Ashland, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ashland Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ashland, KY presents an intriguing value play for short-term rental investors, with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by average home values of just $190,694 against annual revenues of $19,825. The market is compact — only 32 active Airbnb listings — which means limited competition but also a smaller demand pool. An ADR of $120 and occupancy of 30% both sit right around the Kentucky state averages, suggesting steady if not explosive performance in this Appalachian river city.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Ashland

Investors are drawn to Ashland for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio in a low-competition market where affordable home prices can translate into solid cash-on-cash returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ashland earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its standout revenue-to-price ratio — the strongest factor in its ROI profile. The market's seasonality is pronounced, with revenues nearly doubling from the February trough to the July peak, so investors should budget for leaner winter months. Occupancy stability sits at an average level and the supply-demand balance is neither tight nor oversaturated, meaning disciplined operators who price competitively and maintain high-quality listings can capture a healthy share of the available demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ashland

Average revenue by month in Ashland

Ashland shows clear summer-driven seasonality, with July leading at $2,139 and February trailing at $1,069 — a nearly 2x spread between peak and trough. The June-through-October window consistently exceeds $1,870/month, making it the prime earning season for STR operators here.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ashland

Two-bedroom units dominate the supply with 12 listings, closely followed by 11 three-bedroom properties, while 1-bedrooms account for only 6 of the 32 total listings. The relatively thin 1-bedroom inventory could represent an opportunity for investors targeting smaller units, especially given their higher occupancy rates.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ashland

ADR scales predictably with size, from $74 for 1-bedroom listings up to $134 for 3-bedroom properties — an 81% premium. However, the jump from 2-bedroom ($110) to 3-bedroom ($134) is more modest, suggesting the strongest pricing leverage comes from moving beyond the smallest configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ashland

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $40, edging out 1-bedrooms at $35 and significantly outpacing 3-bedrooms at just $26. This gap signals that 2-bedroom units strike the best balance between nightly rate and occupancy, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ashland

Occupancy drops sharply as property size increases: 1-bedrooms fill 47% of available nights, 2-bedrooms manage 37%, and 3-bedrooms sit at just 20%. Investors considering larger properties should factor in these lower fill rates and plan pricing strategies that account for more vacant nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ashland

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $1,593, despite having the lowest occupancy, thanks to their higher nightly rate. One- and two-bedroom units earn nearly identical amounts ($1,255 and $1,248 respectively), though they achieve this through very different combinations of rate and occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ashland

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties generate $19,119 — roughly 27% more than 1-bedroom ($15,066) and 2-bedroom ($14,986) units. For investors seeking the highest gross revenue, larger configurations deliver more, but the RevPAN data suggests 2-bedroom units may offer better returns relative to the effort and cost of maintaining fewer vacant nights.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ashland

Kitchens and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while washers (97%) and dryers (91%) are near-standard — signaling that guests in Ashland expect a home-like, self-sufficient stay. Self check-in is offered by 81% of hosts, making it a baseline expectation, and investors who add differentiators like pet-friendliness (41%) or outdoor amenities could gain a competitive edge.

Understanding Ashland's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Ashland's ROI Score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, largely powered by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential relative to acquisition costs is better than most markets. Occupancy stability and supply-demand balance grade as average, while market growth trend is below average, suggesting the market is more of a steady performer than a fast-growth play. Pairing this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model will give investors the clearest picture of whether Ashland fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ashland

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ashland, Kentucky should verify whether a local business license or STR-specific permit is required by contacting the City of Ashland's planning or licensing department. Kentucky does not impose a statewide STR registration, so requirements will vary at the municipal level.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and any HOA or deed restrictions on the property. Investors should confirm zoning compatibility and check whether the city caps the number of STR permits in residential areas.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a 6% state sales tax and a 1% state transient room tax on short-term lodging, and Boyd County or Ashland may levy additional local occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ashland's STR market is likely to see modest but stable performance. Seasonal patterns show revenue climbing from a February low of $1,069 to a July peak of $2,139, indicating summer-driven demand that investors should plan around. While the market growth trend currently registers below average, the 179% year-over-year increase in active listings suggests growing investor interest that could either validate demand or tighten occupancy — expect ADR to hold in the $115–$125 range with occupancy fluctuating between 25% and 35% depending on the season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ashland, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ashland?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ashland is currently 30%, which is slightly above the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 47%, while 3-bedroom properties average around 20%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, so investors should expect higher fill rates during summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ashland?

Airbnb hosts in Ashland earn an average of $1,652 per month, which works out to approximately $19,825 annually based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 3-bedroom listings generate the most at about $1,593/month, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units hover around $1,248–$1,255/month. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $2,100.

Is Ashland a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ashland scores a 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market's strongest asset is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $190,694 and annual revenue near $19,825, the entry cost is low relative to earning potential. Occupancy stability and supply-demand balance are average, so success will depend on property quality and pricing strategy.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ashland is $120, compared to the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $74, 2-bedrooms come in at $110, and 3-bedroom properties command $134 per night. The lower ADR reflects Ashland's affordability, which also keeps acquisition costs low for investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ashland?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Ashland, KY, though operators should verify local licensing, zoning, and permit requirements with the City of Ashland. Kentucky does not have a statewide STR ban, but individual municipalities may impose their own rules around permits, occupancy limits, and other operational standards. We recommend checking with local authorities and reviewing any HOA restrictions before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ashland?

Peak season in Ashland runs from June through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,139. The summer months of June ($1,897), August ($1,959), and September ($1,945) also perform well. The slowest period is February, when average revenue dips to $1,069 — a spread of roughly $1,070 between the best and worst months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ashland?

There are currently 32 active Airbnb listings in Ashland as of April 2026. The supply breaks down by size as 6 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom, and 11 three-bedroom properties. Notably, the market saw 179% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ashland?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ashland 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 roll the remaining data 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, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can 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 for Ashland, KY
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify all requirements with local authorities before purchasing.