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

Berea Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Berea, KY is a small but growing short-term rental market with 44 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $13,247 per property. With an average daily rate of $102—well below the $333 Kentucky state average—and home values around $329,220, the market offers an accessible entry point for investors seeking affordable properties with moderate cash-flow potential. A notable 242% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the 21% average occupancy rate suggests demand hasn't yet caught up with supply expansion.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Berea 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 Berea

Berea appeals to investors looking for an affordable Kentucky market with above-average growth momentum and revenue potential that scales meaningfully with larger property sizes.

Expert Market Assessment

"Berea presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to work within a smaller, emerging market. The ROI score of 61 out of 100—labeled "Attractive Opportunity"—reflects a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio tempered by below-average occupancy stability. Seasonality is pronounced: revenue swings from a low of $438 in January to a peak of $1,753 in October, meaning cash-flow planning should account for lean winter months. Investors targeting 2- or 3-bedroom properties stand to capture the strongest returns, as these configurations command both higher occupancy and significantly better per-night revenue than studios or 1-bedrooms."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Berea

Average revenue by month in Berea

Berea shows pronounced seasonality, with October leading at $1,753 in average revenue and January bottoming out at just $438—a 4x spread between peak and trough. Revenue ramps steadily from March through October before dropping sharply in the winter months, signaling that fall foliage or local events are key demand drivers.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Berea

Supply is concentrated among smaller units, with studios (13), 1-bedrooms (12), and 2-bedrooms (12) each holding roughly equal share, while 3-bedroom listings account for only 6 of the 44 total. The relative scarcity of 3-bedroom properties—combined with their superior revenue metrics—may represent an undersupplied niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Berea

ADR jumps sharply from $50 for studios to $130 for 1-bedrooms, then dips slightly to $111 for 2-bedrooms before peaking at $136 for 3-bedroom properties. The 2-bedroom ADR dip relative to 1-bedrooms is unusual and may indicate competitive pricing pressure in that segment, while 3-bedrooms command the strongest nightly premiums.

Average RevPAN by property size in Berea

Revenue per available night climbs dramatically with size: studios earn just $8, 1-bedrooms $12, while 2-bedrooms ($37) and 3-bedrooms ($38) deliver nearly five times the per-night revenue of studios. The minimal gap between 2- and 3-bedroom RevPAN suggests both sizes are strong performers once occupancy is factored in.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Berea

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 33%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 28%, while 1-bedrooms lag significantly at just 10%. This pattern suggests that guests visiting Berea tend to travel in groups or families, making multi-bedroom configurations far more reliable for consistent bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Berea

Monthly revenue scales steeply with property size: studios average only $149, 1-bedrooms earn $998, 2-bedrooms bring in $1,591, and 3-bedrooms top the market at $2,103. The jump from studio to 1-bedroom alone represents a 6.7x increase, underscoring that even modest sizing up has a dramatic impact on cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Berea

Three-bedroom properties lead with $25,245 in average annual revenue, followed by 2-bedrooms at $19,102—both significantly outpacing 1-bedrooms ($11,982) and studios ($1,797). Given average home values of $329,220, a 3-bedroom generating over $25K annually offers the most compelling return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Berea

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence, reflecting Berea's car-dependent location, while backyards (80%), kitchens (77%), and washer/dryer combos (73%) round out the essentials. Notably, 34% of listings offer EV chargers—an unusually high rate for a small market—suggesting hosts are catering to a sustainability-minded traveler demographic, possibly linked to Berea's artisan and college-town culture.

Understanding Berea's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Berea's ROI Score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven by an average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth trends that point to a destination still gaining traction. The below-average occupancy stability is the primary drag on the score, reflecting both pronounced seasonality and a rapidly expanding supply base that hasn't fully been absorbed by demand. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and consider targeting 2–3 bedroom properties where occupancy and revenue performance are meaningfully stronger.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Berea

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

Permit Requirements

Berea, Kentucky may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or specific STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Berea and Madison County officials, as regulations in smaller Kentucky markets can evolve quickly alongside listing growth.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements (notably, 98% of local listings already offer parking), and potential HOA rules that could limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods. Some Kentucky municipalities also enforce minimum-stay requirements or cap the number of STR permits issued in a given area.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Kentucky are generally subject to state sales tax and may owe local transient room taxes to Madison County or the City of Berea. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm whether any local lodging taxes require separate filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Berea's STR market is likely to stabilize as the rapid influx of new listings (242% YoY growth) finds equilibrium with local demand. The above-average market growth trend identified in the ROI analysis suggests occupancy could gradually improve as the destination gains visibility, potentially climbing toward 24–27% if supply growth moderates. Seasonal patterns point to strong fall performance—October alone averaged $1,753 in revenue—so investors timing their entries around peak-season preparation may see the quickest returns. ADR is estimated to hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases given the market's affordability positioning relative to Kentucky averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Berea, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Berea?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Berea is currently 21%, which falls below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—2-bedroom listings average 33% occupancy while 1-bedrooms sit at just 10%. Investors choosing the right property configuration can meaningfully outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Berea?

Airbnb hosts in Berea earn an average of $1,103 per month or $13,247 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings scale considerably with property size: studios average just $149 per month, while 3-bedroom properties bring in approximately $2,103 monthly ($25,245 annually). Peak months like October can push monthly revenue to $1,753 or higher.

Is Berea a good market for Airbnb investment?

Berea earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 61 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from affordable home values averaging $329,220, above-average growth trends, and solid revenue potential for larger properties. However, below-average occupancy stability and strong seasonality mean investors should plan for slower winter months and focus on property types (2–3 bedrooms) that consistently perform best.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Berea is $102, which is considerably lower than the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR ranges from $50 for studios up to $136 for 3-bedroom properties. This pricing reflects Berea's positioning as an affordable, value-oriented destination rather than a luxury market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Berea?

Short-term rentals operate in Berea, KY, with 44 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should check directly with the City of Berea and Madison County for the most current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Berea?

Peak season in Berea centers on the fall, with October delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $1,753. The summer months from June through September also perform well, with revenues ranging from $1,209 to $1,396. Winter is the slowest period—January and February average just $438 and $485 respectively—so investors should budget for significant seasonal swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Berea?

There are currently 44 active Airbnb listings in Berea as of April 2026. The market has experienced dramatic growth, with a 242% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is fairly evenly distributed among smaller properties: 13 studios, 12 one-bedrooms, 12 two-bedrooms, and 6 three-bedrooms.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Berea?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Berea 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 aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like October's $1,753 average) and slower periods (like January's $438). 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 Berea, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data across active listings

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 averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.