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

Athens Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Athens, OH is a small college-market town anchored by Ohio University, creating a distinct demand pattern driven by university events, move-in weekends, and visiting families. With 85 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,252, the market pairs relatively affordable home values ($355,011) with a revenue-to-price ratio rated average — positioning it as an accessible entry point for STR investors willing to work with a seasonal, event-driven calendar. Occupancy sits at 25%, below the Ohio state average of 34%, so success here depends on maximizing high-demand weekends rather than counting on steady nightly bookings.

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

Investors are drawn to Athens for its university-driven demand, affordable property prices relative to Ohio metros, and the ability to capture premium rates during predictable high-traffic events.

Expert Market Assessment

"Athens represents a moderate opportunity best suited for investors who can capitalize on its event-driven demand cycle. Revenue peaks sharply from July through October — with August hitting $2,804 and October close behind at $2,797 — before dropping to winter lows around $1,232 in January. This pronounced seasonality means cash flow will be lumpy, so budgeting for slower months is critical. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price fundamentals and occupancy stability, tempered by below-average growth trends and supply/demand balance — making this a market that rewards strategic operators rather than passive owners."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Athens

Average revenue by month in Athens

Athens shows strong seasonality with revenue peaking in August ($2,804) and October ($2,797), while January ($1,232) and February ($1,241) represent the slowest months — a spread of over $1,500 between peak and trough. This pattern closely tracks the Ohio University academic calendar, meaning investors should plan for roughly five strong months and budget reserves for the winter dip.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Athens

Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (23) and 2-bedroom (24) listings, which together account for over half the market's 85 active properties. Studios (7) and 4-bedrooms (10) are the least represented, with the limited supply of larger homes potentially creating an opening for investors targeting group travel and family stays.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Athens

ADR scales predictably with size, from $119 for 1-bedrooms up to $308 for 4-bedroom properties — a nearly 2.6x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($191) to 3-bedrooms ($275) is particularly notable, suggesting that adding a third bedroom unlocks a significant pricing tier in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Athens

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $61, outperforming all other sizes and reflecting a favorable balance of rate and occupancy. Interestingly, 4-bedrooms drop to just $31 RevPAN despite their high ADR, indicating that their 10% occupancy rate severely undercuts their earning potential on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Athens

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 30%, followed by studios at 27%, while 4-bedroom properties lag far behind at just 10%. The sharp occupancy drop-off for the largest properties suggests that while they command premium rates, demand is concentrated in a narrow set of event weekends — making them riskier for consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Athens

Three-bedroom properties are the top earners at $2,963/month, edging out 4-bedrooms ($2,760) despite a lower ADR, thanks to meaningfully higher occupancy. Studios ($1,363) and 1-bedrooms ($1,387) generate roughly half the monthly revenue of a 3-bedroom, highlighting the significant income gap between small and mid-size units.

Average annual revenue by property size in Athens

At $35,565 annually, 3-bedroom properties represent the highest revenue potential in Athens — roughly $2,400 more than 4-bedrooms ($33,131) and more than double what studios or 1-bedrooms bring in. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income, the 3-bedroom configuration offers the clearest path to stronger returns in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Athens

Parking (97%) and kitchens (93%) are near-universal, reflecting the practical expectations of guests visiting a smaller town without abundant dining and transit options. Self check-in (82%), backyards (74%), and outdoor furniture (72%) round out the top amenities, signaling that guests value convenience and outdoor space — while hot tubs (13%) remain a potential differentiator for listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Athens's ROI Score: 55/100

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 Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — indicating decent fundamentals but room for caution. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate average, suggesting the market can pencil out for well-run properties, while below-average marks on market growth trend and supply/demand balance reflect the rapid 181% listing growth that could outpace demand. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a clear understanding of the university-driven demand calendar will help investors determine whether Athens fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Athens

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Athens, OH may need to register or obtain a permit through the City of Athens or Athens County before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the city's zoning and code enforcement offices, as regulations in Ohio college towns can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Athens may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances (especially relevant near campus neighborhoods), parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. HOA rules and neighborhood covenants can further limit STR activity, so reviewing property-specific restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Ohio requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and county lodging taxes; platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Ohio Department of Taxation. Athens County may impose additional transient occupancy or hotel-motel taxes that apply to stays under 30 days.

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 see continued demand concentrated around the academic calendar and university events, with July through October remaining the revenue sweet spot. The 181% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, but this rapid supply increase could pressure occupancy and ADR if demand doesn't keep pace — investors should watch for signs of market saturation. ADR may hold steady or see modest increases of 1–3% given the below-state-average rate of $219, though occupancy improvements will likely remain incremental. Targeting 3-bedroom properties and pricing aggressively during event weekends will be key to outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Athens, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Athens?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Athens, OH is currently 25%, which falls below the Ohio state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 30%, while 4-bedroom properties see just 10%. The lower overall rate reflects the event-driven, seasonal nature of this college town market, where demand spikes during university weekends and academic events rather than sustaining steady nightly bookings year-round.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Athens?

Airbnb hosts in Athens, OH earn an average of $2,104 per month and $25,252 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Earnings vary widely by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $2,963/month ($35,565 annually), while studios and 1-bedrooms come in closer to $1,363–$1,387/month. Revenue is highly seasonal, with peak months like August generating around $2,804 and slower months like January dropping to about $1,232.

Is Athens a good market for Airbnb investment?

Athens earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from university-driven demand and relatively affordable home values ($355,011 average), though occupancy at 25% is below the state average and the market growth trend is rated below average. It's best suited for investors who can target the right property size (3 bedrooms offer the strongest returns) and optimize pricing around the academic calendar and event weekends.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Athens, OH is $219, compared to the Ohio state average of $250. ADR scales with property size: studios average $133, 1-bedrooms $119, 2-bedrooms $191, 3-bedrooms $275, and 4-bedrooms command the highest rate at $308. While ADR is below the state average overall, larger properties in Athens can achieve competitive nightly rates, especially during high-demand weekends.

Are short-term rentals legal in Athens?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Athens, OH, though operators may need to comply with local zoning regulations, obtain permits or register their property, and meet safety requirements. Regulations in Ohio college towns can change, so investors should check directly with the City of Athens and Athens County offices for the most current rules before listing a property. Compliance with state and local tax obligations is also required.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Athens?

Peak season for Airbnb in Athens runs from July through October, aligning closely with Ohio University's academic calendar — including move-in weekends, football season, homecoming, and family visit weekends. August ($2,804) and October ($2,797) are the top-earning months, followed by July ($2,791). Revenue drops significantly in winter, with January ($1,232) and February ($1,241) marking the slowest periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Athens?

As of April 2026, there are 85 active Airbnb listings in Athens, OH. The market has seen significant growth, with a 181% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (23 listings) and 2-bedroom (24 listings) properties, while larger 4-bedroom units are less common with just 10 listings — potentially signaling an opportunity for investors targeting larger group accommodations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Athens?

The annual and monthly revenue figures 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll 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 August at $2,804) and slower months (like January at $1,232) because each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular 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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with city and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.