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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

42 / 100

Gilbertsville presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Gilbertsville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gilbertsville, KY sits in the Kentucky Lake region — a draw for anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts — and its small but growing short-term rental market reflects that appeal. With just 15 active Airbnb listings and a 76% year-over-year increase in supply, the market is clearly attracting investor attention. Average annual revenue comes in around $28,076 against an average home value of $478,611, making deal sourcing and pricing strategy especially important in this competitive landscape.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gilbertsville short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 15
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $333 state avg. $256
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 28% state avg. 8%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $21
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,339
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $28,076

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Gilbertsville

Investors are drawn to Gilbertsville for its lakefront recreation appeal and the early-stage nature of its STR market, though tighter competition and seasonal demand patterns call for careful deal selection.

Key investment factors

  • Kentucky Lake and outdoor recreation drive strong summer tourism demand
  • Small listing count (15) means less direct competition but also a less proven market
  • 76% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor confidence in the area
  • Average daily rate of $256 offers a meaningful nightly premium for well-positioned lake properties
  • Lake access and waterfront amenities create natural differentiation opportunities

Expert Market Assessment

"Gilbertsville represents a competitive opportunity where strong seasonal demand meets a rapidly growing supply base. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $4,842 per month and drops to just $932 in January, making this a heavily seasonal market that rewards investors who can maximize summer bookings. The 8% average occupancy rate — well below Kentucky's 28% state average — underscores the challenge of filling calendars year-round. Investors who can acquire at the right price point and differentiate with lakefront access or premium amenities stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Gilbertsville'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

Factor Gilbertsville Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Gilbertsville's ROI Score of 42 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but also meaningful headwinds. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both register as average, while occupancy stability comes in below average — a direct reflection of the market's deep seasonality. The above-average market growth trend is a bright spot, but investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to account for extended low-occupancy months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gilbertsville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gilbertsville, Kentucky may need to obtain permits or register with local Marshall County authorities. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements directly with the county and the state of Kentucky before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar Kentucky lake communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants may also impose additional restrictions, particularly in lakefront developments, so reviewing any deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax on short-term accommodations, and local jurisdictions may levy additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but investors should confirm local obligations with Marshall County to ensure full compliance.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Gilbertsville

Financing an Airbnb investment in Gilbertsville requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Gilbertsville Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Gilbertsville's above-average market growth trend suggests continued investor interest over the next 12–18 months, though the sharp rise in supply (76% YoY) could pressure occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonal revenue patterns indicate that summer months — particularly July — will remain the primary revenue engine, with monthly earnings potentially reaching $4,500–$5,000 during peak weeks. Off-season occupancy will likely stay soft, so investors should budget for significant revenue dips from December through February and plan pricing strategies accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gilbertsville, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gilbertsville?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gilbertsville is currently 8%, which is notably below the Kentucky state average of 28%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months drive the bulk of bookings while winter months see very limited demand. Investors should factor in this seasonal pattern when projecting cash flow.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gilbertsville?
Airbnb hosts in Gilbertsville earn an average of approximately $2,339 per month, which translates to roughly $28,076 in average annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with July being the highest-earning month at around $4,842 and January the lowest at roughly $932.
Is Gilbertsville a good market for Airbnb investment?
Gilbertsville scores a 42 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market shows above-average growth trends and strong summer tourism demand driven by Kentucky Lake recreation. However, below-average occupancy stability and an average home value of $478,611 mean investors need to be selective about acquisitions and realistic about off-season revenue dips.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Gilbertsville?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Gilbertsville is $256, which is below the Kentucky state average of $333. This reflects the market's more rural, lakeside positioning. Despite the lower ADR, well-managed properties with desirable amenities like lake access and outdoor spaces can command premium nightly rates, especially during summer months.
Are short-term rentals legal in Gilbertsville?
Short-term rentals do operate in Gilbertsville, KY, with 15 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, specific permit requirements and regulations can vary by jurisdiction. Investors should check with Marshall County and any applicable HOA before purchasing, as local rules around STR permits, occupancy limits, and zoning may apply.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Gilbertsville?
Peak season in Gilbertsville runs from June through August, with July standing out as the top-earning month at an average of $4,842 in revenue. The summer months benefit from Kentucky Lake tourism, boating, and fishing activity. Revenue drops sharply in winter, with January averaging just $932, making summer performance critical to annual returns.
How many Airbnbs are there in Gilbertsville?
There are currently 15 active Airbnb listings in Gilbertsville as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 76% year-over-year increase in active listings. All reported listings are 3-bedroom properties, suggesting a relatively uniform supply that could present opportunity for investors offering different property configurations.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gilbertsville?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Gilbertsville 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, remove 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 for the Gilbertsville market
  • Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

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. Market data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots; conditions may shift due to seasonal changes, regulatory updates, or broader economic factors. Individual property performance will vary based on location, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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