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

Bessemer Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bessemer, AL presents an intriguing entry point for short-term rental investors seeking above-average revenue relative to property costs. With an average home value of $281,246 and trailing annual revenue of $21,078, the market's revenue-to-price ratio stands out as above average. The market is still small — just 29 active Airbnb listings — which means less competition but also requires careful demand validation. Year-over-year listing growth of 139% signals rising investor interest, though the low occupancy rate of 23% (well below Alabama's 38% state average) warrants attention.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bessemer 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 Bessemer

Bessemer's appeal lies in its affordable property prices relative to STR income potential, making it a compelling option for investors seeking strong revenue-to-price ratios in the greater Birmingham metro area.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bessemer earns an ROI score of 67 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where the economics work but disciplined execution matters. The strongest signal is the revenue-to-price ratio, which outperforms many comparable markets. Seasonality is fairly mild: October leads at $1,989 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out at $1,319, a manageable $670 spread. The primary challenge is occupancy, which at 23% suggests hosts have room to improve pricing, marketing, and guest experience to capture a larger share of available nights."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bessemer

Average revenue by month in Bessemer

Bessemer shows relatively mild seasonality, with October delivering the highest average revenue at $1,989 and January the lowest at $1,319 — a spread of about $670. The spring-through-fall corridor (March to November) consistently outperforms winter, giving investors roughly nine months of stronger booking activity.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bessemer

The market's 29 active listings are concentrated in just two categories: 11 two-bedroom and 9 three-bedroom properties, with no reported listings at other sizes. This narrow supply distribution could signal opportunity for investors willing to offer larger or smaller configurations that aren't currently represented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bessemer

Three-bedroom properties command a significant ADR premium at $213, roughly 42% higher than two-bedroom units at $150. For investors weighing acquisition cost against nightly rate potential, the jump from two to three bedrooms offers a meaningful pricing uplift.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bessemer

Despite their higher ADR, three-bedroom listings deliver a slightly lower RevPAN of $38 compared to $42 for two-bedroom units, reflecting the occupancy gap between the two sizes. Investors targeting cash-flow efficiency on a per-night basis may find two-bedroom properties more consistent.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bessemer

Two-bedroom properties maintain a 28% occupancy rate versus just 18% for three-bedroom listings, indicating stronger and more consistent demand for smaller units. The 10-percentage-point gap means two-bedroom hosts are filling notably more nights, which contributes to more predictable cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bessemer

Three-bedroom properties still lead in gross monthly revenue at $1,972 compared to $1,457 for two-bedroom units, as the higher ADR more than compensates for lower occupancy. Investors prioritizing top-line revenue may favor three-bedroom homes, while those focused on occupancy stability might lean toward two-bedroom options.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bessemer

On an annual basis, three-bedroom listings generate approximately $23,673 in revenue compared to $17,489 for two-bedroom properties — a difference of over $6,100. Given Bessemer's average home value of $281,246, investors should compare acquisition costs by bedroom count to determine which configuration delivers the best yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bessemer

Kitchen, parking, and self check-in are universal in Bessemer at 100% prevalence, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Standout opportunities lie in less common amenities like hot tubs (3%) and BBQ grills (38%), which could help a listing command premium rates in a market where outdoor features like backyards (76%) already signal guest preference for private space.

Understanding Bessemer'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

Bessemer's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects strong income potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all grade at average levels — solid enough to support investment but leaving room for upside as the market matures. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific underwriting approach will help investors make confident decisions.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bessemer

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bessemer, Alabama may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Bessemer and Jefferson County offices, as regulations in the Birmingham metro area can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum stay requirements, and parking provisions for guests. HOA covenants can also impose additional limitations in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Alabama levies state lodging taxes on short-term rentals, and Jefferson County may impose additional local occupancy or sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bessemer's STR market is likely to continue expanding as new hosts enter, drawn by favorable acquisition costs. Occupancy may stabilize in the 22–26% range as supply growth moderates and hosts refine pricing strategies to capture more bookings. Revenue seasonality suggests that spring through fall will remain the strongest booking window, with October historically delivering the highest monthly revenue. Investors should plan conservatively around ADR in the $190–$200 range and monitor whether the rapid supply increase is matched by proportional demand growth."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bessemer, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bessemer?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bessemer is currently 23%, which falls below the Alabama state average of 38%. This reflects the market's early-stage growth and relatively small demand base. Hosts who optimize pricing, maintain strong reviews, and offer in-demand amenities may outperform this average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bessemer?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Bessemer earns approximately $1,756 per month, or about $21,078 annually. Three-bedroom properties tend to earn more, averaging $23,673 per year, while two-bedroom listings average around $17,489 annually. Individual results will vary based on property quality, location, and management approach.

Is Bessemer a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bessemer scores 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market's strongest asset is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values of $281,246 paired with annual revenue near $21,078 create a favorable entry point. However, occupancy at 23% is below the state average, so investors should focus on properties and strategies that can drive bookings above the market norm.

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

The current average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bessemer is $194, which is below Alabama's statewide average of $247. Three-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $213, while two-bedroom units average $150. This pricing structure reflects the market's affordable positioning relative to larger Alabama destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bessemer?

Short-term rentals operate in Bessemer, AL, with 29 active listings currently on the market. However, local permit or licensing requirements may apply, and regulations can change. Investors should consult directly with the City of Bessemer and Jefferson County to confirm current rules, zoning restrictions, and any HOA limitations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bessemer?

October is historically the highest-revenue month for Bessemer Airbnb hosts, with average monthly revenue reaching $1,989. The broader peak window runs from March through October, with most months generating between $1,889 and $1,989. January and February are the softest months, averaging around $1,319 to $1,332, though the seasonal dip is relatively moderate compared to many vacation-driven markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bessemer?

As of April 2026, there are 29 active Airbnb listings in Bessemer. This represents a 139% year-over-year increase in listings, indicating rapidly growing investor interest. The market's small size means new entrants can still establish competitive positioning, though the pace of supply growth is worth monitoring.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bessemer?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bessemer are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the 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 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 Bessemer, AL market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data 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 performance and market conditions as of April 2026; future results may differ. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.