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

Daphne Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Daphne, Alabama sits on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, offering short-term rental investors an above-average revenue-to-price ratio in a market with just 53 active Airbnb listings. With an average annual revenue of $42,523 against average home values of $472,187, the market scores a 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale — placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The relatively small supply base and strong summer seasonality create meaningful upside for well-positioned properties, particularly larger homes that can command premium nightly rates.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Daphne 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 Daphne

Daphne's combination of above-average revenue relative to property costs and limited existing supply makes it a compelling entry point for STR investors eyeing Alabama's Gulf Coast region.

Expert Market Assessment

"Daphne presents a genuinely attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings dramatically from a December low of $879 to a July peak of $10,332, so cash-flow planning needs to account for quieter winter months. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its strongest card, and 3- to 4-bedroom properties clearly outperform smaller configurations in both occupancy and revenue. With average occupancy and growth trends holding at solid (if unspectacular) levels, investors who price strategically during shoulder months and deliver sought-after amenities should find reliable returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Daphne

Average revenue by month in Daphne

Daphne's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal — July leads at $10,332, more than 11 times the December low of $879. June ($7,607) and March ($5,197) form secondary peaks, while November through January represent the quietest stretch, signaling that investors should budget for substantial off-season revenue dips.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Daphne

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 16 of 53 active properties, while 3-bedrooms (12) and 2-bedrooms (8) follow. Studios (6) and 4-bedrooms (7) are the least represented segments, and given that larger homes generate significantly higher revenue, the relative scarcity of 4-bedroom listings may represent an undersupplied niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Daphne

ADR roughly doubles from studios ($107) to 3- and 4-bedroom properties ($223–$229), with the most significant jump occurring between 2-bedrooms ($153) and 3-bedrooms. The narrow $6 gap between 3- and 4-bedroom ADRs suggests the premium-to-cost trade-off may favor 3-bedroom properties unless acquisition costs for 4-bedrooms are comparable.

Average RevPAN by property size in Daphne

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $108, nearly double the next-best segment (4-bedrooms at $82) and almost triple what 1-bedrooms generate ($40). This indicates that 3-bedroom listings achieve the most efficient combination of nightly rate and occupancy, making them the revenue-per-night sweet spot in Daphne.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Daphne

Studios lead occupancy at 52%, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at 49%, while 2-bedrooms trail significantly at just 27%. The wide spread suggests that mid-size properties face stiffer competition or weaker demand positioning, and investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency should lean toward studios or 3-bedroom configurations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Daphne

Four-bedroom properties earn the most per month at $5,166, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $4,656 — both substantially outpacing studios ($2,149), 1-bedrooms ($2,260), and 2-bedrooms ($2,113). The revenue difference between smaller and larger units makes a strong case for investing in properties with three or more bedrooms in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Daphne

At the top end, 4-bedroom listings generate an average of $61,996 annually, and 3-bedrooms follow at $55,879 — more than double the $25,000–$27,000 range seen for studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms. For investors seeking the strongest return potential, larger properties clearly offer the best revenue profile in Daphne.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Daphne

Parking is universal (100%) and kitchens are nearly so (93%), reflecting the baseline expectations of Daphne guests — likely families and groups visiting the bay area. Outdoor amenities like patios (79%), outdoor furniture (70%), and backyards (62%) are heavily represented, while waterfront access (19%) and lake access (11%) are rarer differentiators that could help a listing stand out in search results.

Understanding Daphne's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Daphne's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that indicates healthy income potential relative to local home values. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average — solid enough to support returns but not so exceptional that the market is overheated. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground research into Daphne's regulatory environment and property-level financials to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Daphne

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Daphne, Alabama may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Daphne and Baldwin County authorities, as regulations in this area can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. Properties governed by HOA covenants may face additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Alabama levies state and local lodging taxes on short-term rentals, and Baldwin County may impose additional tourism-related taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Daphne's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal strength with July remaining the clear revenue peak. Occupancy rates, currently at 42% (above Alabama's 38% state average), could hold steady or edge toward the mid-40s as the market matures and hosts refine their pricing strategies. ADR growth in the range of 2–5% is plausible for larger properties given current supply constraints, though the 124% year-over-year growth in active listings signals that competition is ramping up — investors who enter soon may benefit from positioning ahead of further supply additions."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Daphne, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Daphne?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Daphne is currently 42%, which outperforms the Alabama state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size — studios lead at 52%, while 3-bedroom homes also perform well at 49%. Two-bedroom properties see the lowest average occupancy at 27%, so investors should carefully evaluate property type before committing.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Daphne?

Airbnb hosts in Daphne earn an average of $3,543 per month, which translates to roughly $42,523 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Larger properties earn significantly more: 4-bedroom listings average $61,996 annually, while studios and 1-bedrooms hover around $25,000–$27,000. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with July alone averaging over $10,300 and winter months dipping below $1,000.

Is Daphne a good market for Airbnb investment?

Daphne scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. Its strongest factor is an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential relative to home costs is favorable compared to many peers. The market does have pronounced seasonality and average occupancy stability, so investors should plan for leaner winter months. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) tend to deliver the strongest returns in this market.

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

The current average daily rate in Daphne is $204, which is below Alabama's state average of $247. Rates scale with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $105–$107 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $153, and 3- to 4-bedroom properties command $223–$229 per night. Investors targeting higher nightly rates will want to focus on larger, well-appointed homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Daphne?

Short-term rentals operate in Daphne, Alabama, as evidenced by the 53 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, investors should verify all local permitting, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Daphne and Baldwin County before purchasing a property. HOA restrictions may also apply in certain communities, so reviewing neighborhood covenants is an important part of due diligence.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Daphne?

Peak season in Daphne is firmly during the summer months. July is the standout performer with average revenue of $10,332, followed by June at $7,607. March also shows a notable bump at $5,197, likely driven by spring break travel. The slowest months are December ($879) and January ($959), so investors should budget for significant revenue variation throughout the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Daphne?

There are currently 53 active Airbnb listings in Daphne as of April 2026. The supply has grown significantly, with 124% year-over-year growth in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 16 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (12) and 2-bedrooms (8). The relatively small total supply still leaves room for differentiated properties to capture market share.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Daphne?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Daphne 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $10,332) and slower periods (like December's $879). 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12 months of historical booking data
• Home 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 historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.