Fort Payne, AL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fort Payne Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fort Payne, Alabama presents an intriguing opportunity for short-term rental investors drawn to northeast Alabama's natural attractions, including proximity to Little River Canyon and Lookout Mountain. With an average annual revenue of $23,685 across just 30 active listings and average home values around $318,748, the market offers a favorable revenue-to-price ratio. While occupancy sits at 28%—below the state average of 38%—above-average market growth (369% year-over-year listing increase) signals rising investor and traveler interest that could tighten demand over time.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fort Payne 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 Fort Payne

Fort Payne's combination of affordable property prices, growing traveler interest in outdoor recreation, and a still-small supply base creates a window for early-mover investors to establish competitive listings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fort Payne rates as an attractive opportunity with a 59 out of 100 ROI score, driven primarily by healthy revenue relative to property costs and a strong market growth trajectory. Seasonality is pronounced: revenue peaks in July and August above $2,600 per month, while January dips to just $883—a spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. The below-average occupancy rate of 28% is the market's most notable headwind, suggesting that pricing optimization and standout amenities will be critical differentiators. Investors who manage seasonal expectations and deliver the outdoor-focused experience guests expect should find this small-market niche rewarding."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fort Payne

Average revenue by month in Fort Payne

Fort Payne displays strong seasonality, with August topping out at $2,684 and January bottoming at just $883—a 3x spread that investors need to budget around. A notable secondary peak in October ($2,441) suggests fall tourism provides an additional revenue boost beyond the core summer season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fort Payne

Two-bedroom properties dominate the market with 15 listings, making up half of the 30 total active units, while 1-bedroom listings account for 7. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom properties in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer more space for families or groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fort Payne

ADR scales modestly from $136 for 1-bedroom units to $160 for 2-bedroom properties—an 18% premium for adding a second bedroom. Given that the incremental cost of a second bedroom is often modest relative to total acquisition price, the 2-bedroom configuration likely offers the better rate-per-dollar trade-off.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fort Payne

Two-bedroom listings deliver $47 in RevPAN compared to $32 for 1-bedroom units, a 47% advantage that reflects both higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy. This gap makes 2-bedroom properties the clear efficiency winner when it comes to revenue generated per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fort Payne

Occupancy runs at 29% for 2-bedroom listings and 24% for 1-bedroom units, both below the state average of 38%. The 5-percentage-point edge for 2-bedroom properties contributes meaningfully to their revenue advantage and suggests guests in Fort Payne tend to prefer slightly larger accommodations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fort Payne

Two-bedroom properties average $1,876 per month—roughly 55% more than the $1,208 generated by 1-bedroom units. For investors weighing acquisition costs against monthly cash flow, the 2-bedroom segment clearly delivers stronger top-line performance in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fort Payne

At $22,522 annually, 2-bedroom listings earn substantially more than 1-bedroom units at $14,505, making them the stronger revenue generators in Fort Payne. Investors targeting the best return potential should prioritize 2-bedroom configurations, which account for the bulk of both supply and income in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fort Payne

Kitchens (100%), self check-in (93%), BBQ grills (87%), and parking (87%) are near-universal, signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented experience. Hot tubs appear in 47% of listings and could serve as a competitive differentiator, while lake access remains rare at just 3%, representing a potential premium feature for properties with that capability.

Understanding Fort Payne's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Fort Payne's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, suggesting the market merits serious consideration but comes with specific risks to manage. The score is buoyed by an average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth, while below-average occupancy stability tempers the outlook. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling that accounts for the market's pronounced seasonal swings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fort Payne

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Fort Payne, Alabama should verify whether a short-term rental permit or business license is required by contacting the city's planning or licensing department. Alabama does not impose a statewide STR registration system, so local municipal rules govern permit obligations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants or zoning overlays that could limit STR activity in specific neighborhoods.

Tax Obligations

Alabama levies a state lodging tax on short-term rentals, and DeKalb County or the City of Fort Payne may impose additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local tax obligations are also being met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fort Payne's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as new investors respond to the area's above-average market growth trend. ADR may edge up modestly—perhaps 2–5%—as operators refine pricing strategies for peak months like July, August, and October. Occupancy could stabilize in the 28–33% range as supply and demand find a new equilibrium, though seasonal softness in January and February will persist. Investors entering now should plan for meaningful revenue swings between peak and off-peak months while the market matures."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fort Payne, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Payne?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Payne is currently 28%, which falls below the Alabama state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings averaging 29% and 1-bedroom units at 24%. Seasonal demand fluctuations play a significant role, with summer and fall months driving higher booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fort Payne?

Airbnb hosts in Fort Payne earn an average of $1,973 per month and approximately $23,685 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform with roughly $1,876 monthly, while 1-bedroom units average about $1,208. Peak months like August can push monthly revenue above $2,600, whereas January may dip below $900.

Is Fort Payne a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fort Payne scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an average revenue-to-price ratio, above-average growth trends, and a still-manageable supply of just 30 active listings. The main consideration is below-average occupancy stability, so investors should plan for seasonal revenue variability and focus on creating standout guest experiences to maximize bookings.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fort Payne is $223, slightly below the Alabama state average of $247. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $136 per night, while 2-bedroom properties command about $160. These rates reflect the market's positioning as a value-oriented destination compared to larger Alabama markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fort Payne?

Short-term rentals operate in Fort Payne, Alabama, as evidenced by active listings in the market. However, investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any local ordinances by contacting the City of Fort Payne directly. Regulations can change, so confirming compliance before purchasing a property is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fort Payne?

Peak season in Fort Payne runs primarily from June through August, with August generating the highest average revenue at $2,684. October also stands out as a strong month at $2,441, likely driven by fall foliage tourism in the surrounding mountain and canyon areas. The slowest period is January, when average revenue drops to $883, followed by a gradual ramp-up through spring.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fort Payne?

There are currently 30 active Airbnb listings in Fort Payne as of April 2026. The market has experienced dramatic 369% year-over-year growth in listing count, though the overall supply remains small. Two-bedroom properties dominate with 15 listings, followed by 7 one-bedroom units.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fort Payne?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fort Payne are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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 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 for the Fort Payne market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market

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 or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.