Cullman, AL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cullman Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cullman, AL presents a compelling entry point for short-term rental investors, pairing above-average revenue-to-price ratios with an average daily rate of $329—well above the $247 Alabama state average. With 71 active Airbnb listings and an 84% year-over-year growth in supply, the market is clearly gaining traction among hosts, though occupancy at 25% sits below the state benchmark of 38%. For investors who can optimize pricing and target seasonal peaks, the relatively affordable home values around $393,712 create room for attractive cash-on-cash returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cullman 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 Cullman

Cullman's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and growing visitor interest make it an appealing market for investors seeking affordable entry with upside potential.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cullman earns an 'Attractive Opportunity' designation, driven primarily by its strong revenue-to-price ratio and a market growth trajectory that outpaces many comparable Alabama markets. Seasonality is pronounced—July's average revenue of $4,390 dwarfs February's $1,006, meaning cash flow will swing significantly throughout the year, and investors should budget reserves to cover the quieter winter months. The below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance suggest the market is still maturing, which creates both risk and opportunity for operators who differentiate with premium amenities or strategic pricing. Overall, Cullman is well-suited for investors comfortable with seasonal variance who can capitalize on the summer and fall peaks."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cullman

Average revenue by month in Cullman

Cullman's revenue peaks sharply in July at $4,390 and bottoms out in February at $1,006, revealing a highly seasonal market with a roughly 4x spread between the best and worst months. A secondary bump in October–November ($2,875–$3,075) offers a welcome revenue lift outside of the core summer window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cullman

Three-bedroom properties dominate Cullman's supply with 25 of 71 listings, while 4-bedroom (11) and 5-bedroom (5) units are notably underrepresented. This scarcity of larger properties may signal an opportunity for investors, especially given the premium pricing those sizes command.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cullman

ADR scales dramatically with size in Cullman—5-bedroom properties command $851 per night compared to $138 for 2-bedrooms, reflecting a strong premium for larger group-oriented accommodations. The jump from 3-bedroom ($304) to 5-bedroom ($851) is particularly steep, suggesting guests booking larger properties are willing to pay significantly more per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cullman

Five-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $148, more than double the next best performer (3-bedrooms at $73), despite having the lowest occupancy rate. Two-bedroom units lag at $40 RevPAN, making them the weakest revenue generators on a per-available-night basis in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cullman

Smaller units fill more consistently in Cullman, with 1-bedrooms leading at 32% occupancy and 2-bedrooms close behind at 29%, while 4- and 5-bedroom properties sit at just 19% and 17% respectively. Investors targeting larger properties should expect fewer bookings but can offset this with substantially higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cullman

Four-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $3,657, outpacing even 5-bedroom units ($3,223) and offering the best balance of rate and occupancy. Two-bedroom listings trail the field at $1,817 per month, making them the least lucrative configuration in Cullman's current market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cullman

At $43,893 per year, 4-bedroom properties offer the strongest annual revenue potential in Cullman and represent approximately 46% more income than the market average of $30,008. One-bedroom ($28,080) and 3-bedroom ($27,862) units cluster closely together, while 2-bedrooms at $21,810 deliver the lowest annual returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cullman

Parking (97%), kitchen (85%), and self check-in (83%) are near-universal in Cullman's listings, setting a clear baseline that guests expect. The presence of lake access (32%) and waterfront (31%) on roughly a third of listings highlights the recreational draw of the area—investors with waterfront properties may have a meaningful competitive edge.

Understanding Cullman's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Cullman's ROI Score of 63 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive market growth trend that suggest the area is gaining momentum. The below-average marks on occupancy stability and supply/demand balance reflect the rapid influx of new listings (84% year-over-year growth) and seasonally variable demand, which investors should plan around. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative occupancy forecast will give investors the clearest picture of whether Cullman fits their portfolio strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cullman

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cullman, Alabama may be required to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Cullman and Cullman County offices, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and potential HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued within certain zones, so it's worth confirming zoning eligibility before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Alabama are generally subject to state and local lodging taxes, sales taxes, and potentially tourism-related assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Alabama Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Summer months drive Cullman's strongest revenue, with July historically reaching $4,390 in average monthly revenue—roughly four times the winter lows—suggesting that demand will continue to spike between June and August over the next 12–18 months. The above-average market growth trend points to rising interest in the area, and ADR may see modest 2–4% increases as hosts refine their offerings and the market matures. However, the rapid 84% supply growth warrants monitoring: if new listings outpace demand, occupancy could face additional downward pressure, so investors should plan conservatively around 23–27% occupancy in their underwriting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cullman, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cullman?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cullman is currently 25%, which falls below the Alabama state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 32% and larger 5-bedroom properties averaging 17%. Investors should factor this lower occupancy into their financial projections and consider strategies like dynamic pricing and minimum stay adjustments to improve fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cullman?

Airbnb hosts in Cullman earn an average of $2,500 per month and approximately $30,008 per year based on trailing 12-month historical booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size—4-bedroom listings lead with an average annual revenue of $43,893, while 2-bedroom units average $21,810. Peak months like July can bring in over $4,390, so much of the annual total is concentrated in the summer season.

Is Cullman a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cullman scores 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's standout strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential is favorable relative to property acquisition costs averaging $393,712. Investors should be aware that occupancy stability and supply/demand balance are rated below average, so success will depend on effective property management, seasonal pricing strategies, and choosing the right property size.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cullman is $329, which is significantly higher than the Alabama state average of $247. ADR scales substantially with property size: 5-bedroom properties command an impressive $851 per night, while 2-bedroom units average $138. This premium pricing reflects the type of properties in the market, many of which offer lake access and outdoor amenities that guests value.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cullman?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Cullman, Alabama, though specific permit or registration requirements may apply. Investors should check with the City of Cullman and Cullman County for the latest ordinances regarding STR licensing, zoning restrictions, and any applicable local regulations. It's also important to review HOA rules if the property is part of a homeowners association, as these can independently restrict short-term rental activity.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cullman?

Peak season in Cullman runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,390 in revenue. October and November also show solid performance at $2,875 and $3,075 respectively, likely driven by fall tourism. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue dips to around $1,006–$1,066, creating a roughly 4:1 ratio between the best and worst months of the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cullman?

Cullman currently has 71 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market has seen substantial growth, with an 84% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 25 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (15) and 2-bedrooms (14), while 4- and 5-bedroom properties are less common.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cullman?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cullman 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 remainder 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. 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 Cullman and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 averages and market conditions as of the dates indicated; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, pricing strategies, and local regulations. Investors should independently verify all regulatory requirements, tax obligations, and zoning restrictions before purchasing a short-term rental property.