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

Ellijay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ellijay, GA has carved out a niche as a popular North Georgia mountain getaway, and its short-term rental market reflects that appeal. With 633 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $35,103, the market offers a reasonable entry point for investors looking at cabin and retreat-style properties. Occupancy sits at 27% — below the state average of 32% — but strong seasonal peaks and competitive daily rates of $244 help offset the slower months. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity worth exploring, especially for investors who can capitalize on peak-season demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ellijay 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 Ellijay

Ellijay attracts STR investors because of its proximity to Atlanta, year-round mountain tourism appeal, and relatively accessible property prices compared to other resort-style markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ellijay represents a moderately attractive STR market, driven by its status as a mountain retreat destination with strong seasonal demand. Revenue performance swings meaningfully between a low of roughly $1,709 in January and a high of $4,659 in July, so investors need to budget for cash-flow variability across the calendar. The market's ROI factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, growth trend, and supply/demand balance — all land in the average range, suggesting steady but not exceptional fundamentals. Properties with five or more bedrooms stand out as the strongest performers, commanding both higher occupancy and dramatically higher revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ellijay

Average revenue by month in Ellijay

Ellijay exhibits pronounced seasonality, with July ($4,659) leading as the top revenue month — nearly 2.7 times the January low of $1,709. A secondary peak in October ($3,721) and November ($3,548) reflects strong fall foliage tourism, while winter months consistently represent the softest period for hosts.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ellijay

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 238 listings (38% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 176. The 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom segments are notably thin at just 48 and 14 listings respectively, which may present an opportunity given their outsized revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ellijay

ADR scales steeply with size in Ellijay — from $161 for 1-bedroom units up to $592 for 6+ bedrooms, a nearly 3.7x increase. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($292) to 5 bedrooms ($413) is particularly significant, suggesting that group-sized properties command a meaningful premium in this mountain market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ellijay

Revenue per available night increases sharply at the larger end of the spectrum: 5-bedroom listings earn $133 RevPAN and 6+ bedrooms reach $214, compared to just $50 for both 1- and 2-bedroom units. This makes larger properties far more efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis, even after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ellijay

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 25% for 3-bedrooms to 36% for 6+ bedrooms. Interestingly, both the smallest (1-bedroom at 31%) and largest properties fill more consistently than the mid-sized options, suggesting that niche appeal drives bookings at either end of the size spectrum.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ellijay

Monthly revenue jumps dramatically for larger properties — 5-bedroom listings average $6,264/month and 6+ bedrooms reach $8,825, compared to $2,394–$2,787 for 1- to 3-bedroom units. The gap between 4-bedroom ($3,283) and 5-bedroom ($6,264) properties is especially striking, nearly doubling with just one additional bedroom.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ellijay

Larger properties deliver the strongest annual returns in Ellijay, with 6+ bedroom units averaging $105,902 per year and 5-bedrooms earning $75,171 — both significantly above the market average of $35,103. For investors focused on maximizing revenue, properties with 5 or more bedrooms offer the clearest path to higher yields, though acquisition costs and operating expenses for these larger homes should be factored in.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ellijay

Kitchens (99%), washers (98%), and dryers (97%) are essentially table stakes in Ellijay, reflecting the self-service expectations of mountain cabin guests. Hot tubs appear in 77% of listings and BBQ grills in 90%, signaling that outdoor experiential amenities are critical differentiators — investors without these features risk falling behind competitive listings.

Understanding Ellijay's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Ellijay's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property values are reasonably aligned but not exceptional. All four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — rate as average, meaning the market offers solid fundamentals without standout strengths or glaring weaknesses. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-specific analysis to identify the configurations (particularly larger cabins) that outperform market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ellijay

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ellijay, Georgia may be required to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities in Gilmer County. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Ellijay and Gilmer County planning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Georgia mountain communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay durations. HOA covenants in certain subdivisions may impose additional limitations or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Georgia are typically subject to state sales tax, local hotel/motel taxes, and potentially county-level excise taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ellijay's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with revenue peaks concentrated in summer and fall when mountain tourism is at its strongest. Year-over-year listing growth of 123% suggests robust investor interest, which could put mild downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace with new supply. ADR may hold steady or see modest increases of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies around peak months like July and October. Investors entering now should plan for revenue variability between winter lows (around $1,700–$1,800/month) and summer highs exceeding $4,600/month."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ellijay, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ellijay?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ellijay is currently 27%, which falls below the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 6+ bedroom properties achieving the highest rates at 36%, while 3-bedroom listings tend to be the lowest at 25%. Seasonal demand plays a significant role, so investors should expect higher occupancy during summer and fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ellijay?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Ellijay earn approximately $2,925 per month or $35,103 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $28,729 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate up to $105,902 per year. Peak months like July can push monthly earnings above $4,600, while winter months like January may dip to around $1,700.

Is Ellijay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ellijay scores 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from steady mountain tourism demand, especially during summer and fall, and larger properties can generate strong annual revenues. However, occupancy is below the state average and there's notable seasonality to navigate. Investors who target larger cabin-style properties and price strategically around peak seasons are best positioned to succeed here.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ellijay is $244, which is below the Georgia state average of $299. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom units average $161 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $592 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger, amenity-rich mountain retreats.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ellijay?

Short-term rentals operate in Ellijay, GA, as evidenced by the 633 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and zoning rules can vary and may change over time. Investors should consult directly with the City of Ellijay and Gilmer County authorities to confirm current licensing, zoning, and operational requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ellijay?

Peak season for Airbnb in Ellijay centers on summer and fall. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $4,659, followed by October at $3,721 and November at $3,548. The fall leaf season is a major draw for the North Georgia mountains. The slowest months are January and February, when average monthly revenue drops to around $1,709–$1,777.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ellijay?

As of April 2026, there are 633 active Airbnb listings in Ellijay. The market has seen significant year-over-year listing growth of 123%. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 238 listings, followed by 2-bedroom units at 176 listings. Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) represent a smaller portion of inventory with just 62 total listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ellijay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ellijay 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. 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 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 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 for the Ellijay market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, property quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.