Athens, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Athens Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Athens, GA presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity shaped by its college-town dynamics and event-driven demand, particularly during football season and university-related weekends. With 480 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $27,932 and an ADR of $276, the market offers a compelling entry point — especially given average home values of $522,559. Revenue swings sharply by season, which rewards operators who price strategically around peak periods.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Athens 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 Athens

Athens attracts STR investors because of its reliable, event-driven demand calendar anchored by the University of Georgia, combined with home values that keep acquisition costs moderate relative to peak-season revenue.

Expert Market Assessment

"Athens earns a 59 out of 100 ROI score — categorized as an Attractive Opportunity — reflecting a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably balanced, though occupancy sits slightly below the state average. The pronounced seasonality is both a strength and a consideration: September, October, and November collectively deliver monthly revenues two to three times the summer baseline, meaning cash flow planning around off-peak months is critical. Investors willing to cater to the group-travel segment with larger homes stand to capture the highest absolute returns, while smaller units benefit from steadier (if more modest) occupancy year-round."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Athens

Average revenue by month in Athens

Athens displays dramatic seasonality, with September ($4,150) and November ($3,580) delivering peak revenue that's roughly three times higher than the slowest months of January ($1,359) and December ($1,516). Investors should plan cash reserves around the quieter summer and winter periods while capitalizing on the lucrative fall event season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Athens

One- and two-bedroom listings dominate supply with 159 and 156 listings respectively, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all inventory. Larger properties (5 bedrooms and 6+ bedrooms) are notably scarce with just 17 combined listings, suggesting a potential supply gap for group-travel accommodations during peak event weekends.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Athens

ADR scales aggressively with property size in Athens — from $133 for studios up to $915 for 5-bedroom homes, reflecting the premium event-goers pay for group-friendly accommodations. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 3 bedrooms ($365) and 4 bedrooms ($499), where the per-night premium starts accelerating significantly.

Average RevPAN by property size in Athens

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $48 for 1-bedroom units to $180 for 5-bedroom properties, which lead all categories in RevPAN. The 6+ bedroom segment drops to $142, suggesting that the very largest homes may face slightly more booking friction despite their high nightly rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Athens

Studios achieve the highest occupancy at 41%, likely benefiting from lower price points and solo or couple travelers. Occupancy trends downward as properties get larger — 3-bedroom listings average 26% and 6+ bedrooms just 18% — meaning larger homes rely on fewer but higher-value bookings to generate their superior revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Athens

Monthly revenue rises sharply with bedroom count, from $1,534 for 1-bedroom listings to $5,249 for 5-bedroom properties and a standout $10,337 for 6+ bedroom homes. Even studios ($2,167) outperform 1-bedrooms, likely due to their higher occupancy rates compensating for lower nightly rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Athens

At the top end, 6+ bedroom properties generate an impressive $124,049 annually — roughly 4.7 times the market average — while 5-bedroom homes earn $62,991. For investors seeking the strongest absolute return potential, larger configurations clearly dominate, though 2-bedroom units at $26,136 annually offer a more accessible entry point near the market-wide average.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Athens

Parking leads amenity prevalence at 99%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of Athens and the importance of convenient access during game-day weekends. Kitchen (90%), self check-in (86%), and laundry (68% washer, 64% dryer) are essentially table stakes, while a workspace (57%) signals a meaningful subset of guests who blend travel with remote work.

Understanding Athens's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Athens earns a 59 out of 100 ROI score, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity band — a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably balanced, though not without seasonal variability. All four calculation factors — Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance — grade at Average, indicating a consistent but not exceptional profile across the board. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and on-the-ground property analysis to validate whether specific opportunities in Athens meet their return thresholds.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Athens

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

Permit Requirements

Athens-Clarke County, Georgia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in university-adjacent Georgia markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum-night stays, and parking requirements. HOA covenants and zoning designations may further limit where STRs can operate, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions and neighborhood regulations before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Georgia are typically subject to state sales tax, county lodging taxes, and potentially a local hotel-motel excise tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with Athens-Clarke County and the Georgia Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Athens is likely to maintain its pronounced seasonal revenue pattern, with fall months (September through November) continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. Occupancy, currently at 28% versus the 32% Georgia state average, may tighten modestly as hosts optimize pricing and listing quality. ADR is estimated to hold steady or rise 1–3% as event-weekend demand remains robust, though the 134% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests investors should monitor supply closely to ensure the market doesn't outpace demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Athens, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Athens?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Athens, GA is currently 28%, which sits slightly below the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — studios lead at 41%, while larger 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties average 20% and 18% respectively. The lower overall rate reflects Athens' event-driven demand cycle, where peak weekends generate strong bookings but midweek and off-season periods see lighter traffic.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Athens?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Athens earn approximately $2,327 per month, or about $27,932 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $18,413 per year, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $62,991 and 6+ bedroom homes can reach $124,049 annually. Peak months like September ($4,150) and November ($3,580) dramatically outperform quieter months such as January ($1,359).

Is Athens a good market for Airbnb investment?

Athens scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity category. The market benefits from recurring event-driven demand tied to the University of Georgia, with average home values of $522,559 and annual revenue averaging $27,932. Investors targeting larger properties may find stronger returns, as 4-bedroom listings average nearly $47,000 annually. The key consideration is seasonal cash flow management, since revenue can drop significantly during summer and winter months.

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

The current average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Athens is $276, which is slightly below the Georgia state average of $299. ADR scales substantially with property size — studios average $133 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $915. This steep pricing curve reflects strong group-travel demand, particularly during UGA events, where larger homes can accommodate families and friend groups willing to pay a premium.

Are short-term rentals legal in Athens?

Short-term rentals do operate in Athens, GA, with 480 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations in Athens-Clarke County may require permits, business licenses, or compliance with specific zoning and HOA rules. We recommend checking directly with Athens-Clarke County's Unified Government for the most current permit requirements and any restrictions that may apply to your specific property or neighborhood.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Athens?

Peak season in Athens aligns closely with the University of Georgia football calendar and fall events. September is the strongest month by far, with average listing revenue of $4,150 — nearly three times the summer months. October ($3,348) and November ($3,580) round out a powerful fall quarter. The slowest months are January ($1,359) and December ($1,516), making Q4 fall and late Q3 the most critical booking windows for maximizing annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Athens?

As of April 2026, there are 480 active Airbnb listings in Athens, GA. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 1-bedroom (159 listings) and 2-bedroom (156 listings) units making up the majority. Larger properties — 5 bedrooms (11 listings) and 6+ bedrooms (6 listings) — are far less common, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting the high-revenue group-travel segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Athens?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Athens 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, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like September's $4,150 average) and slower months (like January's $1,359). Individual results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Athens, 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 Athens, GA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over trailing 12-month periods
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size and calendar month
• Popular amenity data across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 historical averages as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.