Crane Hill, AL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Crane Hill Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Crane Hill, AL is a small lakeside market with just 50 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $393 — well above the $247 Alabama state average — driven largely by demand for waterfront and lake-access properties. However, the market's 17% average occupancy rate sits significantly below the state average of 38%, which means revenue hinges heavily on premium nightly pricing during peak periods. With average annual revenue of $51,375 and a notable 89% year-over-year growth in active listings, investor interest is clearly rising, though deal sourcing will need to be strategic given average home values near $921K.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Crane Hill 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 Crane Hill

Investors are drawn to Crane Hill for its premium lake-driven nightly rates and growing market momentum, though below-average occupancy and high home values demand careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Crane Hill presents a competitive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. The market's strength lies in its premium ADR and clear summer peak — July revenue averages $7,518, more than four times the February low of $1,723 — but the pronounced seasonality and 17% occupancy rate mean cash flow will be uneven throughout the year. Larger properties, especially 5-bedroom homes, deliver the strongest returns with $162 RevPAN and nearly $75K in annual revenue, though they represent only 6 of 50 active listings. Investors who can absorb the off-season dips and position a differentiated lakefront property stand to benefit from a market that's still early in its growth curve."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Crane Hill

Average revenue by month in Crane Hill

Crane Hill exhibits strong summer seasonality, with July peaking at $7,518 and the off-season floor hitting $1,723 in February — a roughly 4.4x spread that investors should plan around. A secondary uptick in October ($4,921) and November ($5,266) suggests some fall shoulder-season demand, possibly tied to autumn lake activities or holiday travel.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Crane Hill

Four-bedroom properties dominate the market with 18 of 50 active listings, while 1-bedroom (8), 2-bedroom (6), 3-bedroom (7), and 5-bedroom (6) units are more evenly distributed. The relatively thin supply of 5-bedroom homes, combined with their top-tier revenue performance, may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Crane Hill

ADR generally climbs with bedroom count, from $255 for 1-bedroom units to $336 for 3-bedrooms, though 4-bedroom properties dip slightly to $313. The standout is the 5-bedroom category at $774, more than double the next tier, reflecting significant pricing power for larger lakefront homes that can accommodate groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Crane Hill

Five-bedroom properties lead decisively with $162 RevPAN, more than double the $75 earned by 1-bedroom units and well ahead of the 2- and 3-bedroom tiers at $59 each. Four-bedroom listings lag at $39 RevPAN despite being the most common property type, suggesting oversupply or weaker demand relative to their pricing.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Crane Hill

One-bedroom units achieve the highest occupancy at 30%, likely benefiting from lower nightly rates and appeal to couples or solo travelers. Occupancy drops notably for larger properties, with 4-bedrooms at just 13%, indicating that while bigger homes command premium rates, they fill far fewer nights — a trade-off investors should weigh carefully against total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Crane Hill

Five-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $6,244, followed by 3-bedroom ($4,103) and 4-bedroom ($4,035) units running nearly neck-and-neck. One-bedroom listings trail significantly at $1,165 per month, underscoring that revenue in this lake market is driven more by premium per-night pricing on larger homes than by high booking frequency.

Average annual revenue by property size in Crane Hill

Annual revenue scales substantially with size in Crane Hill: 5-bedroom properties generate $74,939 per year, roughly 5.4x more than 1-bedroom units at $13,983. Three-bedroom ($49,247) and 4-bedroom ($48,422) homes deliver similar annual totals, suggesting that the jump to a 5-bedroom configuration offers the most meaningful uplift in return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Crane Hill

Every listing in Crane Hill offers a kitchen, and 98% include parking — table stakes for this market. The prevalence of lake access (86%), BBQ grills (86%), and waterfront location (62%) confirms that guests overwhelmingly choose Crane Hill for its outdoor lakeside experience, making these amenities essential rather than optional for competitive listings.

Understanding Crane Hill'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

Crane Hill's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning the market has genuine upside but requires more selective deal sourcing. The score reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio — not surprising given $921K average home values — paired with below-average occupancy stability that mirrors the market's strong seasonal swings. On the positive side, above-average market growth trends point to rising demand, so investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 5-bedroom lakefront homes) that have demonstrated the strongest per-night and annual returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Crane Hill

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Crane Hill, Alabama may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local or county authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Cullman County or relevant municipal offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Alabama communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or restrict short-term rentals. Given Crane Hill's lakefront character, local rules around waterfront access, dock usage, and environmental protections may also apply.

Tax Obligations

Alabama typically requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit lodging tax, and some localities impose additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Alabama Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Crane Hill's short-term rental market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest follows the 89% year-over-year increase in active listings. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest summer months will remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August accounting for the highest earnings. ADR may hold steady or see modest 1–3% gains as larger, premium lakefront properties continue to command top rates, though occupancy stability — currently below average — will be the key metric to watch as new supply enters the market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Crane Hill, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Crane Hill?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Crane Hill is currently 17%, which is below the Alabama state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 30% and 4-bedroom properties the lowest at 13%. The lower overall occupancy reflects the market's strong seasonality, where summer months drive the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Crane Hill?

Airbnb hosts in Crane Hill earn an average of $4,281 per month and approximately $51,375 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 5-bedroom properties lead with about $6,244 per month ($74,939 annually), while 1-bedroom listings average $1,165 per month ($13,983 annually). Peak summer months like July can bring in as much as $7,518.

Is Crane Hill a good market for Airbnb investment?

Crane Hill earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 52 out of 100, classified as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from above-average ADR ($393 vs. the $247 state average) and strong market growth trends, but below-average occupancy stability and high average home values near $921K mean investors will need to be selective about deal sourcing. Larger lakefront properties tend to deliver the best returns.

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

The average daily rate in Crane Hill is $393, which is 59% higher than the Alabama state average of $247. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $255 for 1-bedroom units up to $774 for 5-bedroom properties. This premium pricing reflects the desirability of Crane Hill's lake access and waterfront amenities.

Are short-term rentals legal in Crane Hill?

Short-term rentals do operate in Crane Hill, AL, with 50 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, specific permit requirements and regulations can vary by locality in Alabama. Investors should verify current STR rules, zoning restrictions, and any permit or registration requirements with local Cullman County authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Crane Hill?

Peak season in Crane Hill runs from June through August, with July leading at $7,518 in average monthly revenue. The summer months align with lake recreation and vacation demand. The slowest months are January and February, when revenue drops to around $1,723–$1,822, creating a roughly 4x spread between peak and off-peak earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Crane Hill?

There are currently 50 active Airbnb listings in Crane Hill as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with an 89% year-over-year increase in active listings. Four-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 18 listings, while other bedroom counts range from 6 to 8 listings each.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Crane Hill?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Crane Hill are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into 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 Crane Hill market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue data based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Occupancy rates and revenue figures reflect trailing 12-month averages and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, zoning rules, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before purchasing.