Alachua, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

47 / 100

Alachua presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Alachua Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Alachua, FL is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 37 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $16,312 per property. With an ADR of $162 — well below the $498 Florida state average — and occupancy sitting at 29%, the market presents a value-oriented opportunity for investors willing to be selective about property type and pricing strategy. The 172% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest, though this rapid supply expansion warrants close attention to how demand keeps pace.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Alachua short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 37
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $162
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 29%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $47
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,359
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $16,312

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Alachua

Investors look at Alachua for its affordable entry point relative to Florida peers, the opportunity to capture demand from the nearby University of Florida corridor, and a still-nascent supply environment that rewards early movers with well-positioned properties.

Key investment factors

  • Significantly lower ADR ($162) compared to the $498 Florida average signals an affordable entry point for hosts
  • 2-bedroom properties deliver $26,075 in annual revenue — over double the 1-bedroom figure — creating a clear size-to-revenue sweet spot
  • Rapid 172% year-over-year listing growth indicates rising market awareness and investor interest
  • Proximity to Gainesville and the University of Florida generates event-driven and visiting-family demand
  • Small listing inventory of 37 properties means less direct competition for well-differentiated offerings

Expert Market Assessment

"Alachua represents a competitive but niche opportunity within the broader Florida STR landscape. The ROI score of 47 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values at $514,514 against $16,312 in annual revenue — and a growth trend that hasn't yet caught up to the surge in new supply. That said, occupancy stability rates as average, and 2-bedroom properties in particular demonstrate meaningfully stronger performance than other sizes. Investors who focus on high-performing configurations and manage seasonal dips in months like June and January can carve out a viable position in this emerging market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Alachua's ROI Score: 47/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

Factor Alachua Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Alachua's ROI Score of 47 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market has real potential but requires disciplined deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values around $514,514 against $16,312 in annual revenue — is the primary drag, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate as average. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on high-performing 2-bedroom properties will be essential for investors looking to make the numbers work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Alachua

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Alachua. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Alachua, FL may need to obtain a business tax receipt and register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with the City of Alachua and the state before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any deed restrictions or community rules that could affect short-term rental operations in a specific neighborhood.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county tourist development tax on short-term rentals, and Alachua County has its own applicable rates. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with all local and state tax obligations.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Alachua can provide current regulatory guidance.

Short-Term Rental Financing for Alachua

Financing an Airbnb investment in Alachua requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Alachua Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Alachua's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the sharp influx of new listings, which could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't expand proportionally. Revenue seasonality suggests modest peaks in March and August — months tied to university and event-driven activity in the broader Alachua County area — with softer stretches during summer and winter. Investors should anticipate market-wide occupancy holding in the 25–35% range, with ADR potentially edging up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing. Selective deal sourcing and a focus on 2-bedroom configurations, which currently outperform on RevPAN, will be critical to achieving competitive returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Alachua, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Alachua?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Alachua is currently 29%, which sits well below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size: 2-bedroom listings lead at 35%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 33%, while 3-bedroom properties trail at just 13%. Investors can improve their occupancy by targeting in-demand property sizes, competitive pricing, and offering popular amenities like parking and self check-in.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Alachua?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Alachua earn approximately $1,359 per month or $16,312 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead with an average of $2,172 per month ($26,075 annually), while 1-bedrooms average $1,043 per month and 3-bedrooms bring in about $1,453 monthly. Individual results depend on factors like pricing, amenities, guest experience, and seasonal demand.
Is Alachua a good market for Airbnb investment?
Alachua earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 47 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' While investor interest is strong and the market is growing rapidly (172% year-over-year listing growth), the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values around $514,514. Success here depends on selective deal sourcing — particularly targeting 2-bedroom properties, which deliver the strongest RevPAN at $61 per available night.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Alachua?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Alachua is $162, considerably lower than the $498 Florida state average. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom units average $85 per night, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties command $175 and $172 per night, respectively. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms represents the most significant ADR increase.
Are short-term rentals legal in Alachua?
Short-term rentals are permitted in Florida, though operators in Alachua may need to register with both the City of Alachua and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Local zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and occupancy limits can vary, so prospective hosts should verify all applicable regulations before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Alachua?
Based on trailing 12-month revenue data, March is Alachua's strongest month with an average of $1,707 in revenue, followed by August at $1,656 and November at $1,609. The softer months tend to be June ($1,064) and January ($1,081). This pattern suggests demand may be linked to university schedules and seasonal events in the greater Alachua County area.
How many Airbnbs are there in Alachua?
As of April 2026, there are 37 active Airbnb listings in Alachua. The market is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom properties (20 listings), with 8 three-bedroom and just 5 two-bedroom listings. The year-over-year growth rate of 172% in active listings indicates significant new supply entering the market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Alachua?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Alachua are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drops regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

  • Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Alachua, FL market
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Alachua's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

Browse Airbnbs for Sale

Explore active Airbnbs and STR-ready homes in Charlotte with verified income data.

View Properties

Connect with an Agent

Work with specialized agents who've helped investors acquire over $650M in STR properties.

Find an Agent

Connect with a Lender

Qualify for as low as 15% down on a DSCR loan using the rental property's projected income.

Find a Lender
Browse Airbnbs for Sale