Bristol, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bristol Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bristol, TN is a compact short-term rental market with 62 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,868 per property. At an average daily rate of $196 — well below Tennessee's $309 state average — the market offers relatively affordable entry, though occupancy sits at 20% compared to 29% statewide. The 128% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest, making this a market worth watching for those comfortable navigating emerging demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bristol 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 Bristol

Bristol appeals to investors seeking affordable Tennessee property with moderate revenue potential and room for market growth as the destination gains recognition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bristol presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to manage pronounced seasonality and a market still finding its footing. Revenue peaks sharply in August at $3,336 per month but dips to roughly $860 in January, creating a spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy metrics, with supply/demand balance trailing behind — a sign that the recent surge in new listings may be outpacing demand growth for now. Investors who target 3-bedroom properties and optimize for summer and fall visitors stand the best chance of capturing meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bristol

Average revenue by month in Bristol

Bristol's revenue curve peaks sharply in August at $3,336 and bottoms out in January at $860, reflecting a nearly 4x spread between the best and weakest months. The summer-to-early-fall window (June through October) drives the bulk of annual income, so investors should plan pricing and availability strategies around this concentrated earning season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bristol

Two-bedroom properties dominate Bristol's supply with 24 listings, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at 20 and 1-bedrooms at just 11. The relatively thin supply of 1-bedroom units could represent either limited demand for smaller accommodations or a niche opportunity for investors targeting solo travelers and couples.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bristol

ADR jumps significantly at the 3-bedroom level, commanding $218 per night compared to $127 for 2-bedrooms and $115 for 1-bedrooms. The $91 premium from 2 to 3 bedrooms is far steeper than the $12 gap between 1- and 2-bedroom units, suggesting that larger group-friendly properties can capture meaningfully higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bristol

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $43 per available night, more than double the $17 generated by 1-bedroom listings. Two-bedroom units land in the middle at $29, making 3-bedrooms the clear leader in revenue efficiency after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bristol

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 23%, while 3-bedrooms sit at 20% and 1-bedrooms lag at 15%. The modest occupancy across all sizes — all below the state average — underscores the importance of competitive pricing and strong listing optimization to maximize booked nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bristol

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,383, roughly $680 more than 2-bedroom units at $1,703, while 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $913. The gap between sizes highlights how larger, group-friendly properties capture substantially more income in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bristol

At $28,603 in annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties outperform 2-bedrooms ($20,445) by over 40% and more than double the $10,965 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors evaluating return potential against acquisition costs, the 3-bedroom segment clearly offers the most compelling revenue profile in Bristol.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bristol

Parking and kitchen access are virtually universal at 98%, with washers (90%) and dryers (89%) close behind — signaling that guests in Bristol expect a comfortable, home-like experience. Outdoor features like patios (65%), backyards (61%), and BBQ grills (52%) are also common, reflecting a leisure-oriented market where outdoor living space is a meaningful differentiator.

Understanding Bristol's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Bristol's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating moderate but real investment potential. Revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth all rate as average, while the supply/demand balance comes in below average — likely reflecting the 128% surge in new listings. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-performing 3-bedroom properties can help investors make the most of this emerging Tennessee market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bristol

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

Permit Requirements

Bristol, Tennessee may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements directly with the City of Bristol and the State of Tennessee before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Tennessee STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so checking local zoning and homeowner association bylaws early in the due-diligence process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Tennessee are typically subject to state and local sales tax, as well as occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bristol's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 128% year-over-year increase in active listings. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain concentrated in the summer months, with August driving the strongest performance. ADR could see modest gains of 1–3% if new supply is absorbed, but occupancy rates will need to stabilize in the 20–25% range for the market to mature. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively for the softer January–March stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bristol, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bristol?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bristol, TN is currently 20%, which falls below Tennessee's statewide average of 29%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 23%, while 1-bedroom units trail at 15%. Investors should factor this relatively modest occupancy into their financial projections.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bristol?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bristol earn approximately $1,822 per month, or about $21,868 annually based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead at roughly $2,383 per month ($28,603 annually), while 1-bedroom properties average $913 per month. Seasonal fluctuations are notable, with August being the strongest month at $3,336 and January the slowest at $860.

Is Bristol a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bristol earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market offers average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, with affordable home values around $366,337. However, the supply/demand balance is rated below average, partly due to rapid listing growth of 128% year over year. Investors who target larger properties and plan for strong summer seasonality can position themselves well, though careful due diligence on local demand drivers is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bristol is $196, which is notably below the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $115, 2-bedrooms come in at $127, and 3-bedroom properties command $218 per night. This pricing structure reflects Bristol's positioning as an affordable leisure destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bristol?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Bristol, TN, but operators may need to comply with local permitting or registration requirements. Regulations can vary and evolve, so prospective hosts should check directly with the City of Bristol and relevant Tennessee state agencies to ensure full compliance before launching a listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bristol?

Peak season for Airbnb in Bristol runs through the summer months, with August clearly leading the pack at an average revenue of $3,336 per listing. June ($2,047), July ($2,395), and September ($2,134) also deliver strong performance. The slowest months are January ($860) and February ($885), creating a pronounced seasonal revenue curve that investors should plan around.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bristol?

As of April 2026, there are 62 active Airbnb listings in Bristol, TN. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing by 128% year over year. Supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (24 listings) and 3-bedroom (20 listings) properties, with 1-bedroom units accounting for 11 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bristol?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bristol are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. 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 produce a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like August's strong performance) and slower periods (such as January). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is operationally 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 Bristol, TN
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify all requirements with appropriate authorities before purchasing or listing a property.