | 276 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Paul | 1 | $20,327 | 184 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Tiffany | 1 | $19,895 | 122 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Tania | 1 | $17,052 | 18 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Lisa | 1 | $16,454 | 55 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Delwyn | 1 | $16,059 | 80 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Nick | 1 | $12,944 | 35 | 4.49/5.0 |
| Sarah | 1 | $11,775 | 86 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Phillipa | 1 | $11,040 | 83 | 4.94/5.0 |
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 Kākaunui.
How Does Kākaunui's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Kākaunui 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 Ben Ohau, Kākaunui has 30 percentage points lower occupancy and about $102 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Tekapo | 410 | $4,917 | $283.03 | 61% |
| Ben Ohau | 11 | $4,732 | $210.08 | 73% |
| Lake Ōhau | 10 | $3,578 | $232.36 | 50% |
| Wānaka | 1,098 | $2,717 | $282.65 | 46% |
| Twizel | 281 | $2,255 | $178.47 | 50% |
| Burkes Pass | 21 | $1,944 | $151.48 | 46% |
| Fairlie | 50 | $1,918 | $118.09 | 58% |
| Albert Town | 131 | $1,884 | $188.43 | 48% |
| Lake Hāwea | 132 | $1,882 | $198.49 | 49% |
| Cardrona | 38 | $1,879 | $203.08 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Kākaunui
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Kākaunui.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kākaunui?
Kākaunui hosts earn about $13,810 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $108 and RevPAR of N/A. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Kākaunui, Otago, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2025 data, Kākaunui market, September 2024 to August 2025.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kākaunui?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kākaunui is 43.1%. January is the strongest month and May 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 Kākaunui?
Listings in Kākaunui average $108 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 Kākaunui?
Kākaunui currently has about 18 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 Kākaunui?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Kākaunui 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 Kākaunui?
RevPAR in Kākaunui is about N/A. 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 Kākaunui?
At 43.1% occupancy, Kākaunui can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $13,810, 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 Kākaunui?
The average booking lead time in Kākaunui is about 42 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Kākaunui?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kākaunui include Kākaunui Beach, Kākaunui Village, Penguin Place. 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 Kākaunui?
entire_home listings make up 88.9% of the active supply in Kākaunui. 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 Kākaunui compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Lake Tekapo posts $59,001 in average annual revenue with 60.6% occupancy, compared to Kākaunui's $13,810 and 43.1%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
When is the peak season for Airbnb in Kākaunui?
January is the highest-revenue month in Kākaunui, while May is the softest. The revenue spread between them indicates a highly seasonal market — revenue in the peak month is more than double the low month, so cash-flow planning and pricing automation are critical.
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 2025-08-31. 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.