Cookson, OK Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cookson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cookson, Oklahoma is a small, lakeside-oriented short-term rental market with just 23 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $20,307 per property. While the market's ADR of $180 falls below Oklahoma's $219 state average and occupancy sits at a modest 18%, the 253% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor attention. The combination of strong summer seasonality and a competitive landscape makes Cookson a niche opportunity best suited for investors willing to differentiate on amenities and pricing strategy.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cookson 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 Cookson

Investors are drawn to Cookson for its lake-adjacent appeal and rapid listing growth, though below-average occupancy demands careful property selection and competitive positioning.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cookson presents a competitive but uneven opportunity. The ROI score of 42 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and supply/demand dynamics alongside below-average occupancy stability, meaning investors need to be strategic about property type and timing. Seasonality is pronounced — August peaks at $3,218 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out at just $501, creating a roughly 6:1 spread between best and worst months. For investors who target 2-bedroom configurations and lean into the summer tourism window, Cookson can pencil out, but year-round cash flow will be a challenge without supplemental income strategies during the off-season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cookson

Average revenue by month in Cookson

Cookson's revenue cycle is heavily seasonal, peaking in August at $3,218 and dropping to just $501 in January — a more than 6x spread that underscores the dominance of summer lake tourism. Investors should plan for roughly five strong months (May through September) and budget conservatively for the November-through-February slow season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cookson

Supply is fairly balanced across property sizes, with 5 one-bedroom, 6 two-bedroom, and 6 three-bedroom listings making up the 23-listing market. This even distribution means no single size dominates, though the relatively small total count leaves room for new entrants to establish a foothold.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cookson

ADR climbs sharply with size: 1-bedroom listings average $109 per night, 2-bedrooms sit at $133, and 3-bedroom properties command $225 — more than double the rate of a 1-bedroom. The $92 jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms represents the steepest premium, though investors should weigh this against the significantly lower occupancy that larger units experience in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cookson

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $58, dramatically outpacing both 1-bedrooms ($18) and 3-bedrooms ($11). This gap highlights that 2-bedroom units strike the best balance between nightly rate and occupancy, making them the most efficient earners on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cookson

Occupancy varies dramatically by size: 2-bedroom listings lead at 44%, 1-bedrooms fill at 17%, and 3-bedroom properties sit at just 5%. For investors prioritizing steady bookings and cash-flow reliability, the 2-bedroom segment is clearly the strongest performer in Cookson.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cookson

Three-bedroom listings edge out 2-bedrooms in average monthly revenue ($1,795 vs. $1,757), while 1-bedroom units trail at $911. Despite 3-bedrooms earning slightly more per month, their extremely low occupancy (5%) means that revenue is concentrated in fewer, higher-rate bookings — a riskier income pattern compared to the more consistent 2-bedroom category.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cookson

Annual revenue for 2-bedroom ($21,091) and 3-bedroom ($21,544) properties is nearly identical, both roughly doubling the 1-bedroom figure of $10,940. Given that 2-bedrooms achieve this revenue at much higher occupancy rates, they offer a more dependable return profile and are the standout configuration for investors seeking the best risk-adjusted income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cookson

Parking (100%), kitchens (96%), and BBQ grills (91%) are near-universal in Cookson listings, reflecting a guest base that expects self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented stays. Lake access is offered by only 26% of properties and hot tubs by just 13%, suggesting these amenities could serve as meaningful differentiators for new listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Cookson's ROI Score: 42/100

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

Cookson's ROI score of 42 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real potential but requires disciplined deal selection. The score reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and supply/demand balance, but is pulled down by below-average occupancy stability — a direct reflection of the market's sharp seasonality and low fill rates outside summer months. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 2-bedrooms) that demonstrate stronger occupancy fundamentals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cookson

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cookson, Oklahoma should verify whether Cherokee County or state-level registration or permitting is required before listing. Investors are encouraged to check with local planning and zoning authorities, as rural Oklahoma communities may have varying requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants can also restrict short-term rentals in certain subdivisions, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchase is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Oklahoma imposes state sales tax and a tourism or lodging tax on short-term rentals, though platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm whether any additional county-level occupancy taxes apply in the Cookson area.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cookson's above-average market growth trend suggests continued expansion in both supply and traveler interest, likely driven by lake and outdoor recreation tourism. Summer months should remain the revenue engine — estimates point to peak monthly earnings in the $2,500–$3,200 range between June and August — while winter will likely stay soft with revenues under $600. Occupancy may face downward pressure as new listings enter the market, so investors should anticipate rates settling around 16–20% overall unless they target 2-bedroom properties, which currently capture significantly higher fill rates. Selective deal sourcing and strong amenity packages will be essential to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cookson, OK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cookson?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cookson is currently 18%, which falls below Oklahoma's state average of 28%. However, performance varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings achieve a much stronger 44% occupancy rate, while 3-bedroom properties sit at just 5%. Choosing the right property configuration can make a substantial difference in how often your listing stays booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cookson?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cookson earn approximately $1,692 per month or $20,307 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $21,091 annually, 3-bedroom properties come in at $21,544, and 1-bedroom units earn around $10,940. Peak summer months like August can generate over $3,200 in a single month, while winter months like January may bring in only around $500.

Is Cookson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cookson earns an ROI score of 42 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market shows above-average growth trends and rising investor interest, but below-average occupancy stability means returns require careful planning. Investors targeting 2-bedroom properties and capitalizing on the strong summer tourism season are best positioned. With average home values at $393,633 and annual revenues around $20,307, deal sourcing and operational efficiency will be key to achieving attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate in Cookson is $180, which is below Oklahoma's state average of $219. ADR scales notably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $109 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $133, and 3-bedroom properties command $225 per night. The premium for larger properties is significant, though occupancy rates should be weighed alongside nightly rates when evaluating total revenue potential.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cookson?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Cookson, Oklahoma, as evidenced by 23 active Airbnb listings in the area. However, investors should verify any local permit or registration requirements with Cherokee County and Oklahoma state authorities before purchasing. Zoning regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations may also apply depending on the specific property location.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cookson?

Peak season in Cookson runs from June through September, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,218. July ($2,997) and June ($2,379) also perform strongly, reflecting the area's appeal for summer lake and outdoor recreation. The off-season months of January ($501) and February ($568) see dramatically lower revenues, making Cookson a heavily seasonal market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cookson?

There are currently 23 active Airbnb listings in Cookson as of April 2026. Supply is relatively evenly distributed across property sizes, with 5 one-bedroom listings, 6 two-bedroom listings, and 6 three-bedroom listings tracked. Year-over-year listing growth of 253% indicates the market is expanding rapidly, which investors should factor into competitive analysis.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cookson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cookson 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 aggregate 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, 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 Cookson market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data 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 historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.