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

Columbia Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbia, KY is a micro-market with just 15 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition entry point in rural Kentucky. With an average daily rate of $133 — well below the $333 state average — and annual revenue averaging $15,292, the numbers suit investors seeking affordable property acquisition rather than premium nightly rates. The 33% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest, though the 26% occupancy rate suggests demand still has room to catch up with expanding supply.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Columbia 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 Columbia

Columbia appeals to investors looking for low acquisition costs and a small, growing market where early movers can establish positioning before competition intensifies.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbia earns a 'Competitive Opportunity' designation with an ROI score of 52 out of 100, reflecting a market where selective deal sourcing matters. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability mean not every property will pencil out — two-bedroom units with strong amenity packages are the clearest path to positive cash flow. Seasonality is a defining feature: October ($2,461) and January ($2,033) deliver outsized revenue, while December ($270) and March ($504) can test an investor's reserves. Those who can weather the slow months and capitalize on peak demand windows will find the most value here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbia

Average revenue by month in Columbia

Columbia's revenue seasonality is dramatic: October leads at $2,461 and January follows at $2,033, while December ($270) and March ($504) represent deep troughs. This nearly 9x spread between the best and worst months means investors should plan for significant cash flow variability throughout the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbia

The market's 15 active listings skew toward smaller properties, with 6 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom units making up the tracked inventory. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom listings could represent either limited demand for bigger properties or an untested niche worth exploring.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbia

ADR increases modestly from $113 for one-bedroom properties to $126 for two-bedrooms, a roughly 12% premium for the additional space. The relatively narrow gap suggests that two-bedroom units offer better value per dollar of rate increase when paired with their significantly higher occupancy.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbia

Two-bedroom listings generate $46 in RevPAN compared to $30 for one-bedrooms — a 53% advantage that reflects both the higher nightly rate and substantially better occupancy. This metric reinforces that two-bedroom configurations deliver the strongest effective income per available night in Columbia.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbia

Two-bedroom properties fill at 37% occupancy versus 27% for one-bedrooms, a 10-percentage-point gap that meaningfully impacts cash flow predictability. The higher occupancy for two-bedroom units suggests guests in this market tend to prefer a bit more space, making them the more reliable income generators.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbia

Two-bedroom listings earn $1,379 per month on average, outpacing one-bedroom units at $1,038 by about 33%. For investors weighing acquisition costs against monthly income, the two-bedroom configuration offers a clear revenue advantage in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbia

Annually, two-bedroom properties pull in $16,553 compared to $12,464 for one-bedrooms, a difference of roughly $4,100 per year. Against Columbia's average home value of $293K, these revenue levels point to modest gross yields, making purchase price negotiation critical to achieving acceptable returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbia

Kitchens and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while self check-in (93%), backyards (87%), and workspaces (87%) round out the near-essential tier. The prevalence of outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (67%) and pet-friendliness (60%) signals that guests in Columbia value a relaxed, home-like rural experience — and any listing lacking these basics will likely underperform.

Understanding Columbia's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Columbia's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real potential but requires careful property selection. The below-average marks on revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability highlight that not every deal will cash flow — while the above-average supply/demand balance and average growth trend suggest early-mover advantages still exist in this small market. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors identify the properties most likely to perform.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbia

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Columbia, Kentucky should verify whether the city or Adair County requires a specific STR permit or business license before listing a property. Regulations in smaller Kentucky municipalities can vary, so contacting local planning and zoning offices directly is the most reliable way to confirm current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules for properties in managed communities. Investors should also check whether any minimum-stay requirements or caps on the number of permitted short-term rentals exist at the local level.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax and sales tax on short-term accommodations, and Adair County or Columbia may levy additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Columbia's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 33% listing increase already recorded, but occupancy may remain in the 25–30% range unless local demand drivers strengthen. Seasonal revenue swings are pronounced — October and January are standout months, while December and March dip sharply — so investors should budget for lean periods. ADR could hold steady or tick up modestly by 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies in this small market, though meaningful revenue gains will depend more on occupancy improvements than rate increases."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbia, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbia?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Columbia, KY is currently 26%, which sits just slightly below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Two-bedroom properties perform notably better at 37% occupancy compared to 27% for one-bedroom units, so property size plays a meaningful role in how consistently a listing stays booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbia?

Airbnb hosts in Columbia earn an average of $1,274 per month, which translates to roughly $15,292 annually based on the trailing 12-month average. Revenue varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings bring in about $1,379 monthly ($16,553 annually) compared to $1,038 monthly ($12,464 annually) for one-bedroom properties. Seasonality also plays a large role, with October and January being the highest-earning months.

Is Columbia a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbia carries an ROI score of 52 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's strengths include a favorable supply/demand balance and low property acquisition costs averaging around $293K. However, below-average occupancy stability and revenue-to-price ratio mean investors need to be selective — two-bedroom properties with strong amenity offerings and solid pricing strategies tend to perform best. The small listing count (just 15 active) means less competition, but also a smaller demand pool to draw from.

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

The average daily rate in Columbia is $133, which is significantly below the Kentucky state average of $333. One-bedroom listings average $113 per night while two-bedroom properties command $126. These modest rates reflect the rural market dynamics and lower cost of living in the area, making Columbia a volume-and-occupancy play rather than a premium pricing market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbia?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Columbia, KY, though specific licensing or permit requirements may apply at the city or county level. Investors should check with the City of Columbia and Adair County offices to confirm current regulations, including any zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, or required registrations before launching a listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbia?

Peak season in Columbia centers on October, which is the highest-revenue month at $2,461 in average revenue, followed by January at $2,033. Late summer months like July ($1,417) and August ($1,576) also perform well. The slowest months are December ($270) and March ($504), making cash reserve planning essential for year-round operations.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbia?

There are currently 15 active Airbnb listings in Columbia, KY, with the supply split between one-bedroom (6 listings) and two-bedroom (5 listings) properties. The market has seen 33% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating increasing investor interest in this small but expanding market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbia?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Columbia 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures 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 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 the Columbia, KY market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value estimates 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. 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 requirements with local authorities before purchasing.