How Much Do Short Term Rentals Make in the Poconos?

The Poconos have become one of the most popular short term rental markets on the East Coast, and for good reason. With over 25 million people living within a two hour drive, including the New York City, Philadelphia, and northern New Jersey metro areas, the demand for weekend getaways and vacation stays is massive. But the question every investor wants answered is simple: how much money can you actually make?

Let’s break down real revenue data, what drives income in this market, and what you can expect at different performance levels.

Poconos Short Term Rental Revenue: The Numbers

Based on current market data, here is what short term rentals in the Poconos are generating across performance tiers:

• 50th percentile (median): $32,000 per year
• 75th percentile: $48,000 per year
• 90th percentile: $72,000 per year

These numbers represent gross revenue before expenses. The spread between median and top performers is significant, and that gap comes down to a few key factors: location, property type, amenities, and how well the listing is managed.

If you are wondering how this compares to other popular STR markets, check out our guides for the Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge, and Broken Bow.

What Drives Revenue in the Poconos?

Proximity to Major Metro Areas

This is the single biggest advantage the Poconos have. New York City is roughly two hours away. Philadelphia is about two hours. Northern New Jersey is 90 minutes. That means your guest pool is drawn from a combined population of over 25 million people, many of whom are looking for quick weekend escapes without the hassle of flying.

Drive-to markets like the Poconos tend to have more consistent occupancy because the barrier to booking is so low. Guests do not need to buy plane tickets, rent cars at the airport, or plan weeks in advance. They can decide on a Thursday that they want a mountain getaway and be at your property by Friday evening.

Four Season Demand

Unlike beach markets that go quiet in winter or ski towns that struggle in summer, the Poconos offer genuine four season appeal:

• Winter: Ski resorts like Camelback, Jack Frost, and Big Boulder draw consistent crowds from December through March. Indoor water parks at Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, and Camelback’s indoor complex keep families coming even when the slopes close.
• Spring: Hiking, fishing, and the return of outdoor activities at Delaware Water Gap and Lake Wallenpaupack bring a new wave of visitors.
• Summer: Lake life dominates. Wallenpaupack, the Delaware River, and dozens of smaller lakes attract boaters, swimmers, and families looking for a summer retreat.
• Fall: Foliage season in the Poconos is spectacular. Leaf-peeping tourists fill rentals through October and into November.

This four season pattern is critical for investors because it reduces the risk of long vacancy stretches that can kill your annual returns.

Affordable Entry Points

One of the most attractive aspects of the Poconos market is the price point. You can find investment properties ranging from $200,000 to $500,000, which is significantly more affordable than comparable markets in the Northeast. A lakefront cabin or a ski area chalet that would cost $700,000 or more in Vermont or the Catskills can often be found for half that price in the Poconos.

Lower purchase prices mean lower mortgage payments, which means your revenue does not need to be as high to generate positive cash flow. Learn more about financing options through our lending partner, The Mortgage Shop.

Revenue by Property Type

Not all short term rentals in the Poconos earn the same. Here is a general breakdown by property type:

Cabins and Chalets (3-4 Bedrooms)

These are the bread and butter of the Poconos STR market. A well-appointed 3 to 4 bedroom cabin with a hot tub, fire pit, and game room can comfortably target the 75th percentile range of $48,000 or more annually. Properties near ski resorts or with lake access tend to perform at the higher end.

Larger Homes (5+ Bedrooms)

Bigger properties that can sleep 12 to 16 guests are where you see the 90th percentile numbers. These homes cater to large family gatherings, friend groups, and corporate retreats. At $72,000 or more in annual revenue, these properties command premium nightly rates, especially during peak ski season and summer weekends.

Smaller Units (1-2 Bedrooms)

Condos and smaller cabins tend to land around the 50th percentile or below. They work well for couples and small families but lack the group booking potential that drives higher revenue. That said, their lower purchase prices can still produce solid returns on a percentage basis.

What Separates Median Performers from Top Earners?

The gap between $32,000 and $72,000 in annual revenue is not random. Here is what top performing properties in the Poconos consistently get right:

Amenities That Matter

Hot tubs, game rooms, fire pits, and outdoor entertaining spaces are practically expected in this market. The properties pulling top dollar go further with additions like saunas, home theaters, themed kids rooms, and indoor pools. In a market where guests are choosing between dozens of similar cabins, standout amenities are your competitive advantage.

Professional Photography and Listing Optimization

Top earners invest in professional photography and write compelling listings that highlight the guest experience, not just the property specs. A listing that says “cozy cabin with mountain views” performs very differently from one that paints a picture of the weekend getaway experience.

Dynamic Pricing

Using revenue management tools to adjust pricing based on demand, seasonality, local events, and day of week is essential. Ski weekends in January should be priced very differently from a Tuesday in April. Top earners use tools like PriceLabs, Wheelhouse, or Beyond to capture maximum revenue during peak periods while maintaining occupancy during slower times.

Guest Experience

Five star reviews drive future bookings. Top performers in the Poconos focus on seamless check-in, spotless cleaning, responsive communication, and thoughtful touches like welcome baskets or local area guides. Each five star review compounds into better search placement and higher booking rates.

Seasonality and Monthly Revenue Patterns

Understanding the Poconos revenue cycle helps you plan your cash flow:

• Peak months (December through February): Ski season drives the highest nightly rates. Expect premium pricing on weekends and holidays. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend and Presidents’ Day weekend are especially strong.
• Strong months (June through August): Summer lake season delivers consistent bookings, especially for waterfront or pool properties.
• Shoulder months (March through May, September through November): Spring and fall bring moderate demand. Fall foliage season in October can rival summer numbers for well-positioned properties.
• Slower periods: April and early May tend to be the softest stretch, though midweek bookings throughout the year can be driven by remote workers looking for a change of scenery.

How Poconos Revenue Compares to Other Markets

The Poconos sit in an interesting position compared to other popular STR investment markets. Revenue numbers are moderate compared to ultra-premium markets like the Smoky Mountains, but the entry price is also significantly lower. This means your return on investment can actually be competitive or even superior when you factor in the lower acquisition cost.

For a deeper comparison, read our Poconos vs. Smokies comparison guide.

The key advantage of the Poconos is the combination of affordable properties, massive nearby population, and four season demand. You are not betting on one season or one type of guest.

Expense Considerations

Gross revenue is only half the equation. To understand your actual profit, you need to account for expenses like property management, cleaning, maintenance, utilities, insurance, and taxes. Expect total operating expenses to run between 35% and 50% of gross revenue depending on whether you self-manage or hire a property manager.

For a full breakdown, read our Poconos Short Term Rental Expenses guide.

You should also understand the tax benefits available to STR investors, which can significantly improve your after-tax returns.

Ready to Invest in a Poconos Short Term Rental?

The Poconos offer a rare combination: affordable entry, massive demand from nearby metros, and four season revenue potential. Whether you are buying your first investment property or adding to an existing portfolio, having the right data and the right team makes all the difference.

📞 Call us: 800-898-1498 🌐 Visit: theshorttermshop.com

Our team at The Short Term Shop specializes in helping investors find properties that perform. Let’s talk numbers.

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Disclaimer

The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.

All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.