Cookeville, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cookeville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cookeville, TN is a smaller short-term rental market with 68 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,899 per property. With an ADR of $147—well below the Tennessee state average of $309—and an occupancy rate of 35% that outperforms the 29% state average, the market offers an affordable entry point for investors willing to source deals carefully. The 122% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though competition is tightening in this Upper Cumberland college town.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cookeville 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 Cookeville

Cookeville appeals to investors seeking an affordable Tennessee market with above-average occupancy and manageable competition, though rapid supply growth calls for disciplined deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cookeville represents a competitive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability is offset by a less favorable supply/demand balance and average revenue-to-price dynamics. Seasonality plays a clear role—July and August lead with revenues above $2,300, while January dips to just $964, creating a roughly 2.4x spread between peak and trough months. Investors who target 2- or 3-bedroom properties and manage pricing actively through slower winter months can mitigate the revenue swings. The market rewards operators who differentiate on amenities and guest experience rather than competing solely on price."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cookeville

Average revenue by month in Cookeville

Cookeville's revenue peaks in July at $2,356 and stays strong through August ($2,336) and October ($2,276), while January bottoms out at $964—a roughly 2.4x spread that underscores the market's pronounced seasonality. Investors should budget for winter softness from January through February and capitalize on the extended warm-weather and fall booking windows.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cookeville

Supply is almost perfectly split across 1-bedroom (20), 2-bedroom (20), and 3-bedroom (19) listings, with no single property size dominating the market. This even distribution means there's no obvious underserved niche based on bedroom count alone, so investors may need to differentiate through amenities, location, or guest experience rather than simply targeting a particular property size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cookeville

ADR rises modestly from $103 for 1-bedroom units to $141 for 2-bedrooms and $154 for 3-bedrooms, representing roughly a 50% premium for the largest size. The relatively gentle rate increase suggests that 2-bedroom properties may offer the best balance between nightly pricing power and acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cookeville

Two- and 3-bedroom properties deliver identical RevPAN of $51, while 1-bedrooms lag at $31—a 39% gap that reflects both lower nightly rates and weaker occupancy for smaller units. Investors targeting revenue efficiency per available night should focus on 2- or 3-bedroom configurations in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cookeville

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 36%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 33% and 1-bedrooms at 31%. The relatively narrow spread across sizes suggests that demand in Cookeville isn't heavily skewed toward any one configuration, though the 2-bedroom edge may reflect stronger appeal to couples and small groups visiting the area.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cookeville

Three-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $2,053, while 2-bedrooms earn $1,739 and 1-bedrooms bring in $1,369. The $684 monthly gap between the largest and smallest units adds up to over $8,000 annually, making the case for sizing up when acquisition costs allow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cookeville

Annual revenue ranges from $16,429 for 1-bedroom listings to $24,646 for 3-bedrooms, with 2-bedrooms landing at $20,873. Against an average home value of $475,535, these revenue levels point to tight gross yields, reinforcing the need to find below-market acquisitions or properties that can command above-average nightly rates.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cookeville

Parking (99%) and a full kitchen (97%) are near-universal in Cookeville listings, while self check-in (88%), washer (85%), and dryer (84%) round out the top five—signaling that guests expect a home-like, self-service experience. Amenities like a pool (12%) and hot tub (3%) are rare, which could represent a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to add premium outdoor features.

Understanding Cookeville'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

Cookeville's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, where strong investor interest meets tighter competition and moderate revenue-to-price dynamics. Above-average occupancy stability is a genuine strength, but a below-average supply/demand balance—driven by 122% year-over-year listing growth—means the market is getting crowded quickly. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties that can outperform the market average through better amenities, location, or pricing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cookeville

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

Permit Requirements

Cookeville, Tennessee may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Cookeville and the Putnam County clerk's office, as local STR regulations can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Tennessee STR markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants or neighborhood-specific rules that could limit rental activity, as these can vary significantly even within Cookeville.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cookeville's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 122% year-over-year listing increase, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months and October will remain the strongest revenue windows, with ADR potentially holding steady or rising 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies. Occupancy is estimated to stabilize in the 33–37% range market-wide, and investors who time acquisitions ahead of peak season stand to capture the most upside in their first year of operations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cookeville, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cookeville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cookeville is currently 35%, which outperforms the Tennessee state average of 29%. Two-bedroom properties tend to perform best at 36% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units see about 31%. These figures reflect trailing performance across active listings in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cookeville?

Airbnb hosts in Cookeville earn an average of $1,824 per month or roughly $21,899 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—3-bedroom listings average $2,053 per month ($24,646 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in about $1,369 per month ($16,429 annually). Individual results depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and seasonal management.

Is Cookeville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cookeville carries an ROI Score of 54 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as a Competitive Opportunity. The market's occupancy stability is above average, but rapid supply growth (122% year-over-year) and average revenue-to-price ratios mean investors need to be selective about which properties they acquire. Well-managed 2- and 3-bedroom homes with strong amenity packages are best positioned to generate solid returns.

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

The average daily rate in Cookeville is $147, which is significantly below the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $103, 2-bedrooms average $141, and 3-bedrooms come in at $154. The lower rate reflects the market's positioning as an affordable destination compared to higher-profile Tennessee markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cookeville?

Short-term rentals operate in Cookeville, TN, but local regulations may require permits, business registration, or compliance with zoning rules. Tennessee also imposes state-level tax obligations on STR operators. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Cookeville and consult local legal counsel before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cookeville?

Peak season in Cookeville runs from June through August, with July posting the highest average monthly revenue at $2,356. October is another strong month at $2,276, likely driven by fall foliage and university events. The slowest months are January ($964) and February ($1,060), so investors should plan cash reserves to cover the winter dip.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cookeville?

As of April 2026, there are 68 active Airbnb listings in Cookeville. Supply is evenly distributed across property sizes, with 20 one-bedroom listings, 20 two-bedroom listings, and 19 three-bedroom listings. The market has seen 122% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating significant new investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cookeville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cookeville 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 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 draws from 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 Cookeville, TN market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.