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

Bardstown Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bardstown, KY — widely recognized as the Bourbon Capital of the World — presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 67 out of 100. With an average daily rate of $204, average annual revenue of $35,304, and home values around $378,993, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above average for the state. The market's 76 active listings and strong seasonal peaks driven by bourbon tourism and fall festivals suggest a niche yet profitable landscape for well-positioned properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bardstown 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 Bardstown

Bardstown's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and its unique positioning as a bourbon tourism destination make it a compelling niche market for STR investors willing to optimize around seasonal demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bardstown earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by a favorable revenue-to-price ratio that outperforms the state average. Seasonality is a key characteristic — revenue swings from a low of $1,206 in January to a peak of $4,147 in October, creating a roughly 3.4x spread that investors need to plan around for cash-flow management. The 116% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the below-average supply/demand balance suggests the market is absorbing new inventory at a pace worth watching closely."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bardstown

Average revenue by month in Bardstown

Bardstown shows pronounced seasonality, with October ($4,147) and September ($4,131) delivering peak revenue — more than triple the January low of $1,206. The summer months hold steady around $3,200–$3,600, while November through February represent the clear off-season, signaling that investors should budget for uneven cash flow throughout the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bardstown

Supply is concentrated among 1- to 3-bedroom properties, which together account for 64 of the market's 76 listings and are nearly equally distributed (20, 21, and 23 respectively). Larger 4- and 5-bedroom homes are notably scarce with just 12 combined listings, potentially representing an underserved niche for investors targeting group travelers and bourbon tour parties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bardstown

ADR scales steadily from $144 for 1-bedroom units to $243 for 4-bedrooms, then jumps sharply to $417 for 5-bedroom properties — nearly a 3x premium over the smallest size. The steepest rate jump between 4- and 5-bedroom listings suggests strong willingness to pay for larger group accommodations, where the premium-to-cost trade-off could be most favorable.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bardstown

Revenue per available night increases consistently with property size, from $34 for 1-bedroom units to $88 for 5-bedroom homes. The 5-bedroom RevPAN is 2.6x higher than 1-bedroom, indicating that larger properties capture meaningfully more revenue per night even after factoring in their somewhat lower occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bardstown

Occupancy rates cluster in a narrow 24–28% band for 1- through 4-bedroom properties, with 4-bedrooms slightly leading at 28%. Five-bedroom listings dip to 21% occupancy, but their substantially higher ADR more than compensates — investors in larger properties should expect fewer bookings but considerably higher per-stay revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bardstown

Five-bedroom properties lead at $6,400 per month — nearly 4x the $1,606 earned by 1-bedroom units and roughly double the 3-bedroom average of $3,863. Interestingly, 4-bedroom listings average $3,473 monthly, falling slightly below 3-bedrooms, which may reflect the small sample size of just 7 four-bedroom properties in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bardstown

Annual revenue ranges from $19,273 for 1-bedroom listings to $76,802 for 5-bedroom homes, with 3-bedroom properties earning $46,365 — the strongest return among the more commonly available sizes. The jump from 3-bedroom to 5-bedroom annual revenue ($46,365 to $76,802) highlights the premium potential for investors willing to acquire or convert larger properties in this bourbon tourism market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bardstown

Parking and kitchen access lead at 95% prevalence, reflecting Bardstown's car-dependent, drive-to-destination character. Self check-in (88%), washer/dryer (71%), and outdoor spaces like backyards (62%) and patios (59%) round out guest expectations, while differentiators like hot tubs (13%) and pools (3%) remain rare — offering a potential competitive edge for listings that include them.

Understanding Bardstown's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Bardstown's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that gives investors more income per dollar invested compared to many Kentucky markets. Occupancy stability and market growth both rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average — a signal that the rapid 116% listing growth is worth monitoring. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative underwriting approach will help investors determine whether Bardstown's bourbon-fueled tourism can sustain returns as the market matures.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bardstown

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

Permit Requirements

Operators considering short-term rentals in Bardstown, Kentucky should verify whether a local permit or business registration is required by contacting the City of Bardstown and Nelson County offices. STR regulations in smaller Kentucky markets can vary, and confirming compliance before listing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. Additionally, investors should check for any HOA covenants or deed restrictions that could limit short-term rental activity on a specific property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Kentucky are generally subject to state sales tax and local transient room taxes, which may apply to stays of fewer than 30 days. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bardstown's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal strength through September and October, when monthly revenues top $4,100. ADR could edge up modestly — perhaps 2–4% — as bourbon tourism continues to draw visitors, though occupancy may remain in the 25–30% range given the market's leisure-driven demand patterns. With active listings having grown 116% year-over-year, supply is expanding quickly, so investors should monitor whether demand keeps pace to protect per-listing yields."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bardstown, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bardstown?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bardstown is currently 26%, which sits slightly below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size, ranging from 21% for 5-bedroom homes to 28% for 4-bedroom properties. Given Bardstown's tourism-driven demand, occupancy tends to concentrate around peak travel periods rather than spreading evenly throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bardstown?

Airbnb hosts in Bardstown earn an average of $2,942 per month, or approximately $35,304 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average $19,273 annually while 5-bedroom properties can generate up to $76,802. Peak months like September and October can push monthly income above $4,100.

Is Bardstown a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bardstown scores 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values of $378,993 and annual STR revenue of $35,304. Bourbon tourism provides a distinctive demand driver, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations and the recent 116% growth in active listings when evaluating entry timing.

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

The average daily rate in Bardstown is $204, which is well below the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR scales with property size, starting at $144 for 1-bedroom listings and climbing to $417 for 5-bedroom homes. This more accessible pricing relative to the state average reflects Bardstown's smaller-market character while still supporting healthy revenue when paired with strong seasonal demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bardstown?

Short-term rentals operate in Bardstown, with 76 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify local permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable regulations with the City of Bardstown and Nelson County authorities before listing a property. Kentucky state tax obligations, including transient room taxes, also apply to short-term rental income.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bardstown?

Peak season in Bardstown runs from September through October, when average monthly revenues reach $4,131 and $4,147 respectively — the highest of any months. A secondary peak occurs from May through August, with revenues consistently above $3,200. The slowest months are January ($1,206) and February ($1,457), making fall bourbon season the primary revenue driver for hosts.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bardstown?

As of April 2026, there are 76 active Airbnb listings in Bardstown. The supply is fairly evenly distributed among smaller sizes, with 23 three-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, and 20 one-bedroom listings, plus 7 four-bedroom and 5 five-bedroom properties. Active listings have grown 116% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bardstown?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bardstown 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 data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors 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 the Bardstown, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data from multiple providers combined and cleaned for consistency and accuracy

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 municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.