Cave City, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cave City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cave City, KY sits at the doorstep of Mammoth Cave National Park, making it a natural draw for leisure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. With just 19 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,812, this micro-market offers investors a low-competition entry point where demand tied to one of Kentucky's most visited attractions can translate into steady bookings. The average daily rate of $115 comes in well below the state average of $333, keeping nightly pricing accessible to a broad range of guests, while occupancy at 30% slightly edges out the Kentucky average of 28%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cave City 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 Cave City

Cave City's proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park creates a tourism-driven demand base that, paired with low property prices and limited competition, makes it worth a closer look for budget-conscious STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cave City earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 64 out of 100, reflecting a balanced mix of reasonable revenue relative to property costs and growing market momentum. Seasonality is pronounced — July peaks at $3,069 in average monthly revenue while February dips to $853 — so investors should plan for meaningful cash-flow swings between summer highs and winter lows. The 86% year-over-year listing growth is a double-edged sword: it validates demand but also means the window for early-mover advantage is narrowing. Properties that lean into outdoor hospitality (backyards, grills, pet-friendliness) align well with what's already working in this nature-tourism market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cave City

Average revenue by month in Cave City

Revenue in Cave City follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking at $3,069 in July and bottoming out at $853 in February — a spread of more than 3.5x. Investors should expect strong earnings from May through August, with a secondary bump in October ($2,137), while budgeting for significantly leaner winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cave City

The market's 19 active listings are concentrated in small configurations: 8 two-bedroom and 6 one-bedroom properties account for the visible supply. Larger properties (3+ bedrooms) appear absent or negligible, which could represent an underserved niche for investors willing to offer more space.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cave City

ADR scales modestly from $107 for 1-bedroom units to $111 for 2-bedroom listings, a narrow $4 premium that suggests guests in this market are price-sensitive and the incremental space doesn't command a steep surcharge. The real return advantage of larger units comes through occupancy rather than nightly rate.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cave City

Two-bedroom properties generate $37 in RevPAN compared to just $22 for 1-bedroom units, a 68% premium driven largely by their higher occupancy rates. This makes 2-bedroom configurations the clear efficiency leader on a per-available-night basis in Cave City.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cave City

Two-bedroom listings maintain a 34% occupancy rate versus 21% for 1-bedroom units, indicating that guests in this market strongly prefer the extra space. The 13-percentage-point gap makes 2-bedroom properties significantly more reliable for consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cave City

Monthly revenue diverges dramatically by size: 2-bedroom listings average $2,170 per month while 1-bedroom units bring in only $714, roughly a third as much. This threefold difference makes the case for prioritizing 2-bedroom inventory in Cave City quite compelling.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cave City

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties earn approximately $26,046 compared to $8,577 for 1-bedroom units. The substantially higher annual revenue of 2-bedroom listings, combined with their stronger occupancy, positions them as the better return vehicle in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cave City

Parking (100%), self check-in (95%), and pet-friendliness (90%) are near-universal among Cave City listings, reflecting a guest base that overwhelmingly arrives by car and often brings pets along for national park trips. Outdoor amenities like backyards (74%), outdoor furniture (79%), and BBQ grills (53%) are also common, signaling that guests expect a comfortable outdoor-living experience.

Understanding Cave City's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Cave City's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability paired with above-average market growth trends. The above-average growth factor is particularly noteworthy — it suggests rising traveler interest that could improve returns for early entrants as the market matures. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and on-the-ground property evaluation to build a complete investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cave City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cave City, Kentucky may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the city or county. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Cave City and Barren County officials before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in small Kentucky markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may also apply to certain properties, so it's important to review any deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax on short-term rentals, and local jurisdictions may layer on additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"With an 86% year-over-year increase in active listings, Cave City is clearly gaining traction among hosts — a signal that broader market awareness is rising. Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate occupancy could hold in the 28–33% range as new supply enters, though strong summer months should keep seasonal peaks robust. ADR may see modest upward pressure of 2–5% as the market matures and hosts refine their pricing strategies. Investors who enter early and differentiate on amenities or guest experience stand to benefit most before the supply side catches up to demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cave City, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cave City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cave City is currently 30%, which slightly outperforms the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2-bedroom listings averaging 34% compared to 21% for 1-bedroom units. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with summer months driving the highest demand thanks to proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cave City?

Airbnb hosts in Cave City earn an average of $1,817 per month, translating to approximately $21,812 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary considerably by property size — 2-bedroom listings pull in around $2,170 per month ($26,046 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $714 per month ($8,577 annually). Peak summer months like July can see revenues reach $3,069, while winter months may dip below $1,000.

Is Cave City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cave City scores a 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from tourism traffic driven by Mammoth Cave National Park, relatively low competition with just 19 active listings, and above-average market growth trends. However, occupancy rates are moderate and seasonality is significant, so investors should model for cash-flow variability between peak summer months and slower winter periods. Properties that cater to families and pet owners tend to align well with local guest demand.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cave City is $115, which is significantly below the Kentucky state average of $333. This lower price point reflects the rural, nature-tourism character of the market and keeps listings accessible to a wide range of budget-conscious travelers. ADR is relatively consistent across property sizes, with 1-bedroom units at $107 and 2-bedroom units at $111.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cave City?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Cave City, KY, but local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning requirements. Kentucky also imposes transient room taxes on short-term stays. Investors should verify the latest rules with Cave City and Barren County authorities and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cave City?

Peak season in Cave City runs from May through August, driven by summer tourism to Mammoth Cave National Park and the surrounding region. July is the highest-earning month, with average revenue reaching $3,069. October also sees a notable bump to $2,137, likely due to fall foliage and pleasant weather. The slowest months are January and February, when revenue dips to around $949 and $853 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cave City?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Cave City. The market has seen significant growth, with an 86% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is concentrated in smaller property sizes, with 8 two-bedroom listings and 6 one-bedroom listings making up the bulk of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cave City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cave City 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the numbers 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 how actively the listing is 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 the Cave City market
• Average daily rates, occupancy, and RevPAN tracked over time by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.