Decatur, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

52 / 100

Decatur presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Decatur Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Decatur, GA offers a competitive short-term rental landscape with 335 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $160—well below the $299 state average—making it a relatively accessible entry point for investors eyeing the metro Atlanta corridor. Average annual revenue sits at $21,269, with occupancy at 36% (slightly above the 32% Georgia average), though the market's 121% year-over-year listing growth signals intensifying competition that demands careful deal selection.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 335
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $299 state avg. $160
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 32% state avg. 36%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $57
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,772
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $21,269

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Decatur

Decatur draws investor attention thanks to its proximity to Atlanta's economic engine, relatively moderate home prices for the metro, and an ADR that leaves room for strategic upside.

Key investment factors

  • Proximity to downtown Atlanta drives consistent leisure and business travel demand
  • Average home values of $527,429 paired with $21,269 annual revenue offer an accessible entry point
  • Occupancy rate of 36% outperforms the Georgia state average of 32%
  • Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) command significantly higher RevPAN, reaching $115–$179 per night
  • Year-over-year listing growth of 121% reflects robust market momentum and investor confidence

Expert Market Assessment

"Decatur presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who are willing to be selective. The market's ROI score of 52 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics and supply/demand balance, tempered by below-average occupancy stability—meaning returns can fluctuate more than in steadier markets. Seasonality is relatively mild, with July leading at $2,096 in average monthly revenue and the slowest months (October–November) still clearing $1,600, so there's no dramatic off-season cliff. Success here hinges on property selection and differentiation: larger homes and those with standout amenities are positioned to capture outsized returns in an increasingly crowded field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Decatur'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

Factor Decatur Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

With an ROI score of 52 out of 100, Decatur falls into the 'Competitive Opportunity' band—meaning returns are achievable but not automatic. The score reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and market growth alongside below-average occupancy stability, which tells investors that deal-level analysis matters more here than broad market tailwinds. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on larger, amenity-rich properties can help investors target the higher end of achievable returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Decatur

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Decatur, Georgia may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the City of Decatur or DeKalb County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices, as rules can change with limited notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Georgia markets like Decatur can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing any deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in Georgia are typically subject to state and local hotel-motel taxes, as well as any applicable sales tax on short-term lodging. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional familiar with DeKalb County requirements.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Decatur

Financing an Airbnb investment in Decatur requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Decatur Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Decatur's STR market is likely to see continued supply expansion as investor interest remains strong, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy rates unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue peaks in July around $2,096 per month, with softer stretches in the fall and winter months dipping to the $1,600 range. ADR could see incremental gains of 1–3% as hosts add premium amenities to differentiate, though occupancy stability—currently rated below average—will be the metric to watch most closely. Investors should plan for revenue variability and budget conservatively through shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Decatur, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Decatur?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Decatur is currently 36%, which sits above the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size—1-bedroom units average 37%, while 5-bedroom properties lead at 40% and 6+ bedroom homes reach 47%. Smaller units like studios and 3–4 bedroom homes tend to hover in the low 30s.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Decatur?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Decatur earn approximately $1,772 per month or $21,269 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $988/month ($11,856 annually), while 6+ bedroom homes bring in roughly $4,538/month ($54,463 annually). Larger properties clearly command the highest returns, though they also require greater upfront investment.
Is Decatur a good market for Airbnb investment?
Decatur carries an ROI score of 52 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. This means investor interest and demand are solid, but higher property prices and growing competition require more selective deal sourcing. The market's average ADR of $160 is well below the state average, keeping it accessible, while occupancy slightly exceeds state norms. Investors who target larger properties or differentiate with premium amenities are best positioned to outperform in this market.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Decatur?
The average daily rate across all Decatur Airbnb listings is $160, compared to the Georgia state average of $299. ADR ranges widely by property size, from $85 for 1-bedroom units up to $379 for 6+ bedroom homes. Mid-range properties like 3-bedrooms average $182/night, offering a balance between rate potential and acquisition cost.
Are short-term rentals legal in Decatur?
Short-term rentals do operate in Decatur, GA, with 335 active listings currently on the market. However, local regulations including permit requirements, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions may apply. Prospective hosts should verify current legality and any licensing obligations directly with the City of Decatur and DeKalb County before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Decatur?
Peak season in Decatur falls in July, when average monthly revenue reaches approximately $2,096. The summer months generally perform well, with August at $1,920 and January surprisingly strong at $1,907. The softest months tend to be in the fall, with October and November averaging around $1,635–$1,648. Overall, the seasonal spread is fairly moderate, with no extreme drop-offs during off-peak periods.
How many Airbnbs are there in Decatur?
There are currently 335 active Airbnb listings in Decatur as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 121% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 129 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (79) and 2-bedrooms (54).
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Decatur?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Decatur are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 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 by market and property size
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value data 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 current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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