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

Benton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Benton, KY is a small but intriguing short-term rental market where favorable property prices relative to revenue give investors a compelling entry point. With an average home value of $285,708 and trailing 12-month annual revenue of $25,430, the revenue-to-price ratio rates above average. The market is modest in size at just 18 active listings, and its proximity to Kentucky Lake likely drives seasonal leisure demand that peaks sharply in summer months. Year-over-year listing growth of 125% signals rising investor interest, though the small base means that figure should be interpreted with care.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Benton

Benton's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance make it appealing for investors seeking affordable entry into a lakeside vacation-rental market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Benton presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for short-term rental investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. July stands out as the clear revenue peak at $4,386, while January bottoms out at $840—a more than five-to-one spread that underscores the importance of summer bookings. The ROI score of 72 out of 100 reflects strong revenue relative to home prices and a favorable supply/demand balance, tempered by below-average occupancy stability. Investors who can manage cash flow through the quieter winter months and capitalize on the lakeside summer surge should find this market worth a closer look."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Benton

Average revenue by month in Benton

Revenue in Benton swings dramatically with the seasons: July leads at $4,386, more than five times the January low of $840. A secondary bump in October ($2,449) and the June-through-August concentration of earnings make summer bookings the linchpin of annual performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Benton

The entire trackable supply in Benton consists of 3-bedroom properties, with 6 active listings in that category. This narrow distribution may indicate that investors exploring studio, 1-bedroom, or larger 4+ bedroom configurations could find an underserved niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Benton

Three-bedroom listings command an ADR of $260, which exceeds the overall market average of $217—suggesting that the market's mix includes some lower-rate or partial-data listings pulling the aggregate down. At $260 per night, 3-bedroom properties position well for families and small groups visiting the lake area.

Average RevPAN by property size in Benton

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $28, closely tracking the market-wide figure of $30. The modest RevPAN reflects the low occupancy rate rather than weak pricing, indicating that boosting fill rates even slightly could meaningfully improve revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Benton

Three-bedroom listings average an 11% occupancy rate, slightly below the market-wide 14%. This low occupancy underscores Benton's heavy seasonal lean—properties are booked intensely during summer but sit largely vacant in colder months, which investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Benton

Three-bedroom properties generate an average of $2,281 per month over the trailing 12 months, aligning closely with the overall market average of $2,119. Since 3-bedrooms are the dominant (and only tracked) property type, they effectively define the market's revenue baseline.

Average annual revenue by property size in Benton

At $27,382 in annual revenue, 3-bedroom listings slightly outperform the market-wide average of $25,430. Against an average home value of $285,708, this yields a gross revenue-to-price ratio near 9.6%, which supports the market's above-average rating on that factor.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Benton

Kitchen and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while self check-in (94%), backyard (89%), and patio or balcony (83%) round out the top five. Lake access appears in 33% of listings and waterfront in 22%, suggesting that properties with direct water amenities could command a premium in a market clearly oriented around Kentucky Lake recreation.

Understanding Benton's ROI Score: 72/100

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

Benton's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 18 active listings. The score is moderated by below-average occupancy stability, reflecting the market's sharp seasonal swings between a strong summer peak and quiet winters. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and realistic off-season cash-flow modeling before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Benton

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

Permit Requirements

Investors considering short-term rentals in Benton should verify whether Marshall County or the City of Benton requires a business license, STR permit, or registration. Kentucky does not have a statewide STR permitting framework, so requirements vary locally and should be confirmed with municipal offices before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA covenants in certain subdivisions. Some Kentucky communities have also explored minimum-stay requirements, so checking with local planning and zoning is a prudent step before listing.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a 6% sales tax and a 1% transient room tax on short-term accommodations, and Marshall County may levy additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Benton's short-term rental market is expected to continue benefiting from summer-season demand, with July and August remaining the primary revenue drivers. ADR could hold steady or see modest increases in the $215–$225 range as new listings compete for a limited but growing visitor base. Occupancy stability is currently below average at 14%, so investors should anticipate that off-season months will require aggressive pricing or minimum-stay strategies to maintain cash flow. With supply still in the teens, even small shifts in demand could meaningfully affect performance metrics."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Benton, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Benton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Benton is currently 14%, which is below the Kentucky state average of 28%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal skew, with demand concentrated heavily in the summer months and much lighter activity during winter. Investors should plan for significant occupancy swings throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Benton?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Benton earns approximately $2,119 per month, or about $25,430 annually. Revenue varies dramatically by season—hosts can expect roughly $4,386 in peak July but closer to $840 in January. Property quality, pricing strategy, and amenities like lake access can meaningfully influence individual results.

Is Benton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Benton scores a 72 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 18 active listings. The main consideration is occupancy stability, which rates below average due to heavy seasonality. For investors comfortable with a summer-driven revenue model and affordable entry costs around $285,708, Benton offers solid potential.

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

The current average daily rate in Benton is $217, which is below the Kentucky state average of $333. For 3-bedroom properties—the primary listing type in the market—the ADR rises to $260. These rates reflect the area's positioning as an affordable lakeside getaway rather than a luxury resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Benton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Benton, KY, but investors should verify specific requirements with local authorities. Marshall County and the City of Benton may require business licenses or permits, and Kentucky imposes state-level tax obligations on transient accommodations. Checking with local planning, zoning, and any applicable HOA rules before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Benton?

Peak season in Benton runs from June through August, with July as the clear standout month at $4,386 in average revenue. October also sees a notable bump to $2,449, likely driven by fall foliage and outdoor activities near Kentucky Lake. The slowest months are January and December, when revenue drops to roughly $840–$1,005.

How many Airbnbs are there in Benton?

As of April 2026, there are 18 active Airbnb listings in Benton. The market has seen significant year-over-year listing growth of 125%, though this rapid percentage increase is partly a reflection of the small base. The limited supply means less competition for hosts but also signals that the market is still developing.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Benton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Benton 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 the Benton, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Trailing 12-month revenue averages by month and property size
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings
• 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.