Buford, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Buford Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Buford, GA sits in a competitive corner of the metro Atlanta short-term rental landscape, with 98 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $19,762 per property. The market's average daily rate of $170 comes in well below Georgia's $299 state average, which keeps the barrier to entry lower but also caps per-night earnings. With average home values around $644,501 and occupancy running at 26% — below the 32% state benchmark — investors will need to be strategic about property type and pricing to make the numbers work. That said, proximity to Lake Lanier and the broader Gwinnett County growth corridor gives Buford a demand base worth evaluating closely.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Buford 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 Buford

Buford appeals to investors looking for a growing suburban market near Lake Lanier with relatively affordable entry points compared to Atlanta proper, though tighter competition and below-average occupancy demand careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Buford presents a moderate opportunity with clear caveats. The ROI score of 50 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics alongside below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance — meaning the market rewards well-positioned properties but punishes generic ones. Seasonality is pronounced, with summer months (May through August) driving the lion's share of revenue and February marking the annual trough. Investors targeting three-bedroom or larger properties stand to capture meaningfully higher returns, but the rapid growth in listings means differentiation through amenities, location, or pricing will be essential to maintaining healthy booking rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Buford

Average revenue by month in Buford

Buford's revenue cycle peaks in July at $2,129 and bottoms out in February at $1,186, creating a roughly 80% spread between the best and worst months. The summer surge from May through August accounts for the strongest earning window, while winter months remain relatively soft — investors should budget for meaningful revenue dips from January through March.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Buford

One-bedroom units dominate Buford's supply with 38 of 98 total listings (39%), while two- and three-bedroom properties each account for 20 listings. The five-bedroom segment has just 7 listings despite generating the highest revenue, suggesting a potential supply gap for investors able to acquire larger, group-oriented properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Buford

ADR in Buford scales dramatically with size, climbing from $71 for one-bedroom units to $465 for five-bedroom properties — a more than 6x premium. Notably, four-bedroom listings ($233) sit slightly below three-bedroom rates ($239), which may indicate pricing pressure or less differentiated inventory at that size.

Average RevPAN by property size in Buford

Three-bedroom properties deliver $89 in RevPAN and five-bedroom units lead at $115, making these the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis. One-bedroom listings lag significantly at just $15 RevPAN, underscoring how smaller units struggle to convert their lower ADR into meaningful nightly income at current occupancy levels.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Buford

Three-bedroom listings stand out with the highest occupancy at 37%, well above the market average of 26% and nearly double the one-bedroom rate of 21%. Four- and five-bedroom units both sit at 25% occupancy, suggesting that while they command premium rates, they book less frequently — making revenue per booking critical to their financial viability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Buford

Monthly revenue scales steeply with property size: five-bedroom listings earn $6,192 per month on average, nearly ten times the $659 generated by one-bedroom units. Three-bedroom properties hit a solid middle ground at $2,324 per month, combining the market's highest occupancy rate with a healthy ADR to deliver reliable monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Buford

Five-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $74,315, dwarfing the $7,909 earned by one-bedroom units and positioning them as the clear top-tier investment configuration in Buford. Four-bedroom listings generate $37,381 annually, while three-bedroom properties at $27,889 offer a more accessible entry point with comparatively strong occupancy.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Buford

Parking (97%) and kitchens (93%) are near-universal in Buford's listings, reflecting the car-dependent suburban setting and extended-stay guest expectations. Lake access (18%) and waterfront location (11%) remain relatively rare differentiators — properties offering these amenities likely command premium rates given Buford's proximity to Lake Lanier.

Understanding Buford's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Buford's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but requires sharper execution to generate attractive returns. Revenue-to-price ratio rates as average, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both score below average — reflecting the rapid 116% listing growth that's outpacing demand absorption. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target differentiated property types, particularly larger homes with lake-adjacent appeal, to tip the economics in their favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Buford

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Buford, Georgia may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from the City of Buford or Gwinnett County depending on the property's location. Investors should verify current registration and permit requirements directly with local government offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Georgia suburban markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants are particularly relevant in Buford's newer subdivisions and lakefront communities, as many restrict or outright prohibit short-term rentals — always confirm HOA rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Georgia are generally required to collect and remit state sales tax, local hotel/motel taxes, and any applicable county-level occupancy taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb often handle state and local tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Buford's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 116% year-over-year increase in active listings, which could put additional pressure on occupancy rates unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in the summer months, with July historically delivering around $2,129 in average monthly revenue — roughly 80% more than the February low of $1,186. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering in the 24–28% range market-wide, though larger properties with lake access or group-friendly amenities may outperform. ADR could see modest gains of 2–4% if supply growth moderates, but selective deal sourcing will remain critical."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Buford, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buford?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buford is currently 26%, which falls below the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — three-bedroom listings lead at 37%, while one-bedroom units average just 21%. Investors should factor in this below-average occupancy when projecting cash flow and consider targeting property types that consistently outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Buford?

Airbnb hosts in Buford earn an average of $1,646 per month or approximately $19,762 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: one-bedroom listings average around $659 per month, while five-bedroom properties can generate approximately $6,192 monthly — or about $74,315 annually. Actual results depend on factors like location, amenities, pricing strategy, and guest reviews.

Is Buford a good market for Airbnb investment?

Buford carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. This means demand and investor interest are present, but higher home prices (averaging $644,501) and below-average occupancy require more careful deal selection. Larger properties — particularly three-to-five-bedroom homes near Lake Lanier — tend to deliver the strongest returns. Investors willing to differentiate on amenities and target group or family travelers can find viable opportunities here.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Buford is $170, which is significantly below the Georgia state average of $299. ADR scales sharply with property size: one-bedroom units average $71 per night, while five-bedroom properties command $465 per night. This pricing gap highlights the premium guests are willing to pay for larger, group-friendly accommodations in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Buford?

Short-term rentals operate in Buford, GA, with 98 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and HOA restrictions can affect whether a specific property is eligible for STR use. Investors should verify current rules with the City of Buford, Gwinnett County, and any applicable homeowners association before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Buford?

Peak season in Buford runs from May through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,129. The shoulder months of October and December also perform reasonably well at $1,723 and $1,686, respectively. February is the slowest month, averaging $1,186 in revenue. This seasonal pattern aligns with summer lake and outdoor activity demand in the Lake Lanier area.

How many Airbnbs are there in Buford?

There are currently 98 active Airbnb listings in Buford as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 116% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 38 listings, followed by two-bedroom and three-bedroom units at 20 each.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Buford?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Buford are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July at $2,129) and slower months (like February at $1,186), since each month uses its own historical performance data. 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, broken down by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics for cross-market consistency

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 performance and market conditions as of April 2026; local conditions may have shifted since the last update. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, management quality, pricing strategy, and regulatory compliance.