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

Columbia Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbia, MO is a college-town market anchored by the University of Missouri, where 175 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $25,920. With an ADR of $184 — well below the $240 state average — and occupancy running at 31% (slightly above Missouri's 28% average), the market offers accessible pricing but demands careful deal selection. An 86% year-over-year growth in active listings signals strong investor interest, though that influx of supply is compressing margins and making property choice increasingly important.

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 Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Columbia

Columbia attracts STR investors because its university-driven demand creates recurring seasonal booking cycles, while entry costs remain moderate relative to other Missouri markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbia represents a competitive opportunity where investor interest is clearly rising — the 86% year-over-year listing growth is among the more aggressive supply expansions you'll see in a mid-sized market. Revenue peaks sharply in September ($3,118) and October ($2,791), likely driven by university events, while January ($1,087) and February ($1,326) are notably soft, creating a pronounced seasonal swing that investors must plan around. The market's average ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects solid demand fundamentals offset by tightening supply/demand dynamics, making disciplined property selection and pricing strategy critical for profitability."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbia

Average revenue by month in Columbia

Columbia's revenue cycle shows strong seasonality, peaking in September at $3,118 and bottoming in January at $1,087 — a nearly 3x spread that underscores the importance of pricing strategy and reserve budgeting. The fall months (September–November) are the clear revenue drivers, likely fueled by university football season and campus events, while summer months like July ($2,462) and May ($2,656) provide a solid secondary peak.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbia

One-bedroom units dominate Columbia's supply with 60 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 49 — together accounting for more than 60% of inventory. Four-bedroom (22) and especially 5-bedroom (5) properties are significantly underrepresented, which could signal less competition and potential pricing power for investors targeting larger group-friendly homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbia

ADR scales steeply with size in Columbia, rising from $111 for 1-bedroom properties to $402 for 5-bedroom homes — a 262% premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($138) to 3-bedroom ($214) represents the sharpest per-bedroom increase, suggesting 3-bedroom properties may offer the best balance of rate premium relative to added costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbia

Four-bedroom properties deliver the standout RevPAN at $130, more than double the next-best category (3-bedrooms at $59), thanks to their strong combination of high ADR and market-leading 38% occupancy. Interestingly, 5-bedroom listings drop back to $56 RevPAN despite their $402 ADR, dragged down by just 14% occupancy — a clear signal that the largest homes face limited demand in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbia

Occupancy is highest for 4-bedroom properties at 38% and 1-bedrooms at 35%, while 5-bedroom listings lag significantly at just 14%. The middle-of-the-road occupancy for 2-bedroom (30%) and 3-bedroom (27%) units suggests stable but unspectacular demand, making consistent pricing and guest experience essential for maintaining cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbia

Monthly revenue rises steadily with property size, from $1,214 for 1-bedroom listings to $5,373 for 5-bedroom homes, though the 4-bedroom sweet spot at $3,973 offers strong returns with far better occupancy consistency. The gap between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom monthly revenue ($1,214 vs. $1,922) is meaningful, suggesting the step up from studio-style units can meaningfully improve an investor's income floor.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbia

Annual revenue ranges from $14,577 for 1-bedroom listings to $64,484 for 5-bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom homes generating $47,686 — the most compelling return profile given their superior occupancy and RevPAN metrics. Investors targeting the $31,054 annual revenue of 3-bedroom properties also find a reasonable middle ground, especially when weighed against likely lower acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbia

Parking (93%) and a full kitchen (90%) are near-universal expectations in Columbia, followed closely by self check-in (81%) and laundry facilities (73% washer, 70% dryer). The high prevalence of backyards and patios (both 64%) reflects the family and group-travel orientation of the market, while a workspace (49%) signals meaningful demand from remote workers and university-affiliated visitors.

Understanding Columbia's ROI Score: 54/100

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 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that while the fundamentals support investment, the market requires more selective deal sourcing than a high-scoring market would. Average marks on revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are balanced by above-average market growth, but the below-average supply/demand balance — reflecting that 86% listing growth — means new inventory is outpacing demand expansion. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting the 3- or 4-bedroom segment can help investors tilt the odds in their favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbia

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

Permit Requirements

Columbia, Missouri may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements with the City of Columbia and Boone County, as local STR ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Columbia can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA covenants may impose additional rules, so reviewing any applicable homeowners' association agreements before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Missouri are generally subject to state and local sales taxes, as well as transient guest or occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Missouri Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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 as investor attention remains elevated, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest September and October will remain the strongest booking windows — likely tied to Mizzou football and fall events — with ADR potentially edging up 1–3% as hosts optimize pricing around peak weekends. January and February will continue to be soft months, so investors should budget for revenue dips below $1,400 during winter. The above-average market growth trend is encouraging, but the below-average supply/demand balance warrants monitoring over the coming year."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbia, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbia?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Columbia, MO is currently 31%, which edges out the Missouri state average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size — 4-bedroom homes lead at 38%, while 5-bedroom properties sit much lower at 14%. Investors should consider that occupancy in Columbia is heavily influenced by seasonal demand tied to university events and local travel patterns.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbia?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Columbia earn approximately $2,160 per month or $25,920 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $14,577 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $47,686. Larger 5-bedroom homes can reach about $64,484 per year, though their low occupancy (14%) means revenue is concentrated in peak periods.

Is Columbia a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbia scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market has above-average growth trends and occupancy that beats the state average, but rapid supply growth (86% year-over-year increase in listings) and average revenue-to-price ratios mean investors need to be selective about which properties they acquire. Targeting 3- or 4-bedroom homes — which offer strong RevPAN and occupancy — and pricing strategically around peak university events can improve your odds of success.

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

The average daily rate in Columbia is $184, which is below the Missouri state average of $240. ADR increases substantially with property size, starting at $111 for 1-bedroom listings and climbing to $346 for 4-bedroom and $402 for 5-bedroom properties. The lower overall ADR reflects Columbia's mid-market positioning, but it also means lower acquisition costs relative to pricier Missouri destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbia?

Short-term rentals do operate in Columbia, MO, with 175 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or registration, and rules can change over time. Prospective investors should consult the City of Columbia, Boone County authorities, and any applicable HOA agreements to confirm current legal requirements before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbia?

Peak season in Columbia runs from late summer through fall, with September generating the highest average monthly revenue at $3,118, followed by October at $2,791. May ($2,656) and July ($2,462) also perform well. The slowest months are January ($1,087) and February ($1,326), creating a roughly 3x spread between peak and off-peak revenue — a significant seasonal swing that investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbia?

Columbia currently has 175 active Airbnb listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 60 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (49) and 2-bedrooms (36). Four- and 5-bedroom listings are less common at 22 and 5 respectively, which may represent less competitive segments for investors willing to target larger properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbia?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown 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. 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 and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Columbia, 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, MO market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property preparation decisions

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 historical averages and may not account for recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.