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

Gatlinburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gatlinburg's position as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park — America's most-visited national park — fuels consistent short-term rental demand across seasons. With 2,306 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $49,606 and an ROI score of 70 out of 100, the market offers an attractive balance of revenue potential and above-average occupancy stability. Average daily rates sit at $234, below Tennessee's $309 state average, which keeps nightly pricing accessible for the family and vacation traveler segments that drive bookings here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg's combination of year-round national park tourism, above-average occupancy stability, and strong revenue scaling for larger cabins makes it a compelling market for STR investors seeking diversified seasonal income.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gatlinburg represents a mature, tourism-driven rental market with genuine revenue upside — particularly for larger cabin-style properties that can command premium nightly rates. Seasonality is pronounced but manageable: July leads at $7,372 in average monthly revenue, while February dips to $2,038, creating a roughly 3.6x spread between peak and trough months. The ROI score of 70 reflects a healthy demand foundation paired with average revenue-to-price ratios, meaning investors need to be deliberate about property selection and pricing strategy to outperform the median. Larger properties with sought-after amenities like hot tubs and mountain views tend to punch well above market averages, making them the strongest candidates for outsized returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gatlinburg

Average revenue by month in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg exhibits a clear dual-peak seasonality, with July leading at $7,372 and October following at $5,405, while the winter trough in February drops to just $2,038 — a gap of over $5,300 between the highest and lowest months. Investors should plan cash reserves to cover the January–February lull and price aggressively during the summer and fall windows that generate the bulk of annual income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gatlinburg

Two-bedroom units dominate supply with 700 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 569, while 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties are relatively scarce at 133 and 108 listings respectively. This lower supply of larger cabins, combined with their superior revenue metrics, may signal opportunity for investors willing to acquire or build in the 4–6+ bedroom range.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gatlinburg

ADR rises steeply with bedroom count, jumping from $134 for studios to $581 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 4.3x premium. The sharpest jump occurs between 4 bedrooms ($316) and 5 bedrooms ($416), suggesting that group-sized cabins command disproportionate nightly pricing power in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gatlinburg

RevPAN climbs from $37 for studios to $217 for 6+ bedroom properties, confirming that larger units don't just charge more — they also convert available nights into revenue more efficiently. The 6+ bedroom tier delivers nearly six times the RevPAN of a studio, making it the standout performer on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gatlinburg

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across sizes, ranging from 26% for 2-bedrooms to 37% for 6+ bedroom properties. The fact that the largest units maintain the highest occupancy despite commanding the highest nightly rates speaks to strong group-travel demand and limited large-cabin supply in Gatlinburg.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gatlinburg

Monthly revenue scales from $2,441 for studios to $11,832 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in bedroom count adding roughly $1,000–$3,600 in monthly income. The jump from 5 bedrooms ($8,193) to 6+ bedrooms ($11,832) is particularly notable, offering an additional $3,639 per month that can significantly improve ROI on the incremental acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gatlinburg

Annual revenue ranges from $29,296 for studios to $141,990 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the 4-bedroom tier ($71,899) and above clearly outpacing smaller units. Investors focused on maximizing total return should weigh the higher purchase price of large cabins against their dramatically stronger income potential — a 6+ bedroom property earns nearly five times what a studio generates.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gatlinburg

Kitchens (99%), self check-in (95%), and parking (93%) are near-universal, establishing a baseline expectation for Gatlinburg guests. Hot tubs (83%) and patios or balconies (82%) are also widespread, signaling that listings without these mountain-market essentials may struggle to compete — while pet-friendly options (24%) and gyms (12%) remain differentiators that could help a property stand out.

