Elizabethton, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Elizabethton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elizabethton, TN is a small but growing short-term rental market nestled in the mountains of northeast Tennessee, where affordable home prices averaging $336,642 pair with annual STR revenues around $22,303. With only 38 active Airbnb listings and a 150% year-over-year growth in supply, the market is still in an early stage — offering investors a chance to establish a presence before saturation sets in. The ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects an attractive opportunity with balanced demand and revenue relative to property values, though occupancy at 23% trails the state average of 29%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elizabethton 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 Elizabethton

Investors look at Elizabethton for its combination of low entry costs, proximity to outdoor recreation in the Appalachian region, and a still-emerging STR market with room to differentiate.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elizabethton presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a still-maturing market. Revenue swings are significant — from a low of $825 in February to nearly $2,965 in July — meaning cash flow management across slower months is a real consideration. The market's affordable entry point helps offset the lower occupancy rate, and the rapid supply growth signals rising investor interest that could either validate demand or compress margins. Pairing a well-equipped property with strategic pricing during the June–October high season is the clearest path to solid returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elizabethton

Average revenue by month in Elizabethton

Elizabethton's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $2,965 and bottoming out in February at just $825 — a spread of over $2,100. The June–October window accounts for the lion's share of annual income, making summer and early fall the make-or-break months for hosts in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elizabethton

Two-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 15 of 38 total listings, followed by 10 three-bedroom and 8 one-bedroom units. The relatively thin supply across all sizes suggests room for new entrants, particularly larger properties that cater to families or groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elizabethton

ADR climbs modestly from $89 for 1-bedroom listings to $148 for 3-bedrooms, a $59 premium that reflects the added space and guest capacity. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms ($89 to $138) is the steepest, suggesting 2-bedroom units capture much of the pricing upside without requiring a larger property footprint.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elizabethton

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $30 per available night, edging out 1-bedrooms at $27 and notably outperforming 2-bedrooms at $20. The 2-bedroom segment's lower RevPAN despite its higher ADR points to softer occupancy dragging down effective per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elizabethton

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 31%, well above the 21% for 3-bedrooms and 15% for 2-bedrooms — which is a notable gap given that 2-bedrooms make up the largest share of supply. Investors in the 2-bedroom segment should be particularly mindful of pricing and listing optimization to improve fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elizabethton

Three-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $2,133, roughly 90% more than 1-bedroom units at $1,116 and about 18% above 2-bedrooms at $1,802. The revenue gap between 2- and 3-bedroom configurations is modest enough that acquisition cost differences should factor heavily into the investment decision.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elizabethton

Annual revenue ranges from $13,395 for 1-bedroom listings to $25,606 for 3-bedrooms, with 2-bedrooms landing at $21,627. Three-bedroom properties offer the strongest gross revenue potential, but investors should weigh this against higher purchase and maintenance costs to determine which size delivers the best net return relative to their budget.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elizabethton

Parking (97%), kitchens (95%), and outdoor furniture (87%) are near-universal in Elizabethton listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient, nature-oriented stays. Differentiators like hot tubs (13%) and lake access (8%) are rare, presenting an opportunity for hosts to stand out by adding premium outdoor amenities that match the area's recreational appeal.

Understanding Elizabethton's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Elizabethton's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability that create a workable foundation for returns, balanced against below-average market growth trends. The supply-demand dynamic is rated average, meaning new listings aren't yet overwhelming demand, but the 150% year-over-year listing growth warrants attention. Investors should pair these metrics with a close look at local STR regulations and property-level financials to validate whether the numbers work for their specific acquisition.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elizabethton

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Elizabethton, Tennessee should verify whether a short-term rental permit or business registration is required through the city of Elizabethton and Carter County offices. Tennessee's statewide approach to STR regulation can vary by municipality, so confirming local requirements before listing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in this area include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and any HOA or deed restrictions on the property. Investors should also check whether there are caps on the number of STR permits issued in the area, as smaller markets sometimes implement these as supply grows.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Tennessee are typically subject to state sales tax and local occupancy or tourism taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on the host's behalf. It's still wise to confirm your specific obligations with a local tax advisor or the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elizabethton's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investors discover this affordable Tennessee mountain destination, though the rapid pace of new listings (150% YoY) could pressure occupancy if demand doesn't keep up. Summer months should remain the revenue anchor, with July and August historically generating $2,900+ per listing. We estimate ADR could hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases as operators refine their pricing strategies, while occupancy may fluctuate in the 20–25% range marketwide. Investors who optimize for peak-season capture and shoulder-month bookings will be best positioned."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elizabethton, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabethton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabethton is currently 23%, which falls below the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size — 1-bedroom listings lead at 31%, while 2-bedroom properties sit lower at 15%. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elizabethton?

Airbnb hosts in Elizabethton earn an average of $1,858 per month and approximately $22,303 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $2,133/month ($25,606/year), while 1-bedroom units bring in about $1,116/month ($13,395/year). Peak months like July can push monthly revenue close to $2,965.

Is Elizabethton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elizabethton holds an ROI score of 58 out of 100 on Rabbu, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from affordable home values averaging $336,642 and a small competitive field of just 38 listings. However, occupancy runs below the state average and the market shows below-average growth trends, so investors should focus on peak-season optimization and property differentiation to maximize returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Elizabethton is $135, which is significantly lower than the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $89, 2-bedrooms come in at $138, and 3-bedroom properties command $148 per night. This pricing reflects the market's value-oriented positioning compared to more premium Tennessee destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elizabethton?

Short-term rentals operate in Elizabethton with active listings on platforms like Airbnb. However, hosts should verify current permit, registration, and zoning requirements with the city of Elizabethton and Carter County before listing. Tennessee regulations can vary by municipality, and local rules may address occupancy limits, parking, noise, and tax obligations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elizabethton?

Peak season in Elizabethton runs from June through October, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $2,965 per listing. August follows closely at $2,881, and October brings a strong fall foliage boost at $2,456. The slowest month is February at just $825, making the summer-to-fall corridor critical for annual revenue targets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elizabethton?

There are currently 38 active Airbnb listings in Elizabethton as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 150% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom properties (15 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (10) and 1-bedrooms (8).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elizabethton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elizabethton 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, remove regional outliers, and roll the results 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 draws from its own historical 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, occupancy rates, and daily rate data for the Elizabethton market
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) and monthly/annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns showing how bedroom count affects pricing, occupancy, and income potential
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and differentiation opportunities
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

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 market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.