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

Burnside Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Burnside, KY earns a Standout Opportunity ROI score of 76 out of 100, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes entry costs attractive relative to earning potential. With average home values around $171,234 and annual revenue averaging $25,956, the market offers a compelling price-to-income dynamic for investors targeting lakeside vacation rentals. The small supply of just 24 active listings suggests a niche market where well-positioned properties can capture strong seasonal demand, particularly during the summer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Burnside 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 Burnside

Burnside's low property prices relative to rental revenue, combined with its position near Lake Cumberland, create an appealing entry point for investors seeking seasonal vacation rental income.

Expert Market Assessment

"Burnside presents a solid seasonal opportunity anchored by summer lake tourism, with July revenue averaging $5,147 per listing—more than ten times what hosts earn in January ($496). The revenue-to-price ratio stands out as above average, meaning investors can recoup purchase costs faster than in many comparable markets. However, occupancy stability is below average at 13%, reflecting the heavily seasonal nature of demand and the quiet winter months that come with a lakeside vacation market. Investors who budget conservatively for the off-season and maximize summer bookings can find meaningful returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Burnside

Average revenue by month in Burnside

Burnside displays extreme seasonality, with July leading at $5,147 in average revenue—over ten times the January low of $496. The June–August summer window accounts for the lion's share of annual earnings, so investors should price aggressively during peak months and consider minimum-stay strategies to maximize summer occupancy.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Burnside

Supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties (10 listings) and 4-bedroom properties (5 listings), with no reported listings in smaller configurations. This narrow size distribution suggests that the market caters to families and groups, and investors considering studio or 1-2 bedroom units would face little direct competition but should validate demand first.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Burnside

ADR nearly doubles from 3-bedroom ($180) to 4-bedroom ($326) properties, reflecting the premium guests will pay for larger lakeside accommodations. The jump suggests that the incremental cost of acquiring or furnishing a 4-bedroom property could be well justified by the rate premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Burnside

Four-bedroom properties deliver $47 in RevPAN compared to just $17 for three-bedroom units, a nearly 3x difference that accounts for both higher nightly rates and somewhat better occupancy. This makes the 4-bedroom segment clearly the stronger performer on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Burnside

Occupancy is modest across the board, with 4-bedroom listings averaging 15% and 3-bedroom units at 10%. While these rates are low relative to urban markets, they reflect concentrated seasonal demand where properties may achieve near-full booking during peak summer weeks and sit largely vacant in winter.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Burnside

Four-bedroom properties generate $4,150 per month on average—more than double the $1,903 earned by three-bedroom listings. For investors weighing property size, the revenue gap strongly favors larger units despite the additional upfront investment required.

Average annual revenue by property size in Burnside

At $49,803 annually, 4-bedroom properties earn more than twice as much as their 3-bedroom counterparts ($22,839), offering the best return potential in the market. Against an average home value of $171,234, the 4-bedroom configuration presents an especially compelling revenue-to-price proposition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Burnside

BBQ grills, kitchens, parking, and self check-in each appear in 96% of listings, establishing them as baseline expectations for guests in Burnside. The high prevalence of pools (79%), hot tubs (75%), and lake access (58%) signals that vacation-oriented outdoor amenities are critical differentiators, and listings lacking these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Burnside's ROI Score: 76/100

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

Burnside's ROI score of 76 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity tier, signaling strong investment fundamentals relative to most short-term rental markets. The score is powered by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio—homes here are affordable enough that even modest rental income translates into meaningful yield—while average marks on market growth and supply/demand balance keep the score grounded. Occupancy stability is the main area of concern, reflecting pronounced seasonality, so investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow plan that accounts for quiet winter months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Burnside

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Burnside, Kentucky may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Pulaski County and the City of Burnside, as regulations can evolve and may differ from state-level guidelines.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking provisions for guests. HOA rules and deed restrictions can also limit STR activity in some developments, so reviewing any covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax on short-term lodging, and Pulaski County may levy additional local occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with a local tax professional to stay compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Burnside's short-term rental market is expected to follow its pronounced seasonal pattern, with summer months (June–August) continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR may see modest increases in the range of 2–5% as the limited supply of quality lakeside properties faces steady vacation demand. Occupancy—currently at 13% on average—could improve slightly if listing quality rises, though investors should plan cash flow around the reality that winter months will remain soft. The 61% year-over-year growth in active listings signals growing investor interest, so early movers may benefit before the supply-demand balance shifts further."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Burnside, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Burnside?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Burnside is currently 13%, which is below the Kentucky state average of 28%. This reflects the market's seasonal nature—demand concentrates heavily in the summer months. Four-bedroom properties tend to perform slightly better at around 15% occupancy, while three-bedroom units average about 10%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Burnside?

Airbnb hosts in Burnside earn an average of $2,163 per month and approximately $25,956 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: four-bedroom listings average $4,150 monthly ($49,803 annually), while three-bedroom properties bring in roughly $1,903 per month ($22,839 annually). Summer months—especially July—can generate over $5,000 in a single month.

Is Burnside a good market for Airbnb investment?

Burnside scores 76 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity designation. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values of $171,234 and annual revenues around $25,956. The main trade-off is below-average occupancy stability due to heavy seasonality, so investors should be prepared for slower winter months and plan cash flow accordingly.

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

The average daily rate in Burnside is $221, which is below the Kentucky state average of $333. However, rates vary considerably by property size: three-bedroom listings average $180 per night, while four-bedroom properties command $326 per night. The lower market-wide average reflects the mix of property sizes and seasonal rate adjustments.

Are short-term rentals legal in Burnside?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Burnside, KY, though operators may need to obtain appropriate local business licenses or permits. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check with Pulaski County and the City of Burnside for the most current rules regarding STR permitting, zoning, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Burnside?

Peak season in Burnside runs from June through August, aligning with summer lake tourism on Lake Cumberland. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $5,147 per listing, followed by August at $3,680 and June at $3,454. The slowest months are January ($496) and February ($714), making this a strongly seasonal market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Burnside?

There are currently 24 active Airbnb listings in Burnside as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in larger properties, with 10 three-bedroom and 5 four-bedroom listings making up the reported inventory. Active listings have grown 61% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Burnside?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Burnside 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, drop regional outliers, and roll 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 for Burnside, KY
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity analysis across active listings
• 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. Local regulations and tax requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.