Understanding Gatlinburg's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Gatlinburg's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and steady tourism demand offset average revenue-to-price ratios and moderate supply-demand dynamics. The score's strongest component is occupancy stability, which means income streams here tend to be more predictable than in many comparable vacation markets — a meaningful advantage for investors carrying debt. To fully evaluate a specific property, pair this market-level score with local regulatory research and a property-level cash flow analysis that accounts for Gatlinburg's pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gatlinburg

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Gatlinburg, Tennessee should expect that a short-term rental permit or registration is required before listing a property; the city and Sevier County have historically regulated STR activity in response to the area's high tourism volume. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Gatlinburg and Sevier County authorities before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain resort communities like Gatlinburg can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, parking requirements for cabin-style properties, noise ordinances, and potential HOA or neighborhood covenants that restrict or govern rental activity. Some areas may also impose minimum stay requirements or caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones, so due diligence with local planning and zoning offices is essential.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee levies state and local sales taxes as well as an occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Sevier County collects additional lodging taxes that apply to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit some or all of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm which obligations are handled automatically and which require separate filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gatlinburg's seasonal revenue pattern — peaking in July at $7,372 and holding strong through a fall foliage surge in October at $5,405 — suggests continued upside for well-positioned listings during summer and autumn months. Occupancy stability is rated above average, so investors can reasonably expect market-wide occupancy to hold around 28–32% depending on property size, with ADR increases in the 1–3% range if tourism traffic to the Smokies remains steady. Supply growth should be watched carefully, as year-over-year listing activity sits at 97%, indicating the market is maintaining its base rather than rapidly expanding. Investors entering now are likely acquiring into a mature market where operational quality and amenity differentiation will matter more than simply adding inventory."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gatlinburg, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gatlinburg?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Gatlinburg is currently 29%, which matches the Tennessee state average. Occupancy varies by property size, ranging from 26% for 2-bedroom units up to 37% for 6+ bedroom properties. Larger cabins tend to stay booked more consistently, likely because group travelers and families seeking multi-bedroom accommodations have fewer options and book further in advance.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gatlinburg?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Gatlinburg earn approximately $4,133 per month and $49,606 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average around $29,296 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in roughly $141,990 per year. Peak earning months are July (averaging $7,372) and October ($5,405), with winter months like February dropping to around $2,038.

Is Gatlinburg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gatlinburg earns an ROI score of 70 out of 100 from Rabbu, categorized as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability driven by year-round tourism to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Revenue-to-price ratios are average given home values around $710,162, so investors who target larger properties with in-demand amenities like hot tubs and outdoor spaces tend to see the strongest returns. As with any investment, pairing this data with local regulatory research and a solid operational plan is key.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Gatlinburg is $234, which is below the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $134 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $581 per night. This pricing structure reflects the cabin-resort nature of the market, where larger group-friendly properties can charge substantial premiums.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gatlinburg?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, though operators should expect to comply with local permitting, zoning, and tax requirements. Gatlinburg and Sevier County have regulations governing STR activity given the area's high tourism volume. Prospective investors should contact the City of Gatlinburg and Sevier County offices directly to confirm the latest permit requirements, restrictions, and tax obligations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gatlinburg?

Peak season in Gatlinburg centers on two main windows: summer (particularly July, which averages $7,372 in monthly revenue) and fall foliage season (October averages $5,405). June is also strong at $5,489. The slowest months are January and February, averaging around $2,124 and $2,038 respectively. This dual-peak pattern gives Gatlinburg hosts two high-revenue periods per year, which is more favorable than many single-season vacation markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gatlinburg?

As of April 2026, there are 2,306 active Airbnb listings in Gatlinburg. The most common property sizes are 2-bedroom units (700 listings) and 1-bedroom units (569 listings), followed by 3-bedroom properties (456 listings). Larger properties with 5 or 6+ bedrooms make up a smaller share of supply (133 and 108 listings respectively), which may partly explain their higher occupancy rates and stronger revenue performance.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gatlinburg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Gatlinburg 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $7,372 average) and slower months (like February's $2,038). 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 Gatlinburg market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night metrics
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

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 the dates noted; future results may differ due to regulatory changes, economic shifts, or competitive dynamics. Investors should independently verify local short-term rental regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations before making purchase decisions.