Fairfield Bay, AR Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fairfield Bay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fairfield Bay, AR is a small lakeside community in the Ozarks where short-term rental supply remains extremely limited — just 15 active Airbnb listings as of late April 2026. With an average daily rate of $121 (well below the $192 state average) and occupancy at 32% (above the 26% state average), the market offers affordable entry but modest revenue, averaging $14,733 annually per listing. An 82% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the low absolute numbers mean the market is still in its early stages.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fairfield Bay 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 Fairfield Bay

Fairfield Bay appeals to investors seeking low-cost entry into a lake and outdoor recreation market with growing but still limited short-term rental competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fairfield Bay represents a niche opportunity rather than a high-volume investment play. Revenue swings dramatically by season — from under $500 in the winter months to over $2,700 at the July peak — so cash-flow planning around a roughly six-month active season is critical. The ROI score of 42 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and below-average occupancy stability, offset somewhat by above-average market growth trends. Investors who can tolerate seasonal income variability and differentiate their properties with in-demand amenities like lake access, pools, or hot tubs may find the limited competition here works in their favor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fairfield Bay

Average revenue by month in Fairfield Bay

Fairfield Bay shows extreme seasonality, with July topping out at $2,730 in average revenue — more than five times the January figure of $485. The core earning window runs from May through October, while November through April generates less than $1,000 per month, making this a market where summer performance defines the annual return.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fairfield Bay

The entire trackable supply in Fairfield Bay consists of 2-bedroom properties, with 5 active listings in that category. This extremely narrow size distribution could signal opportunity for investors willing to offer larger or smaller configurations that aren't currently represented in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fairfield Bay

Two-bedroom listings in Fairfield Bay command an average daily rate of $136, which is modestly above the market-wide ADR of $121. With no other property sizes currently represented, there's limited data to assess how rates scale with bedrooms in this specific market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fairfield Bay

Two-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $24, reflecting the combination of a $136 ADR and 18% occupancy for this segment. This is below the market-wide RevPAN of $39, suggesting that larger or differently positioned properties in the broader market may be capturing more consistent bookings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fairfield Bay

Two-bedroom listings average just 18% occupancy, which is notably lower than the market-wide 32% average. This gap suggests that other property types or configurations in Fairfield Bay may be achieving significantly stronger booking rates, and 2-bedroom investors should focus on differentiation to improve fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fairfield Bay

Two-bedroom properties average $1,147 per month, slightly below the overall market average of $1,227. Investors considering this property size should factor in the seasonal revenue swings and explore whether additional amenities or flexible pricing could help close the gap with higher-performing listings.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fairfield Bay

At $13,767 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties trail the market-wide average of $14,733 by about $1,000. Given average home values near $293,095, gross yield on a 2-bedroom hovers around 4.7%, underscoring the importance of competitive pricing and strong peak-season performance.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fairfield Bay

Kitchens appear in 100% of Fairfield Bay listings, with parking (93%), washer (87%), and dryer (80%) also near-universal — reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient vacation stays. Outdoor amenities are particularly prominent, with patios/balconies (73%), BBQ grills (60%), and pools (60%) common, while lake access (33%) and hot tubs (20%) represent potential differentiators for new listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Fairfield Bay's ROI Score: 42/100

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

Fairfield Bay's ROI Score of 42 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest is growing but returns require careful deal selection. The score reflects average revenue-to-price ratios, below-average occupancy stability — driven by heavy seasonality — and an above-average market growth trend that signals expanding demand. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will help investors determine whether a Fairfield Bay property pencils out for their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fairfield Bay

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, should verify whether a local business license or STR permit is required through the city or Cleburne County offices. State-level requirements may also apply, so investors are encouraged to consult both local and Arkansas state authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in this area include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Community-level HOA or property owner association rules can also impose additional limits on rental activity, so reviewing all applicable covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Arkansas imposes state and local sales taxes as well as a tourism tax on short-term rentals, and Cleburne County or the city may have additional lodging tax obligations. Many booking platforms collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax responsibilities with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fairfield Bay's summer-driven demand pattern is likely to persist, with July and September continuing as the strongest revenue months. The above-average market growth trend suggests listing counts could continue climbing, potentially pushing occupancy slightly lower if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate ADRs holding in the $115–$130 range, with annual revenue for well-managed properties potentially reaching $15,000–$17,000 depending on amenity investments and pricing strategy during peak months. These estimates assume no major shifts in local regulations or regional tourism patterns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fairfield Bay, AR

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fairfield Bay?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Fairfield Bay is currently 32%, which is notably above the Arkansas state average of 26%. However, occupancy varies significantly by season, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings and winter months seeing much lighter activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fairfield Bay?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Fairfield Bay earn approximately $1,227 per month and $14,733 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue is highly seasonal — July averages around $2,730 while January drops to about $485 — so hosts should plan for substantial month-to-month variation.

Is Fairfield Bay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fairfield Bay carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers low competition with only 15 active listings, affordable home prices averaging $293,095, and above-average market growth. However, below-average occupancy stability and strong seasonality mean investors need to be strategic with pricing and amenities to maximize returns.

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

The average daily rate in Fairfield Bay is $121, which is significantly lower than the Arkansas state average of $192. For 2-bedroom properties specifically, the ADR rises to $136. The lower rate reflects the market's positioning as an affordable lakeside getaway rather than a premium resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fairfield Bay?

Short-term rentals operate in Fairfield Bay, as evidenced by active Airbnb listings in the area. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and HOA rules may apply. Investors should verify all local and state regulatory requirements with Fairfield Bay city officials and the state of Arkansas before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fairfield Bay?

Peak season in Fairfield Bay runs from late May through September, driven by lake recreation and outdoor activities in the Ozarks. July is the highest-earning month at approximately $2,730 in average revenue, followed by September at $2,006 and August at $1,934. The off-season from November through April sees significantly reduced demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fairfield Bay?

As of April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Fairfield Bay. This is a very small market by listing count, though it has grown 82% year-over-year, suggesting increasing investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fairfield Bay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fairfield Bay 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 remaining data 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. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Fairfield Bay market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing performance
• Monthly and annual revenue averages derived from historical booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.