Guntersville, AL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Guntersville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Guntersville is a lakeside Alabama market with 101 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $27,592 per property. With an ADR of $206—below the $247 state average—and occupancy sitting at 25% versus 38% statewide, the market rewards operators who can differentiate on property quality and waterfront access. A 150% year-over-year surge in listings signals growing investor attention, though the compressed occupancy rate underscores the need for careful deal selection.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Guntersville 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 Guntersville

Guntersville attracts investor interest primarily because of its lakefront tourism appeal and the opportunity to capture premium nightly rates with larger, well-appointed properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Guntersville presents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited for investors who can secure standout lakefront properties. The market's pronounced seasonality—with monthly revenues peaking at $3,690 in July and dipping to $869 in January—means cash-flow planning must account for a roughly four-month soft season from November through February. With all four ROI calculation factors rated below average, broad-based returns are challenging, but the data shows that 3-bedroom and especially 5-bedroom properties punch well above the market average on RevPAN and annual revenue, suggesting selective positioning can still yield solid results."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Guntersville

Average revenue by month in Guntersville

Revenue follows a clear warm-weather arc, peaking in July at $3,690 and bottoming out in January at $869—a spread of more than 4x that underscores how dependent Guntersville's STR market is on lake-season tourism. A secondary bump in October ($2,937) suggests fall foliage or fishing events provide a meaningful shoulder-season boost.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Guntersville

The market's 101 listings cluster heavily around 2-bedroom (33) and 3-bedroom (34) properties, which together make up roughly two-thirds of supply. With only 9 four-bedroom and 10 five-bedroom listings, larger homes represent a less crowded segment where the revenue data suggests outsized earning potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Guntersville

ADR scales sharply at the top end—5-bedroom properties command $422 per night, more than double the $206 market average and over three times the $129 rate for 2-bedroom units. The jump from 3-bedroom ($206) to 5-bedroom ($422) indicates that group-friendly lakefront homes can price at a substantial premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Guntersville

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $71, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at $62, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units lag at $31 and $33 respectively. This suggests that 3-bedroom homes offer the best balance of revenue efficiency and lower acquisition cost for investors who aren't targeting the luxury tier.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Guntersville

Three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 30%, while 4-bedroom properties trail at just 14%—the widest gap across any size category. The relatively modest occupancy across all sizes (14–30%) reflects the market's seasonal nature and highlights the importance of dynamic pricing and off-season strategies to maintain cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Guntersville

Five-bedroom homes dominate monthly revenue at $6,282, nearly 2.5x the next best performer (3-bedrooms at $2,506) and more than 4.5x the $1,374 earned by 2-bedroom units. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income, 3-bedroom properties offer a meaningful step up from smaller units without requiring the capital outlay of a 5-bedroom lakefront home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Guntersville

Annual revenue ranges from $16,496 for 2-bedroom listings to $75,390 for 5-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms generating $30,073—the strongest return profile among mid-sized units. The 5-bedroom segment's outsized annual revenue reflects both premium nightly rates and the ability to attract group bookings, making it the top-tier play for well-capitalized investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Guntersville

Kitchens (97%) and parking (96%) are near-universal, while outdoor lifestyle amenities like BBQ grills (81%), patios (78%), backyards (70%), and outdoor furniture (69%) reflect the lake-recreation character of Guntersville's guest base. Lake access appears in 49% of listings and waterfront in 27%, suggesting that properties with direct water access can differentiate meaningfully in a market where it's far from guaranteed.

Understanding Guntersville'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

Guntersville's ROI score of 42 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real demand but requires disciplined deal selection to generate attractive returns. All four calculation factors—Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance—register below average, reflecting the combined pressure of elevated home values ($571,781), low occupancy (25%), and rapid supply growth (150% YoY). Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on differentiated properties—particularly lakefront homes with 3 or 5 bedrooms—where the revenue data shows the strongest potential to outperform the broader market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Guntersville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Guntersville, Alabama may be required to obtain business licenses or STR permits at the city level, and investors should verify current requirements with Guntersville's city government and Marshall County officials before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. Properties within HOA-governed communities may face additional covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Alabama imposes a state lodging tax on short-term rentals, and Marshall County or the City of Guntersville may levy additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Guntersville's seasonal cadence should continue to drive the bulk of revenue between March and October, with July remaining the standout month. The rapid supply growth (150% YoY) may apply downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace, so investors should anticipate occupancy stabilizing in the 23–28% range market-wide. ADR could see modest increases of 2–5% for well-positioned lakefront properties, particularly larger homes that already command premium nightly rates. Investors entering this market are advised to model conservatively and focus on properties that offer lake access or waterfront appeal to capture the strongest seasonal demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Guntersville, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Guntersville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Guntersville is currently 25%, which falls below Alabama's 38% state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom homes performing best at 30%, while 4-bedroom properties sit at just 14%. Seasonality plays a major role—summer months see the strongest bookings, while winter occupancy drops significantly.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Guntersville?

Airbnb hosts in Guntersville earn an average of $2,299 per month and approximately $27,592 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 5-bedroom homes lead with an average annual revenue of $75,390, while 2-bedroom units average $16,496 per year. Peak earning months are June and July, with July averaging $3,690 across all listings.

Is Guntersville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Guntersville carries an ROI score of 42 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' This means investor interest and demand are strong, but higher property prices (averaging $571,781) and increased competition from rapid supply growth (150% YoY) require more selective deal sourcing. Investors who focus on larger, lakefront properties with premium amenities are best positioned to outperform the market average.

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

The average daily rate across Guntersville's Airbnb market is $206, which is below Alabama's $247 state average. ADR varies substantially by property size—2-bedroom listings average just $129 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $422. This spread highlights the revenue potential of larger properties that can accommodate groups and families visiting the lake.

Are short-term rentals legal in Guntersville?

Short-term rentals do operate in Guntersville, with 101 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, operators should verify all applicable permit, licensing, and tax requirements with the City of Guntersville and Marshall County authorities. HOA restrictions may also apply depending on the property's location, so reviewing community covenants before purchasing is recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Guntersville?

Peak season in Guntersville runs from late spring through summer, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $3,690. June ($3,234) and October ($2,937) are also strong months. The slowest period is January, when average revenue drops to $869, reflecting the outdoor-recreation-driven seasonality of this lakeside market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Guntersville?

As of April 2026, there are 101 active Airbnb listings in Guntersville. The supply has grown 150% year over year, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest. The most common property sizes are 2-bedroom (33 listings) and 3-bedroom (34 listings), which together account for about two-thirds of the market's inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Guntersville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Guntersville 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $3,690 average) and slower months (like January's $869). 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Trailing 12-month revenue estimates by month and property configuration
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.