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

Hiawassee Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hiawassee, GA sits in the north Georgia mountains near Lake Chatuge, drawing seasonal visitors who fuel a compact but growing short-term rental market. With 136 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $224, and trailing-twelve-month annual revenue of $31,396, the market offers moderate income potential tempered by a 21% average occupancy rate—well below the 32% Georgia state average. A 95% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, making selective deal sourcing increasingly important for newcomers.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hiawassee 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 Hiawassee

Hiawassee appeals to investors seeking exposure to Georgia's mountain-lake tourism corridor, where seasonal demand spikes can generate outsized summer returns despite softer off-peak months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hiawassee presents a competitive but uneven opportunity. Revenue is heavily concentrated between June and October, when monthly averages climb from $2,621 to a July high of $4,783, while January and February dip below $1,110. The 46-out-of-100 ROI score reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics paired with above-average growth—suggesting a market that rewards investors who can weather slow winters and capitalize on peak-season demand. Larger properties, particularly 4-bedroom units earning roughly $40,685 annually, stand out as the strongest performers relative to their occupancy levels."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hiawassee

Average revenue by month in Hiawassee

Hiawassee displays sharp seasonality, with July peaking at $4,783 and January bottoming out at $1,110—a spread of over $3,600. The summer-to-fall corridor (June through November) accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, so investors should budget for lean winters and plan pricing strategies that maximize capture during peak demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hiawassee

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 47 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 36, making mid-size homes the most competitive segment. With only 6 five-bedroom listings and 23 four-bedroom units, larger properties face less direct competition and may represent an opportunity for investors willing to target group travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hiawassee

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $158 for 1-bedroom units to $413 for 5-bedroom homes—a 2.6x premium. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($185) to 4 bedrooms ($315) is especially steep, suggesting a strong willingness among guests to pay more for additional space and group-friendly configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hiawassee

Four-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $61, meaningfully outperforming 1- and 2-bedroom units (both at $41) and even 5-bedroom homes ($46). Three-bedroom listings trail at $35 RevPAN despite being the most common, indicating that the heaviest supply concentration hasn't translated into the best per-night income.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hiawassee

Smaller properties fill more consistently, with 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units averaging 26% and 25% occupancy respectively, compared to just 11% for 5-bedroom homes. While no segment achieves high absolute occupancy in Hiawassee, the relative consistency of smaller units makes them a consideration for investors prioritizing booking frequency over per-night revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hiawassee

Five-bedroom homes generate the highest monthly revenue at $4,024, followed by 4-bedrooms at $3,390, while 1-bedroom units average $1,772. Notably, 3-bedroom properties earn $2,285 monthly—less than 2-bedrooms at $2,639—likely reflecting the intense competition at that size tier.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hiawassee

Annual revenue ranges from $21,266 for 1-bedroom units to $48,297 for 5-bedroom properties, with 4-bedrooms at $40,685 offering arguably the best balance of income and manageable competition. Given average home values of $640,183, investors should model acquisition costs carefully against these revenue tiers to identify configurations that pencil out.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hiawassee

Parking and a full kitchen are nearly universal at 94%, and laundry facilities (washer 86%, dryer 82%) are close behind—these are table stakes for Hiawassee guests expecting cabin-style comfort. Differentiators like lake access (34%), hot tubs (32%), and waterfront positioning (31%) are present in roughly a third of listings, signaling that properties with these features can stand out in a market where outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (81%) and patios (79%) are already the norm.

Understanding Hiawassee's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Hiawassee's ROI score of 46 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics alongside above-average market growth. The below-average supply/demand balance—driven in part by a 95% surge in active listings—means investors face stiffer competition and need to differentiate on amenities, location, or property size to outperform. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling will help separate viable deals from properties that struggle to cover carrying costs during slower months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hiawassee

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Hiawassee, GA, and surrounding Towns County should verify whether a local business license, STR permit, or registration is required before listing a property. Georgia does not impose a statewide STR permit, so requirements vary by jurisdiction—investors should check directly with the City of Hiawassee and Towns County planning offices for the latest rules.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Georgia mountain communities can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum-stay requirements, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, designated parking rules, and caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA covenants are another potential barrier, particularly in lakefront or resort-style developments, and should be reviewed before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Georgia imposes state sales tax and a statewide hotel/motel tax on short-term rental stays, and Towns County may levy an additional local lodging tax. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local tax obligations and filing requirements with county tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hiawassee's pronounced summer and fall peaks—July alone averages $4,783 per listing—should continue to anchor annual revenue, while the above-average market growth trend suggests demand hasn't fully plateaued. However, the rapid expansion of supply (95% listing growth year-over-year) could place downward pressure on occupancy if it outpaces visitor growth. Investors should plan for ADR holding roughly steady or rising modestly by 1–3%, with annual occupancy likely settling in the 20–24% range. Properties that differentiate through lake access, hot tubs, or larger group capacity are better positioned to capture share during shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hiawassee, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hiawassee?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Hiawassee is currently 21%, which falls below the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 26%, while 5-bedroom properties average just 11%. The lower overall rate reflects Hiawassee's strong seasonality, with most bookings concentrated in the summer and fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hiawassee?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Airbnb hosts in Hiawassee earn an average of $2,616 per month and approximately $31,396 per year. Earnings vary widely by property size: 5-bedroom listings average $48,297 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in closer to $21,266. Peak months like July can generate nearly $4,783, whereas January averages around $1,110.

Is Hiawassee a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hiawassee scores 46 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" tier. The market shows above-average growth trends and solid summer/fall demand, but average revenue-to-price ratios and below-average supply/demand balance mean investors need to be selective. Properties that stand out—through lake access, hot tubs, or larger bedroom counts—tend to capture a disproportionate share of bookings and revenue.

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

The average daily rate across all Hiawassee Airbnb listings is $224, which is below the Georgia state average of $299. ADR scales meaningfully with property size, ranging from $158 for 1-bedroom units to $413 for 5-bedroom homes. Investors targeting higher nightly rates should consider larger properties that cater to group and family travel.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hiawassee?

Short-term rentals do operate in Hiawassee, GA, as evidenced by 136 active Airbnb listings in the area. However, local permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and HOA rules can vary. Prospective investors should contact the City of Hiawassee and Towns County planning offices directly to confirm current regulations, licensing requirements, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hiawassee?

Peak season in Hiawassee runs from June through October, with July being the single strongest month at an average revenue of $4,783 per listing. October also performs well at $3,686, likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $1,050–$1,110, highlighting the market's significant seasonality.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hiawassee?

As of April 2026, there are 136 active Airbnb listings in Hiawassee. The market has grown rapidly, with a 95% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 47 listings, followed by 2-bedroom units at 36 and 4-bedroom homes at 23.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hiawassee?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Hiawassee 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods like Hiawassee's strong July and softer winter months. 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 Hiawassee, GA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property optimization

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 and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations should be independently verified before making any investment decision.