Hartwell, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Hartwell Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hartwell, GA sits at the edge of Lake Hartwell — one of northeast Georgia's most popular recreational destinations — and its short-term rental market reflects that lakeside appeal. With 59 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $252, and average annual revenue of $29,623, the market is compact but generates meaningful income for well-positioned properties. Occupancy currently runs at 15%, well below the 32% Georgia state average, which signals strong seasonality and room for operational improvement among hosts who optimize pricing and guest experience.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hartwell 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 Hartwell

Investors are drawn to Hartwell for its lakefront lifestyle appeal, relatively low listing count, and the potential to capture summer vacation demand in a market still early in its STR growth curve.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hartwell presents a competitive but nuanced opportunity. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply-demand balance — meaning profitable deals exist but require selective sourcing rather than broad market tailwinds. Seasonality is the defining feature here: revenue swings from a $614 January low to a $4,503 July high, so investors should stress-test projections against winter softness. Properties that maximize summer peak performance — especially larger homes with lake access — are best positioned to generate meaningful annual returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hartwell

Average revenue by month in Hartwell

Hartwell's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $4,503 and bottoming out in January at just $614 — a spread of nearly 7x. The summer core of June through August accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making winter cash flow planning essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hartwell

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 18 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms at 13 and 1-bedrooms at 12. Two-bedroom units are notably underrepresented with only 6 listings, which could signal a niche opportunity for investors who can acquire or convert properties in that size range.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hartwell

ADR climbs steadily from $123 for 1-bedroom units to $295 for 4-bedroom properties, more than doubling across the range. The jump from 3-bedroom ($185) to 4-bedroom ($295) is especially steep, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay a premium for larger lakefront accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hartwell

Four-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $40, outpacing both 2- and 3-bedroom units tied at $29, and 1-bedrooms at $23. Despite their lower occupancy, the premium ADR that 4-bedroom properties command translates into the highest revenue per available night in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hartwell

Occupancy rates are fairly compressed across sizes, ranging from 14% for 4-bedroom properties to 20% for 2-bedroom units. Smaller properties fill slightly more nights, but none of the size categories achieve particularly high occupancy — reinforcing that Hartwell is a seasonal, weekend-and-vacation-driven market rather than a year-round performer.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hartwell

Monthly revenue scales reliably with property size: 4-bedroom listings average $3,447 per month compared to $1,074 for 1-bedroom units. The gap between 3-bedroom ($2,502) and 4-bedroom properties is nearly $1,000 per month, underscoring the revenue upside of larger homes in this lake market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hartwell

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $41,368, more than triple the $12,892 that 1-bedroom units generate. Three-bedroom listings at $30,024 offer a middle-ground return, while 2-bedroom properties earn $18,439 — suggesting that investors targeting the best gross revenue should focus on 3- to 4-bedroom configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hartwell

Parking (98%), kitchen (93%), and laundry (90–92%) are near-universal, setting a high baseline for guest expectations. Lake access (70%) and waterfront (58%) appear on the majority of listings, confirming that proximity to the water is a core differentiator — while hot tubs at only 5% represent a potential amenity gap investors could exploit to stand out.

Understanding Hartwell's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Hartwell's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market has genuine demand but requires disciplined deal sourcing to achieve strong returns. All four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply-demand balance — scored in the average range, with no standout strength or glaring weakness. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties that can capture the summer revenue peak while managing expenses through the quieter winter months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hartwell

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Hartwell, Georgia may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from the city or Hart County. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements with Hartwell city offices and the county before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants can impose additional constraints — particularly relevant for lakefront communities — so reviewing any neighborhood-level rules is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Georgia requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable local lodging or hotel-motel taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but owners should confirm their obligations with the Georgia Department of Revenue and Hart County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate Hartwell's STR market will continue riding seasonal lake-driven demand, with July and August remaining the revenue anchors. Active listings surged 129% year-over-year, so increased competition could keep occupancy in the 14–18% range unless demand grows proportionally. ADR may hold steady or see modest gains of 1–3% as the market matures, but investors should plan conservatively around the pronounced winter trough — January revenue averaged just $614, roughly one-seventh of the July peak."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hartwell, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hartwell?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Hartwell is currently 15%, which is below the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 20% and 4-bedroom units at 14%. The lower overall figure largely reflects Hartwell's pronounced seasonality — the market is heavily summer-driven, and winter months pull the annual average down significantly.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hartwell?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Hartwell earn approximately $2,468 per month or $29,623 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $12,892 annually, while 4-bedroom properties lead the market at roughly $41,368 per year. Peak summer months like July can generate over $4,500, whereas January may produce only around $614.

Is Hartwell a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hartwell carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, categorized as a "Competitive Opportunity." This means strong investor interest and demand exist, but higher property prices and growing competition require careful deal selection. The market's lakeside location fuels solid summer revenue, though the steep seasonal drop-off in winter means cash flow management is important. Investors targeting larger properties with lake access and strong amenity packages are best positioned to outperform the market average.

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

The average daily rate in Hartwell is $252, which is slightly below the Georgia state average of $299. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $123 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $295 per night. This suggests that larger, well-appointed lakefront homes can compete with or exceed state-level pricing.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hartwell?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Hartwell, GA, but operators should verify current licensing, permitting, and zoning requirements with the City of Hartwell and Hart County. Local rules may govern occupancy limits, noise, parking, and other operational details. HOA restrictions can also apply, especially in lakefront communities, so reviewing all applicable regulations before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hartwell?

Peak season in Hartwell runs from June through August, driven by Lake Hartwell's summer recreation appeal. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $4,503, followed by August at $3,903 and June at $3,485. The shoulder months of May and September also perform respectably at $2,951 and $2,586. Winter is the clear off-season, with January averaging just $614.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hartwell?

As of April 2026, there are 59 active Airbnb listings in Hartwell. The supply has grown rapidly, with a 129% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 18 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms at 13, 1-bedrooms at 12, and 2-bedrooms at 6.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hartwell?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Hartwell 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 performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data 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 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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.