Grand Rivers, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Grand Rivers Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grand Rivers, KY sits at the crossroads of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley — a small but tourism-driven market where just 18 active Airbnb listings serve seasonal vacation demand. With an average annual revenue of $31,110 and average home values around $298,368, the revenue-to-price ratio stands above average, earning the market a 78 out of 100 ROI score. Pronounced summer seasonality (July tops $4,407/month) and a compact supply pool create a niche opportunity for investors comfortable with a leisure-focused, seasonal market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Grand Rivers 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 Grand Rivers

The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and limited existing supply make Grand Rivers an appealing entry point for investors seeking affordable lake-market exposure with manageable competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grand Rivers presents a standout niche opportunity for STR investors drawn to lake and outdoor recreation markets. The 78/100 ROI score reflects a favorable revenue-to-price ratio that compensates for more moderate occupancy (21% vs. 28% state average) and clear seasonal swings — revenue can triple from February's $1,496 to July's $4,407. With only 18 active listings and a small-town setting, the market rewards investors who optimize for peak summer demand while managing cash flow through quieter winter months. This is best suited for buyers who appreciate a compact, tourism-dependent market with limited competition rather than year-round consistency."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grand Rivers

Average revenue by month in Grand Rivers

Grand Rivers exhibits sharp seasonality: July leads at $4,407 and June at $4,087, while February bottoms out at $1,496 — a nearly 3× spread between peak and trough. Investors should expect the bulk of annual income to concentrate in the June–August window, with October ($2,656) and April ($2,836) providing meaningful shoulder-season bumps.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grand Rivers

The entire trackable supply consists of 7 one-bedroom listings, suggesting that larger property sizes either aren't present or represent too few units for reliable aggregation. This could signal an opportunity for investors willing to bring 2+ bedroom properties to an underserved segment of the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Grand Rivers

One-bedroom listings average an ADR of $137, well below the market-wide $198 average — implying that the larger or unlisted property types in the market command significantly higher nightly rates. Investors considering bigger units may capture a meaningful ADR premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grand Rivers

One-bedroom properties generate a RevPAN of $28, reflecting the combination of a modest ADR and 20% occupancy. This metric underscores that while nightly rates are reasonable, the key lever for improving returns in Grand Rivers is boosting occupancy through pricing strategy and seasonal promotion.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grand Rivers

One-bedroom units average 20% occupancy, closely tracking the market-wide 21% figure. This relatively low rate is characteristic of a seasonal vacation market where bookings concentrate in warmer months, so steady cash flow requires thoughtful off-season management.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grand Rivers

One-bedroom properties bring in an average of $1,705 per month, compared to the $2,592 market-wide average. The gap suggests that larger or higher-end properties in the market are pulling the overall average up, making them potentially stronger revenue generators.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grand Rivers

At $20,466 annually, 1-bedroom units earn about two-thirds of the market's $31,110 average annual revenue. Investors targeting higher return potential in Grand Rivers may want to explore properties with more bedrooms or premium features to capture the upper end of the revenue range.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grand Rivers

Parking is universal (100%), and outdoor-oriented amenities dominate — 83% offer outdoor furniture, 78% have BBQ grills and patios, and 61% include a backyard, reflecting the lake-vacation character of the market. Self check-in at 89% signals guest expectations for convenience, while lake access (17%) and waterfront (6%) remain rare differentiators that could justify premium pricing.

Understanding Grand Rivers's ROI Score: 78/100

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

Grand Rivers earns a 78 out of 100 ROI score, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' band — driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects affordable entry costs relative to earning potential. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all score at average levels, indicating a market that performs well on yield math but requires careful seasonal planning. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and on-the-ground property analysis to build a complete investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Grand Rivers

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Grand Rivers, Kentucky may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the city or county. Investors should verify current STR permit and licensing requirements directly with Grand Rivers city officials and Livingston County authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Kentucky municipalities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants or deed restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing these before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Kentucky are generally responsible for collecting and remitting state transient room tax and any applicable local occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm whether additional local tax obligations apply in Grand Rivers.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Grand Rivers is expected to maintain its strong summer peak with monthly revenues likely ranging from $4,000 to $4,500 during June and July, while shoulder and winter months may settle between $1,500 and $2,500. Year-over-year listing growth of 108% suggests new supply is entering the market, which could moderate occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace. ADR may hold steady or see modest increases of 2–4% given the area's lake-tourism appeal, though investors should monitor whether the expanding supply base dilutes per-listing performance. Estimates point to relatively stable annual revenue in the low $30,000s, assuming occupancy stability remains at current average levels."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grand Rivers, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grand Rivers?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Grand Rivers is currently 21%, which falls below the Kentucky state average of 28%. This reflects the market's seasonal, leisure-driven demand — occupancy climbs significantly during summer months and softens in winter. Investors should plan for this seasonal pattern when projecting cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grand Rivers?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Grand Rivers Airbnb hosts earn an average of $2,592 per month and approximately $31,110 per year. Revenue is heavily weighted toward summer, with July averaging $4,407 and February dipping to $1,496. Individual results will vary depending on property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Grand Rivers a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grand Rivers scores 78 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its strongest attribute, with average home values around $298,368 supporting solid yield potential. The trade-off is seasonal occupancy and a small market size, so investors who optimize for summer peaks and manage off-season expenses thoughtfully stand to benefit most.

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

The current average daily rate in Grand Rivers is $198, which is notably below the Kentucky state average of $333. For 1-bedroom properties specifically, ADR sits at $137. The lower ADR reflects the market's small-town, vacation-cabin character, but it also contributes to an attractive price-to-revenue equation given the area's affordable home values.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grand Rivers?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Grand Rivers, KY, but local regulations can change. Investors should check with Grand Rivers city authorities and Livingston County for the latest permit requirements, zoning rules, and any restrictions that may apply. It's also wise to review any HOA or deed restrictions on a specific property before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grand Rivers?

Peak season in Grand Rivers runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,407. June follows closely at $4,087 and August at $3,586. The shoulder months of April ($2,836) and October ($2,656) also show solid demand, likely driven by spring and fall outdoor recreation around the lakes.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grand Rivers?

As of April 2026, there are 18 active Airbnb listings in Grand Rivers. Year-over-year listing growth has been notable at 108%, indicating the market is attracting new hosts. Despite this growth, the total supply remains quite small, which can work in favor of well-positioned properties but also means the market data reflects a limited sample.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Grand Rivers?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Grand Rivers 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This 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 Grand Rivers and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Grand Rivers is a small market with only 18 active listings; limited sample sizes may increase variability in reported averages. Local regulations and tax requirements can change — always verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before investing.