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

Elizabethtown Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elizabethtown, KY is a small but growing short-term rental market with 83 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $19,588 per property. With an ADR of $135—well below Kentucky's $333 state average—the market offers an affordable entry point, though occupancy sits at 23% compared to the 28% state benchmark. Year-over-year listing growth of 109% signals rising investor interest, making selective deal sourcing increasingly important for those looking to enter this central Kentucky market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown attracts STR investor attention due to its affordable home prices relative to revenue potential, proximity to Fort Knox, and growing visitor interest in central Kentucky.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elizabethtown presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to be strategic about property selection and timing. The market's ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects average performance across revenue-to-price, occupancy stability, and growth metrics, with supply-demand balance rated below average—a direct reflection of the rapid influx of new listings. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks near $2,301 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $771, so cash-flow planning around softer winter months is essential. Investors targeting 3- or 4-bedroom properties with full amenity suites are best positioned to capture above-average returns in this competitive landscape."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elizabethtown

Average revenue by month in Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown shows clear seasonality, with July ($2,301) delivering nearly three times the revenue of January ($771). A secondary peak in October ($2,029) suggests fall events or travel activity provide a meaningful revenue boost outside of summer, giving investors two distinct earning windows to target.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elizabethtown

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 40 of the market's 83 listings (48%), while 4-bedroom units are notably scarce at just 5 listings. The low supply of 4-bedroom homes, combined with their strong occupancy and RevPAN performance, may signal an underserved niche worth exploring.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elizabethtown

ADR climbs from $107 for 1-bedroom units to $138 for 3-bedroom properties, but 4-bedroom listings actually command a slightly lower rate of $132. This suggests 3-bedroom homes hit a pricing sweet spot where guests are willing to pay a premium, while 4-bedroom operators may lean more on occupancy volume to drive total revenue.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elizabethtown

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $52, well ahead of 2- and 3-bedroom units which tie at $31. One-bedroom listings trail significantly at $15, indicating that investors seeking the strongest revenue per available night should focus on larger configurations in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elizabethtown

Occupancy rates vary dramatically by size: 4-bedroom listings fill 40% of available nights—nearly triple the 14% rate for 1-bedroom units. Two-bedroom (26%) and 3-bedroom (23%) properties fall in between, suggesting that group and family travelers drive the most consistent demand in Elizabethtown.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elizabethtown

Monthly revenue ranges from $928 for 1-bedroom units to $1,782 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedroom listings close behind at $1,772. The marginal revenue difference between 3- and 4-bedroom homes is just $10 per month, so acquisition cost and availability should weigh heavily in the sizing decision.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elizabethtown

Four-bedroom properties top annual revenue at $21,390, only slightly ahead of 3-bedroom listings at $21,271. Given the limited supply of 4-bedroom homes and their significantly higher occupancy (40% vs. 23%), they appear to offer the strongest return potential for investors who can source them at competitive prices.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elizabethtown

Kitchen (100%), parking (96%), washer (94%), and dryer (92%) are near-universal, signaling that guests in Elizabethtown expect a full home experience rather than hotel-style stays. Outdoor amenities like backyards (59%), patios (54%), and BBQ grills (45%) are common differentiators, while a dedicated workspace (53%) suggests a notable share of business or extended-stay travelers.

Understanding Elizabethtown's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Elizabethtown's ROI Score of 51 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity tier, meaning the market has genuine potential but requires more thoughtful deal selection. Revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth all rate as average, while supply-demand balance falls below average—reflecting the 109% surge in new listings outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on underserved property sizes to maximize their edge.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elizabethtown

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Elizabethtown, Kentucky may be required to obtain local business licenses or STR permits before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Elizabethtown and Hardin County offices, as regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Elizabethtown can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-imposed rules. Investors should review any applicable zoning ordinances and homeowner association covenants before purchasing, as these can materially affect how—and whether—a property can be operated as a short-term rental.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Kentucky are generally subject to state and local transient room taxes, as well as applicable sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional or local revenue office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elizabethtown's STR market is expected to remain competitive as the rapid supply expansion (109% YoY listing growth) puts pressure on occupancy rates that already trail the state average. Revenue is likely to stay seasonal, with summer and early fall driving the strongest returns and January remaining the softest month. Investors should anticipate ADR holding steady or rising modestly in the 1–3% range, while occupancy may face continued downward pressure unless demand growth keeps pace with new supply. Properties that are well-positioned—particularly 3- and 4-bedroom units with strong amenity packages—should outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elizabethtown, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabethtown?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabethtown is currently 23%, which trails the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—4-bedroom units lead at 40%, while 1-bedroom listings average just 14%. Investors focused on larger properties may see meaningfully better occupancy performance.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elizabethtown?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Airbnb hosts in Elizabethtown earn an average of $1,632 per month and approximately $19,588 per year. Larger properties tend to outperform: 4-bedroom listings average $21,390 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $11,144 per year. Actual earnings depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.

Is Elizabethtown a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elizabethtown carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable home values ($394,419 average) and proximity to Fort Knox as a demand driver, but rapid supply growth (109% year-over-year) and below-state-average occupancy mean investors need to be selective. Larger properties with strong amenity packages tend to deliver the best returns in this market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Elizabethtown is $135, which is significantly below Kentucky's statewide average of $333. ADR ranges from $107 for 1-bedroom properties up to $138 for 3-bedroom units. Interestingly, 4-bedroom listings average $132, suggesting that larger properties compete more on occupancy volume than nightly rate premiums.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elizabethtown?

Short-term rentals do operate in Elizabethtown, with 83 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify local licensing, zoning, and permitting requirements with the City of Elizabethtown and Hardin County before purchasing a property for STR use, as regulations can change. State and local tax obligations also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elizabethtown?

Peak season in Elizabethtown runs from May through July, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,301. October also stands out as a strong shoulder-season month at $2,029. The slowest period is January through February, when monthly revenue drops to $771–$921, so investors should budget for meaningful seasonal fluctuations.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elizabethtown?

As of April 2026, there are 83 active Airbnb listings in Elizabethtown. The market has seen significant growth, with a 109% year-over-year increase in listings. Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 40 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (20), 1-bedroom (14), and 4-bedroom (5) units.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elizabethtown?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Elizabethtown 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month 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 is current as of the dates noted and may not reflect the most recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.