Chesapeake City, Maryland Short-Term Rental Market
Chesapeake City area STRs averaged $150/night at 60.9% occupancy in April 2026, one of the most consistent seasonal profiles in the mid-Atlantic.
Quick Answer: Chesapeake City, Maryland is an active short-term rental market. average occupancy in the Philadelphia market area is 62%. average monthly revenue in the Philadelphia market area is $3,354. average daily rate in the Philadelphia market area is $197. the top operator in the Philadelphia market area is Luxora with 233 listings. market score is 92/100 (grade A).
Market data reflects the Philadelphia regional market, which includes Chesapeake City. Regulations, taxes, and permit details below are specific to Chesapeake City.
Market Score Breakdown
Five dimensions StaySTRA evaluates per market.
Market Overview
The Chesapeake City market area covers Cecil County, Maryland, centered on Elkton, the county seat, with the small canal-side town of Chesapeake City as a key visitor draw. The area sits at the head of the Chesapeake Bay roughly midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, drawing outdoor recreation visitors to Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (5,613 acres), Elk Neck State Park, and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal corridor. Drive-market visitors from the Philadelphia-Baltimore corridor make up the primary demand base. The area’s population is approximately 15,968.
The market posted a $150.00 average daily rate and 60.9% occupancy in April 2026, generating $91.38 in RevPAR. Year-over-year, occupancy declined 2.6%, ADR rose 1.9%, and revenue increased 2.7%. The 12,382 total listing records break down by bedroom size: 1-bedroom (7,047), 2-bedroom (2,697), 3-bedroom (1,546), 4-bedroom (713), and 5-bedroom or larger (360), with 1-bedroom units comprising a notably large 56.9% of supply. By listing type, entire-place units account for 8,868 (71.6%), with private rooms at 3,489 and shared rooms at 25. Channel data shows 8,118 Airbnb-only listings, 3,721 on both platforms, and 543 VRBO-only. Market scores are exceptionally strong: total score 92.1, revenue growth 95.7, and seasonality 94.9 out of 100.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy |
|---|---|
| Jan | 48% |
| Feb | 56% |
| Mar | 59% |
| Apr | 61% |
| May | 63% |
| Jun | 65% |
| Jul | 65% |
| Aug | 64% |
| Sep | 62% |
| Oct | 62% |
| Nov | 58% |
| Dec | 53% |
Month-by-month nightly rates and revenue figures for Chesapeake City are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Top Short-Term Rental Operators in Philadelphia market area
Ranked by total active listings. Useful for understanding the competitive landscape. Operator data is published for the Philadelphia market as a whole, which includes Chesapeake City, so these counts are not Chesapeake City-only figures.
| # | Operator | Listings | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luxora | 233 | 9,906 | ★ 4.51 |
| 2 | PowerHouse | 191 | 634 | ★ 2.70 |
| 3 | Sosuite | 153 | 10,525 | ★ 4.28 |
| 4 | Dillman LLC | 148 | 960 | ★ 4.15 |
| 5 | Properties By Preston | 120 | 401 | ★ 4.09 |
What Kind of STR Should I Buy in Chesapeake City?
Revenue and nightly-rate breakdowns by bedroom count, property tier, and dwelling type for Chesapeake City are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Channel Mix
Distribution of bookings across major STR platforms.
| Channel | Share |
|---|---|
| airbnb | 65.6% |
| vrbo | 4.4% |
| both | 30.1% |
Home Value Trends (Chesapeake City)
Typical home values, median sale prices, and the 10-year price trend for Chesapeake City are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Insights
Booking-window and length-of-stay analysis for Chesapeake City — how far ahead guests book and how to price around it — is available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
This market area operates under a two-tier regulatory structure: state rules apply across Maryland, while the Town of Elkton has enacted its own STR ordinance for incorporated areas. Cecil County has no documented dedicated STR ordinance for unincorporated areas.
At the state level, all Maryland STR operators must register with the Maryland Comptroller to collect and remit a 6% state sales and use tax on bookings of 88 nights or fewer. Platforms including Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically. The Cecil County hotel rental tax is authorized at up to 3%, but appears not to be actively collected county-wide. The area profile indicates a 6% occupancy tax rate applicable to this market.
Within the Town of Elkton, a September 2019 ordinance allows STRs in multiple residential zones (single-family, residential, multiple dwelling, medium density, and planned unit residential) through a special-exception permit approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. STRs are classified alongside bed-and-breakfasts. No owner-occupancy or primary-residence requirement exists. Permit renewal is annual. The specific permit application fee is not published and must be confirmed directly with the town. Enforcement is rated minimal. The April 2026 Wiener Act (HB 1221/SB 624) now requires fire detection equipment in all Maryland STR units; Cecil County must enact annual inspection requirements by July 1, 2028.
Market Comparison
The Chesapeake City area’s 60.9% occupancy in April 2026 is materially above the US STR median of approximately 55%, a standout figure. Its $150.00 ADR is well below the US STR median of approximately $220, reflecting the market’s positioning as a lower-price, high-occupancy alternative to premium coastal destinations. RevPAR of $91.38 is below the national median in dollar terms but supported by occupancy that punches above national averages. The total market score of 92.1 out of 100 and revenue growth score of 95.7 are exceptional by any benchmark.
The professional management landscape reflects the market’s urban-adjacent, multi-listing character. Luxora leads with 233 listings and 9,906 reviews (4.51 average rating). PowerHouse follows with 191 listings and 634 reviews, but carries a notably low 2.70 average rating. Sosuite holds 153 listings with 10,525 reviews and a 4.28 rating. Dillman LLC manages 148 listings with 960 reviews (4.15 rating), and Properties By Preston rounds out the top five with 120 listings and 401 reviews (4.09 rating). The top five operators collectively manage 845 listings, representing approximately 6.8% of the 12,382 total listing records, leaving substantial room for independent hosts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chesapeake City, Maryland
What is the average daily rate for STRs in the Chesapeake City, MD area?
What occupancy rates do STRs achieve in the Chesapeake City area?
How much monthly revenue can a Chesapeake City area STR generate?
Are STRs permitted in the Town of Elkton and Cecil County, MD?
What taxes apply to short-term rentals in this market?
What new safety rules apply to Maryland STRs after 2026?
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