Dayton, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Dayton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Dayton, KY is a compact short-term rental market situated just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, offering investors access to a major metro's demand at a fraction of its real estate costs. With only 16 active Airbnb listings, the market is notably undersupplied, and the average daily rate of $153 sits well below the $333 Kentucky state average—pointing to an affordable, budget-friendly niche. Average annual revenue comes in at $30,958 per listing, with occupancy at 30%, slightly above the 28% state average, suggesting room for well-positioned operators to outperform.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Dayton short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Dayton

Investors are drawn to Dayton for its low competition, affordable entry points, and spillover demand from the Cincinnati metro area.

Expert Market Assessment

"Dayton presents a modest but real opportunity for investors seeking low-barrier entry into the Cincinnati-adjacent STR market. The small supply of just 16 listings means there's limited competition, though the 30% occupancy rate and $30,958 average annual revenue suggest this is a supplemental-income play rather than a high-yield cash cow. Seasonality is pronounced—June and July deliver roughly $3,650 per month while January and February dip below $1,500—so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. The market rewards operators who keep costs lean and target the budget-to-midrange traveler segment visiting the greater Cincinnati area."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Dayton

Average revenue by month in Dayton

Dayton's revenue peaks sharply in June ($3,650) and July ($3,646), roughly 2.6 times the January low of $1,414, revealing strong summer seasonality tied to Cincinnati-area travel patterns. The shoulder months of May and September–October hold up reasonably well in the $2,700–$3,000 range, giving operators about seven months of above-average performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Dayton

Supply in Dayton is split almost evenly between 2-bedroom (6 listings) and 4-bedroom (5 listings) properties, with no data on other sizes—suggesting 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom configurations may represent an underserved niche. The absence of studio or 1-bedroom listings could signal an opportunity for investors targeting solo travelers or couples visiting the Cincinnati area.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Dayton

ADR scales modestly from $151 for 2-bedroom units to $187 for 4-bedrooms, a 24% premium for doubling the bedroom count. This relatively small jump suggests the extra space doesn't command a dramatic rate increase, so investors should weigh acquisition and operating costs carefully against the incremental pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Dayton

Two-bedroom listings deliver the stronger RevPAN at $51 compared to $40 for 4-bedroom properties, driven by their higher occupancy rates. This indicates that smaller units generate more consistent nightly revenue after accounting for vacant nights, making them the more efficient earners on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Dayton

Two-bedroom properties fill at 34% occupancy versus just 21% for 4-bedroom listings, a meaningful gap that favors smaller units for cash-flow consistency. The lower occupancy for larger homes likely reflects a narrower pool of group travelers willing to book in this small market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Dayton

Despite lower occupancy, 4-bedroom properties earn $3,268 per month on average—nearly 79% more than the $1,830 that 2-bedroom listings bring in—thanks to their higher nightly rate and larger party sizes. Investors willing to accept lumpier booking patterns can capture significantly more gross revenue with larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Dayton

Four-bedroom properties generate roughly $39,219 in annual revenue compared to $21,962 for 2-bedroom units, nearly doubling the top line. However, investors should weigh this against higher acquisition costs, maintenance, and the lower 21% occupancy rate before concluding that bigger is necessarily better for net returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Dayton

Every listing in Dayton offers self check-in (100%) and nearly all include parking (94%) and a kitchen (88%), establishing these as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Backyards, laundry, and workspaces appear in 75% of listings, while premium additions like hot tubs and BBQ grills (25% each) could help a property stand out in this small, competitive field.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Dayton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Dayton, Kentucky may be required to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Dayton and Campbell County officials, as local regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in small Kentucky markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay provisions. HOA rules may also apply in certain neighborhoods, so it's important to review any covenants or deed restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state sales tax and transient room tax on short-term accommodations, and Campbell County or the City of Dayton may levy additional local occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Dayton's proximity to Cincinnati should continue to support steady demand, particularly during the warmer months when monthly revenues can more than double compared to the winter trough. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to remain in the $150–$160 range, with occupancy potentially ticking up 1–3 percentage points as awareness of this small market grows. Summer months (June and July) will likely remain the revenue peak, with estimates around $3,600–$3,700 per listing, while winter months may settle near $1,300–$1,500. These projections are estimates and depend on broader economic conditions and local tourism trends."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Dayton, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dayton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dayton, KY is currently 30%, which sits slightly above the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2-bedroom listings averaging 34% compared to 21% for 4-bedroom properties. Individual results can vary based on pricing strategy, listing quality, and seasonal demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Dayton?

Airbnb hosts in Dayton, KY earn an average of $2,579 per month and approximately $30,958 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies by property size—2-bedroom listings average $21,962 annually while 4-bedroom properties bring in around $39,219. Peak months like June and July can generate over $3,600, while winter months may dip below $1,500.

Is Dayton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Dayton offers a low-competition environment with just 16 active listings and affordable property costs relative to the nearby Cincinnati metro. The market's 30% occupancy rate and $30,958 average annual revenue make it better suited as a supplemental income strategy or a value-oriented entry point into STR investing. Proximity to Cincinnati provides a reliable demand base, though investors should be prepared for significant seasonal swings between summer highs and winter lows.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Dayton, KY is $153, which is considerably lower than the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR ranges from $151 for 2-bedroom properties to $187 for 4-bedroom listings, reflecting the market's budget-friendly positioning relative to the broader region.

Are short-term rentals legal in Dayton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Dayton, KY, though operators may need to obtain a local business license or permit. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should contact the City of Dayton and Campbell County directly to confirm current requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Dayton?

Peak season in Dayton runs from June through August, with June and July being the strongest months at approximately $3,650 and $3,646 in average revenue respectively. The shoulder months of May ($2,999) and September–October ($2,737–$2,780) also perform well. The slowest period is January through February, when average monthly revenue drops to the $1,300–$1,400 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Dayton?

As of April 2026, there are 16 active Airbnb listings in Dayton, KY. The supply is concentrated in two property sizes: 6 listings with 2 bedrooms and 5 listings with 4 bedrooms. This small inventory means limited competition for new operators entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Dayton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Dayton 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 the Dayton, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics combined for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change—investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.