Auburn, AL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Auburn Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Auburn, AL is a college-town market where short-term rental demand is heavily shaped by Auburn University's academic calendar and football season. With 208 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $27,456, the market offers event-driven revenue spikes — particularly in the fall — though occupancy runs well below the Alabama state average at 23%. Investors who time their pricing strategy around game weekends and graduation can capture outsized nightly rates, but should plan for softer months in between.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Auburn 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 Auburn

Auburn attracts STR investors primarily because of the recurring, high-intensity demand generated by Auburn University events, which create predictable revenue spikes that can compensate for quieter periods.

Expert Market Assessment

"Auburn represents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. November and September are the revenue standouts — averaging $4,535 and $4,298, respectively — while January dips to just $1,078, creating a nearly four-to-one spread between peak and trough months. The ROI score of 51 out of 100, categorized as a "Competitive Opportunity," reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics and below-average occupancy stability, meaning deal sourcing and pricing discipline will separate profitable operators from the pack."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Auburn

Average revenue by month in Auburn

Auburn's revenue is sharply seasonal, peaking in November at $4,535 and September at $4,298 — months that align with Auburn University football — while January bottoms out at just $1,078. This roughly four-to-one ratio between peak and off-peak months underscores the importance of maximizing fall bookings to drive annual profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Auburn

Two-bedroom units dominate Auburn's supply with 86 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 62, while studios (9) and 4-bedrooms (24) are relatively scarce. The limited supply of larger 4-bedroom properties, combined with their strong revenue performance, could signal an opportunity for investors willing to cater to groups attending games and events.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Auburn

ADR climbs steadily from $118 for studios to $289 for 3-bedroom properties, though 4-bedrooms dip slightly to $251. The 3-bedroom tier commands the highest nightly rate in the market, suggesting that the premium-to-cost trade-off may be strongest at that size for investors targeting top-dollar game-weekend pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Auburn

Four-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $58 per available night, outpacing all other sizes and indicating that larger properties convert their rate advantage into actual revenue more effectively. Studios trail at $31, while 1-bedroom through 3-bedroom listings cluster in the $42–$46 range, suggesting relatively similar revenue efficiency across mid-sized units.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Auburn

One-bedroom units post the highest occupancy at 30%, followed by studios at 27%, while 3-bedroom properties lag at just 16% — the lowest in the market. This pattern suggests smaller units capture more consistent demand, but investors should weigh occupancy against per-night revenue since larger properties compensate with substantially higher ADRs during peak events.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Auburn

Monthly revenue scales with property size, from $1,464 for 1-bedroom units up to $3,357 for 4-bedrooms, with studios slightly outperforming 1-bedrooms at $1,692. For investors focused on cash flow, the jump from 2-bedroom ($2,100) to 3-bedroom ($2,603) and especially 4-bedroom ($3,357) configurations represents meaningful incremental monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Auburn

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $40,284, nearly double the $20,308 earned by studios and more than double the $17,578 from 1-bedrooms. This makes 4-bedroom listings the strongest revenue generators in Auburn, though investors should weigh acquisition costs and the lower occupancy rate against that higher gross income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Auburn

Kitchens (100%) and parking (97%) are near-universal in Auburn listings, reflecting a market where guests expect a home-like, car-friendly experience — consistent with a college-town setting. Self check-in (82%) and washer access (90%) are also standard, while differentiators like pools (26%), pet-friendliness (27%), and lake access (6%) remain less common and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Auburn's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Auburn's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning strong investor interest exists but margins require careful deal selection. The score reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio and average supply/demand balance, offset by below-average occupancy stability — a direct consequence of the market's event-driven demand pattern. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and model for significant seasonal revenue swings when evaluating specific properties.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Auburn

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Auburn, Alabama may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Auburn's planning or licensing department, as local rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Auburn can include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, and designated parking requirements. HOA covenants may also prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential. Some municipalities also cap the total number of permits issued in a given area.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Alabama are generally subject to state and local lodging taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm their obligations for Alabama state sales tax and any Lee County or City of Auburn transient occupancy taxes with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Auburn's STR market is expected to remain tightly linked to the university calendar and SEC football schedule. Seasonal revenue swings suggest ADR could hold steady or rise modestly by 1–3% during peak fall weekends, while occupancy may remain in the 20–25% range on an annualized basis. The 119% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could compress margins if supply continues to outpace demand growth. Investors entering this market should factor in the pronounced off-season and build conservative cash-flow projections accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Auburn, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Auburn?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Auburn is currently 23%, which sits below the Alabama state average of 38%. This lower annualized rate reflects the market's heavy reliance on event-driven demand — occupancy spikes sharply during football season and university events, then softens considerably during summer and winter months. Properties that optimize their pricing and minimum-stay strategies around these peaks can outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Auburn?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Auburn earns approximately $2,288 per month, or about $27,456 per year. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 4-bedroom listings lead with an average annual revenue of $40,284, while 1-bedroom units average around $17,578. Actual earnings depend on factors like property quality, location relative to campus, and how effectively hosts capitalize on high-demand weekends.

Is Auburn a good market for Airbnb investment?

Auburn scores a 51 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market's strengths include strong event-driven demand and a healthy average daily rate of $216, but below-average occupancy stability and rising supply (119% year-over-year listing growth) mean investors need to be selective. This market rewards operators who price aggressively during peak weekends and manage costs tightly during slower stretches. Pairing this data with a thorough analysis of local property prices and regulations is recommended before investing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Auburn is $216, which comes in below the Alabama state average of $247. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — studios average $118 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $289. The 3-bedroom tier offers the highest nightly rate in the market, making it a notable sweet spot for investors seeking strong per-night pricing.

Are short-term rentals legal in Auburn?

Short-term rentals do operate in Auburn, AL, with 208 active Airbnb listings currently on the platform. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and licensing rules can change, so investors should check directly with the City of Auburn's planning or business licensing office to confirm current regulations before purchasing or listing a property. HOA restrictions in certain subdivisions may also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Auburn?

Peak season in Auburn aligns closely with the fall football schedule. November is the top-earning month at $4,535 in average revenue, followed by September at $4,298 — both driven by Auburn University home games and related events. May also sees a bump to $2,776, likely tied to graduation. The slowest months are January ($1,078) and February ($1,268), creating a significant seasonal spread that investors should plan around.

How many Airbnbs are there in Auburn?

As of April 2026, there are 208 active Airbnb listings in Auburn. The market has seen substantial growth, with a 119% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 86 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 62. This rapid expansion is worth monitoring, as increased competition could affect occupancy and pricing dynamics over time.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Auburn?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Auburn are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. 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 rather than forecasts, while still 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 Auburn and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 can change; always verify current rules with the City of Auburn and Lee County before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.