Bowling Green, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

51 / 100

Bowling Green presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Bowling Green Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bowling Green, KY is a competitive short-term rental market with 95 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $19,064 per property. While the market's ADR of $131 sits well below the Kentucky state average of $333, average home values of $425,020 and 80% year-over-year listing growth signal rising investor interest. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the top earners, pulling in roughly $30,206 annually—making property selection a critical factor in this market.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 95
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $333 state avg. $131
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 28% state avg. 25%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $33
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,588
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $19,064

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Bowling Green

Bowling Green appeals to investors thanks to above-average market growth and a diverse range of property sizes that let buyers target specific revenue tiers.

Key investment factors

  • Above-average market growth trend suggests expanding traveler demand in the region
  • Three-bedroom properties deliver $65 RevPAN—nearly double the next best size—offering a clear revenue sweet spot
  • Home values around $425,020 provide a lower entry point compared to many Kentucky resort markets
  • Proximity to Western Kentucky University and regional events supports a mix of leisure and event-driven bookings
  • Nearly all listings include kitchens (99%) and parking (96%), indicating a guest base that expects home-like stays

Expert Market Assessment

"Bowling Green presents a moderate opportunity that rewards careful property selection over broad market bets. The ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, tempered by a supply-demand balance that leans competitive after rapid listing growth. Seasonality is pronounced—revenue swings from a low of $677 in January to $2,521 in October—so investors should plan for lean winter months. Targeting 3-bedroom homes, which command the highest occupancy (37%) and annual revenue ($30,206), is the clearest path to outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Bowling Green'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

Factor Bowling Green Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Below average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Bowling Green's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability alongside above-average market growth but below-average supply/demand balance. The rapid 80% year-over-year listing growth is fueling competition, which means investors need to be more selective about property type and pricing strategy to achieve strong returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting high-performing property configurations—particularly 3-bedroom homes—will help investors make the most of this market's potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bowling Green

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

Permit Requirements

Bowling Green, Kentucky may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register with the city before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Bowling Green and Warren County officials, as local STR rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Kentucky STR markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants may also prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Kentucky are generally subject to state sales tax as well as local transient room taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Bowling Green

Financing an Airbnb investment in Bowling Green requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Bowling Green Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bowling Green's STR market is likely to see continued supply expansion given the 80% year-over-year listing growth, which could put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate heavily in the May–October corridor, with October as the standout month at $2,521 in average revenue. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering around 25–30% market-wide and may see modest ADR increases of 2–4% if new supply doesn't outpace demand. Selective deal sourcing—particularly targeting 3-bedroom properties—will be key to outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bowling Green, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bowling Green?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bowling Green is currently 25%, slightly below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead at 37%, while 2-bedroom properties sit at 20%. Seasonality also plays a role, with stronger demand during the warmer months and fall events.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bowling Green?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Bowling Green earn approximately $1,588 per month or $19,064 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, earnings vary widely by property size—3-bedroom listings average $2,517 per month ($30,206 annually), while 1-bedroom units average just $630 per month ($7,567 annually). Property quality, pricing strategy, and management approach all influence individual results.
Is Bowling Green a good market for Airbnb investment?
Bowling Green earns an ROI score of 51 out of 100 on Rabbu's scale, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market shows above-average growth trends, but rapid supply expansion (80% year-over-year listing growth) means investors need to be selective. Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest returns with $65 RevPAN and 37% occupancy. Investors who source the right property type and manage costs carefully can find viable returns here.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bowling Green?
The average daily rate in Bowling Green is $131, well below the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $78, 2-bedrooms average $124, and 3-bedrooms command the highest rate at $178. Four-bedroom properties come in slightly lower at $167, suggesting that the premium tops out at three bedrooms in this market.
Are short-term rentals legal in Bowling Green?
Short-term rentals do operate in Bowling Green, KY, with 95 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations, permits, and zoning rules may apply. Investors should check directly with the City of Bowling Green and Warren County for the latest permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing a property for STR use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Bowling Green?
October is the highest-earning month in Bowling Green, with average revenue reaching $2,521, followed by July at $2,387 and June at $2,001. The peak season generally runs from May through October. Winter months are considerably softer—January averages just $677 and February $752—so investors should budget for significant seasonal revenue swings.
How many Airbnbs are there in Bowling Green?
As of April 2026, there are 95 active Airbnb listings in Bowling Green. The supply is led by 1-bedroom properties (35 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (23), 3-bedrooms (22), and 4-bedrooms (9). The market has experienced significant growth, with active listings increasing 80% year over year.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bowling Green?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bowling Green 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, drops 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 rather than to 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 by market and property size
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data reflecting current listing features 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions can shift. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Bowling Green's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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