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

Apalachicola Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Apalachicola is a small, character-rich Gulf Coast town in Florida's Forgotten Coast region, attracting visitors drawn to its seafood heritage, waterfront charm, and proximity to barrier-island beaches. With just 63 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $18,805, the market is compact and carries a competitive-opportunity ROI score of 37 out of 100 — meaning strong investor interest exists, but tighter competition and lower occupancy (23% versus the 54% state average) demand careful deal sourcing. At an average daily rate of $177, well below the Florida state average of $498, Apalachicola offers an affordable entry point, though revenue generation hinges on navigating pronounced seasonality and a relatively thin demand base.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Apalachicola

Investors consider Apalachicola for its affordable home prices relative to other Florida coastal markets, its growing visitor interest, and the potential to carve out niche positioning in a small but expanding supply environment.

Expert Market Assessment

"Apalachicola presents a modest but real opportunity for investors willing to navigate its pronounced seasonality and below-average occupancy. Revenue swings are significant — July tops $2,652 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $832 — so cash-flow planning must account for several lean months each year. The market's competitive-opportunity designation reflects genuine demand and a charming locale, tempered by a 36% jump in supply and occupancy that trails the Florida state average by a wide margin. Investors who target 2-bedroom properties and optimize for shoulder-season bookings stand the best chance of achieving meaningful returns in this niche coastal market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Apalachicola

Average revenue by month in Apalachicola

Apalachicola exhibits sharp seasonality: July is the clear peak at $2,652 in average monthly revenue, while January bottoms out at just $832 — a spread of more than 3×. A secondary spring bump in March ($2,081) suggests opportunities beyond pure summer travel, but investors should plan for four to five months of notably softer income each year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Apalachicola

One-bedroom units dominate Apalachicola's supply, accounting for 43 of 63 active listings (68%), followed by just 13 two-bedroom and 5 studio properties. The scarcity of 2-bedroom listings relative to their superior revenue performance may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Apalachicola

ADR scales modestly with size in Apalachicola: studios and 1-bedrooms are priced nearly identically at $173 and $170 respectively, while 2-bedroom properties command a $196 nightly rate — roughly a 15% premium over smaller units. The relatively flat ADR between studios and 1-bedrooms suggests that adding a second bedroom is where the meaningful pricing power kicks in.

Average RevPAN by property size in Apalachicola

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $67 per available night, more than double the $29 RevPAN for 1-bedroom listings and well above studios at $46. This gap is driven by 2-bedrooms combining a higher ADR with the best occupancy rate in the market, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Apalachicola

Occupancy rates in Apalachicola are low across the board but vary meaningfully by size: 2-bedroom listings lead at 34%, studios follow at 27%, and 1-bedrooms lag at just 17%. For investors focused on cash-flow consistency, the 2-bedroom segment offers the most reliable booking frequency, while 1-bedroom oversupply likely contributes to that segment's softer occupancy.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Apalachicola

Two-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $2,027 — roughly 61% more than the $1,260 earned by 1-bedroom units, which make up the bulk of the market. Studios fall in the middle at $1,600, outperforming 1-bedrooms despite their smaller footprint, likely due to better occupancy rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Apalachicola

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom listings lead with $24,332 in revenue, compared to $19,211 for studios and $15,131 for 1-bedrooms. Given that average home values sit at $465,483, investors eyeing 2-bedroom properties have the clearest path to a more favorable revenue-to-price ratio in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Apalachicola

Self check-in and parking top the amenity list at 83% prevalence each, signaling that guests in Apalachicola expect convenience and car-friendly accommodations — consistent with a drive-to coastal destination. Washer, kitchen, and patio or balcony each appear in roughly 54–56% of listings, while pet-friendliness (49%) stands out as a near-majority offering, suggesting that allowing pets can be a meaningful differentiator for capturing additional bookings.

Understanding Apalachicola's ROI Score: 37/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Apalachicola's ROI Score of 37 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity tier, indicating that while investor interest and demand are present, the market requires sharper deal selection to generate solid returns. The score reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio, below-average occupancy stability, and average ratings for both market growth trend and supply/demand balance — meaning rising competition and seasonal softness are real considerations. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focused property strategy (particularly targeting 2-bedroom units) will help investors determine whether the numbers pencil out for their goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Apalachicola

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Apalachicola, Florida may need to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a vacation rental license. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Apalachicola and Franklin County authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions and any local cap on STR permits is an important step in due diligence.

Tax Obligations

Florida requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state sales tax as well as any applicable county tourist development tax. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and Franklin County tax obligations to avoid penalties.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Apalachicola's short-term rental market is likely to mirror recent patterns: robust summer peaks (June–July) paired with soft winter troughs in January and December. Listing supply grew 36% year over year, which could pressure occupancy further unless demand keeps pace — investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering in the 20–25% range market-wide. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as hosts adjust pricing strategies for seasonal demand, but annual revenue gains will depend heavily on whether operators can capture more shoulder-season bookings in spring and fall. Selective property positioning — particularly 2-bedroom units that already outperform on RevPAN — offers the clearest path to above-average returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Apalachicola, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Apalachicola?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Apalachicola is currently 23%, which is notably below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings lead at 34%, studios average 27%, and 1-bedroom units trail at 17%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonality and compact demand base, making pricing strategy and guest-experience quality critical for maximizing bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Apalachicola?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Apalachicola earn approximately $1,567 per month and $18,805 per year based on trailing 12-month booking performance. Revenue varies by property size — 2-bedroom listings generate the most at roughly $2,027 per month ($24,332 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,260 per month ($15,131 annually). Summer months like June and July are the strongest revenue period, with July averaging $2,652 in monthly revenue.

Is Apalachicola a good market for Airbnb investment?

Apalachicola carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 37 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from Gulf Coast tourism appeal and relatively affordable home values ($465,483 on average), but below-average occupancy (23%) and a 36% year-over-year increase in listings create a competitive environment. Investors who target the right property type — particularly 2-bedroom units — and manage seasonality effectively can find viable returns, but selective deal sourcing and strong operational execution are essential.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Apalachicola?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Apalachicola is $177, which is significantly lower than the Florida state average of $498. ADR ranges from $170 for 1-bedroom properties to $196 for 2-bedroom units. Studios come in at $173. The relatively modest ADR reflects the market's smaller scale and seasonal demand patterns compared to Florida's larger resort destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Apalachicola?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Apalachicola, Florida, though operators typically need to comply with state-level licensing through the Florida DBPR and may need local permits or a business tax receipt. Regulations can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. It's important to check with both the City of Apalachicola and Franklin County for the most current rules, as local STR regulations can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Apalachicola?

Peak season for Airbnb in Apalachicola runs from late spring through summer, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,652 and June close behind at $2,406. March also shows strength at $2,081, likely driven by spring break travel. The slowest months are January ($832) and December ($893), creating a wide seasonal revenue spread that investors should factor into their cash-flow projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Apalachicola?

As of April 2026, there are 63 active Airbnb listings in Apalachicola. The market is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom properties, which account for 43 of the 63 listings. Two-bedroom listings make up 13, and studios account for just 5. Notably, the number of active listings has grown 36% year over year, indicating rising investor and host interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Apalachicola?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Apalachicola 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because each month draws on its own historical performance. Individual results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for Apalachicola and surrounding areas
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance of comparable listings
• Property-size breakdowns for key performance indicators including ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive positioning
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

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; market conditions, regulations, and listing dynamics can shift over time. Individual property results will vary depending on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.