Columbus, MS Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Columbus Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbus, MS is a compact short-term rental market with just 25 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $19,938 per property. With an average daily rate of $141—well below the Mississippi state average of $318—and home values around $278,564, the market offers a relatively low barrier to entry. However, a 27% occupancy rate signals that investors will need sharp pricing and marketing strategies to stand out in what Rabbu classifies as a competitive opportunity.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Columbus 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 Columbus

Columbus appeals to investors seeking affordable entry into a small Mississippi market where limited supply creates potential upside for well-positioned properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbus sits in the competitive opportunity tier with an ROI score of 54 out of 100, reflecting average revenue-to-price dynamics but below-average occupancy stability and growth trends. The market's pronounced seasonality—revenue ranges from a low of $822 in February to a peak of $2,668 in November—means cash flow can be uneven across the year. Investors who target larger properties and lean into the strong fall season have the best shot at above-average returns. Careful deal sourcing and realistic revenue expectations are essential here, as tighter competition and modest occupancy leave little room for error."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbus

Average revenue by month in Columbus

Columbus shows pronounced seasonality, with November ($2,668) and October ($2,313) far outpacing the weakest month, February ($822)—a spread of more than 3x. Investors should plan for lean winter months and capitalize on strong fall demand to maximize annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbus

Supply is relatively evenly distributed, with 6 one-bedroom, 8 two-bedroom, and 8 three-bedroom listings making up the market's 25 active properties. There are no 4+ bedroom listings, which could represent an underserved niche if local demand supports larger group stays.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbus

ADR climbs from $108 for 1-bedroom listings to $162 for 2-bedrooms and $166 for 3-bedrooms, meaning the jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms carries the biggest pricing premium. The narrow $4 gap between 2- and 3-bedroom rates suggests 3-bedroom properties offer slightly more space for nearly the same nightly cost to guests.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbus

Three-bedroom properties lead with a RevPAN of $54, more than double the $20 RevPAN of 1-bedroom units, while 2-bedrooms sit at $42. This gap underscores how larger properties' higher occupancy compounds with better nightly rates to deliver meaningfully stronger revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbus

Occupancy scales clearly with size: 3-bedroom properties fill 33% of available nights, compared to 26% for 2-bedrooms and just 19% for 1-bedrooms. The 14-percentage-point gap between the smallest and largest units suggests guests in Columbus favor more spacious accommodations, making smaller units riskier for cash-flow stability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbus

Monthly revenue differences across sizes are surprisingly modest—3-bedrooms average $1,676, 2-bedrooms earn $1,626, and 1-bedrooms bring in $1,501. While larger units still outperform, the relatively narrow spread of $175 between the top and bottom tier means operational costs and acquisition price play an outsized role in determining profitability.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbus

Three-bedroom listings top the market at $20,117 in average annual revenue, followed by 2-bedrooms at $19,512 and 1-bedrooms at $18,013. Given that 3-bedroom properties only earn about $2,100 more per year than 1-bedrooms, investors should weigh the incremental revenue against higher purchase and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbus

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchens (96%), washers (84%), and self check-in (80%) are near-standard—signaling that guests in Columbus expect a home-like, self-service experience. Differentiating amenities like hot tubs, pools, and lake access appear in only 4% of listings each, offering a potential competitive edge for hosts willing to invest in standout features.

Understanding Columbus'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

Columbus earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band—meaning the fundamentals are present but returns hinge on disciplined deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance score as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend both fall below average, reflecting the market's softer fill rates and uncertain demand trajectory. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors identify which Columbus properties can realistically clear the profitability bar.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbus

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Columbus, Mississippi may be required to obtain local business permits or register their property with the city. Investors should verify current STR permitting requirements directly with the City of Columbus and the State of Mississippi before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in Columbus include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum stay requirements, and parking regulations. Additionally, homeowners association rules or deed restrictions in certain neighborhoods could limit or prohibit short-term rental activity, so checking with any applicable HOA is an important step.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Mississippi are generally subject to state sales tax and local tourism or occupancy taxes on rental income. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Columbus is likely to see continued seasonality-driven swings, with the strongest revenue concentrated in the fall months (October through November) and a softer stretch in late winter. Occupancy may hover in the 25–30% range given below-average stability trends, though selective investors targeting 3-bedroom properties could outperform the market average. ADR growth of 1–3% is plausible if supply remains modest, but meaningful improvement will depend on whether local demand drivers strengthen. Investors should treat projections cautiously and monitor listing growth, which surged 200% year-over-year."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbus, MS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbus?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Columbus, MS is currently 27%, which sits slightly below the Mississippi state average of 29%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average 19%, 2-bedrooms come in at 26%, and 3-bedrooms lead at 33%. Investors targeting larger properties can expect meaningfully better fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbus?

Airbnb hosts in Columbus earn an average of $1,661 per month and approximately $19,938 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings averaging $20,117 annually and 1-bedroom units bringing in around $18,013. Monthly income also fluctuates with the seasons—November is the highest-earning month at $2,668, while February dips to $822.

Is Columbus a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbus offers a competitive opportunity for STR investment, earning a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100. The market benefits from affordable home prices averaging $278,564 and limited competition with only 25 active listings, but below-average occupancy stability and market growth trends mean returns aren't guaranteed. Investors who source deals carefully, target 3-bedroom properties, and optimize for the strong fall season are best positioned to succeed.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Columbus is $141, which is considerably lower than the Mississippi state average of $318. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $108, 2-bedrooms average $162, and 3-bedrooms come in at $166. The relatively modest rates reflect the market's smaller-town positioning and local demand dynamics.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbus?

Short-term rentals operate in Columbus, MS, but investors should verify the latest local regulations before purchasing or listing a property. Requirements around business licenses, zoning, and property registration can change, so checking with the City of Columbus and the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax and permitting details is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbus?

Peak season for Airbnb in Columbus runs from September through November, with November topping out at $2,668 in average revenue and October close behind at $2,313. April also performs well at $2,104. The slowest months are February ($822) and January ($1,091), making late winter the market's clear off-peak period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbus?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Columbus, MS. The supply is split across 1-bedroom (6 listings), 2-bedroom (8 listings), and 3-bedroom (8 listings) properties. Notably, year-over-year listing growth reached 200%, indicating a rapid increase in investor and host activity in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbus?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Columbus are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower months. 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 Columbus, MS market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from 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, tax requirements, and permitting rules can change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.