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

Elberta Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elberta, AL is a small but growing short-term rental market tucked near Alabama's Gulf Coast, with just 23 active Airbnb listings and a notable 250% year-over-year growth in supply. Average annual revenue sits at $39,614 per listing, driven by strong summer demand that pushes July revenue above $9,600. With an ROI score of 61 out of 100 — rated an "Attractive Opportunity" — this emerging market offers a compelling entry point for investors willing to navigate its pronounced seasonality.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Elberta

Elberta's proximity to Gulf Coast attractions, above-average market growth trend, and relatively low competition create a window for early-mover investors seeking affordable coastal exposure in Alabama.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elberta presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors who understand its seasonal dynamics. Revenue swings dramatically — from a low of $816 in December to a peak of $9,627 in July — so investors need to plan cash flow around a roughly five-month high season spanning March through August. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the clear revenue leaders, generating nearly $4,900 per month on average with the market's highest occupancy at 59%. The balance of healthy demand relative to property costs earns Elberta its "Attractive Opportunity" designation, though the 37% average occupancy rate means year-round income stability depends heavily on property type and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elberta

Average revenue by month in Elberta

Elberta exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($9,627) generating nearly twelve times the revenue of December ($816). The high season from June through July accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income, making cash-flow planning around these peak months essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elberta

One-bedroom units dominate Elberta's supply with 8 of the 23 active listings, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties each account for 5 listings. The relatively low count of 3-bedroom homes — despite their superior revenue performance — may signal an undersupplied niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elberta

Three-bedroom properties command the highest ADR at $167, followed by 1-bedrooms at $153, while 2-bedroom units sit lowest at $121. The modest ADR premium for 3-bedrooms becomes far more impactful when paired with their significantly higher occupancy, making them the strongest value proposition.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elberta

Three-bedroom listings deliver a standout RevPAN of $98 — more than double the $44 and $43 posted by 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties, respectively. This gap reflects the compounding effect of both higher nightly rates and substantially better occupancy for larger units.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elberta

Occupancy scales sharply with property size in Elberta: 3-bedroom listings fill 59% of available nights, compared to 36% for 2-bedrooms and just 29% for 1-bedrooms. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, larger properties clearly offer a more reliable booking cadence.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elberta

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,862, nearly four times the $1,154 earned by 1-bedroom units and well above the $2,795 for 2-bedrooms. This stark difference underscores how property size is the single largest lever for revenue generation in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elberta

Annual revenue ranges from $13,855 for 1-bedroom listings to $58,351 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms falling in between at $33,546. Investors targeting the 3-bedroom segment can expect annual revenues roughly 74% above the market-wide average, offering the strongest return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elberta

Every listing in Elberta offers a kitchen (100%), and parking (91%) and self check-in (87%) are near-universal — reflecting baseline guest expectations for this market. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (78%), BBQ grills (65%), and waterfront access (57%) signal that guests come for a leisure and nature-driven experience, making these features essential rather than optional.

Understanding Elberta's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Elberta's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics paired with an above-average market growth trend. The supply/demand balance remains average, but the rapid expansion of listings (250% year-over-year) suggests the market is still finding its equilibrium. Investors should pair these data points with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic assessment of seasonal income swings before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elberta

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Elberta, Alabama may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Elberta and Baldwin County, as regulations in coastal Alabama communities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants in certain subdivisions could further limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Alabama imposes a state lodging tax on short-term rentals, and Baldwin County may levy additional local occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm they're meeting all obligations at the state, county, and municipal levels.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elberta's rapid supply growth suggests rising investor interest in this Gulf Coast-adjacent pocket, though the pace of new listings could moderate as the market matures. Summer months should continue to anchor revenue, with peak-season ADRs likely holding steady or ticking up 2–4% as the area gains visibility. Occupancy may face modest pressure from the expanding supply, potentially settling in the 35–40% range annually, but 3-bedroom properties — already averaging 59% occupancy — appear best positioned to weather any dilution. Investors should monitor whether demand growth keeps pace with the influx of new listings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elberta, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elberta?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elberta is currently 37%, which is just below Alabama's state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead at 59%, while 1-bedroom properties average 29%. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elberta?

Airbnb hosts in Elberta earn an average of $3,301 per month and approximately $39,614 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Larger properties perform considerably better: 3-bedroom listings average $4,862 monthly ($58,351 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in roughly $1,154 per month. Peak summer months like July can generate over $9,600 in a single month.

Is Elberta a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elberta scores a 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a reasonable balance between supply and demand. With only 23 active listings, competition remains limited, though investors should account for strong seasonality and plan for slower winter months when monthly revenue can dip below $1,000.

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

The average daily rate in Elberta is $192, which is below Alabama's statewide average of $247. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $153, 2-bedrooms come in at $121, and 3-bedroom properties command $167. Despite the lower ADR compared to the state average, larger properties compensate through higher occupancy rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elberta?

Short-term rentals can operate in Elberta, AL, though operators may need to obtain local permits or registrations. As with many Alabama communities near the Gulf Coast, regulations can change, so prospective hosts should check with the Town of Elberta and Baldwin County for the most current rules regarding permits, zoning, and tax obligations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elberta?

Peak season in Elberta runs from June through July, with July being the strongest month at $9,627 in average revenue. The broader high season extends from March through August, when monthly revenues range from roughly $3,200 to $9,600. Winter months (November through January) represent the slowest period, with December averaging just $816.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elberta?

As of April 2026, there are 23 active Airbnb listings in Elberta. The market has seen significant growth, with a 250% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is distributed across 1-bedroom (8 listings), 2-bedroom (5 listings), and 3-bedroom (5 listings) properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elberta?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elberta 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data 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. 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 Elberta, AL market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) 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. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.