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

Huntsville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Huntsville's short-term rental market features 239 active Airbnb listings with an average daily rate of $134 — well below Alabama's $247 state average — and an average occupancy rate of 33%. With average annual revenue of $17,815 and home values around $470,562, investors face a competitive landscape where selective deal sourcing and property differentiation are essential. The market's 115% year-over-year listing growth signals strong investor interest, though it also means heightened competition for bookings.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Huntsville 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 Huntsville

Huntsville attracts STR investors thanks to its growing tech and defense economy, but rising competition and below-average occupancy demand careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Huntsville currently presents a competitive opportunity rather than a straightforward slam-dunk for STR investors. Revenue seasonality is moderate, with peak months in June ($1,827) and May ($1,713) and a winter trough in January ($925), creating a roughly 2:1 spread between the best and weakest months. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability mean investors need to be strategic — targeting 3- and 4-bedroom properties that deliver materially better returns, rather than saturating the 1-bedroom segment where 93 of the market's 239 listings already compete."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Huntsville

Average revenue by month in Huntsville

Revenue peaks in June at $1,827 and bottoms out in January at $925, creating a seasonal spread of nearly 2x. The summer months (May–August) are clearly the strongest earning period, while a secondary bump in October ($1,507) suggests event-driven or fall travel demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Huntsville

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 93 listings (39% of the market), followed by 3-bedrooms at 73 listings. Studios (5) and 4-bedrooms (22) are comparatively underrepresented, which may signal less competition and potential opportunity for investors willing to target those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Huntsville

ADR scales consistently with property size, from $83 for 1-bedroom units up to $208 for 4-bedrooms — a 2.5x increase. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($109) to 3-bedrooms ($168) represents the steepest step-up, suggesting that the added bedroom delivers outsized pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Huntsville

RevPAN climbs sharply with bedroom count, from $24 for 1-bedroom listings to $91 for 4-bedrooms — nearly a 4x difference. This indicates that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also convert more available nights into revenue, making them the clear efficiency leaders in Huntsville.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Huntsville

Occupancy rises with property size, topping out at 44% for 4-bedroom listings while studios and 1-bedrooms hover near 28–30%. For investors prioritizing consistent cash flow, larger homes offer meaningfully better booking frequency despite the market's overall occupancy rate of 33%.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Huntsville

Four-bedroom properties lead with $2,688 in average monthly revenue — nearly three times the $917 that 1-bedroom units generate. The revenue jump from 2-bedrooms ($1,363) to 3-bedrooms ($2,005) is particularly notable, reinforcing that mid-to-large properties are where the strongest returns concentrate.

Average annual revenue by property size in Huntsville

Annual revenue ranges from $9,018 for studios to $32,260 for 4-bedroom listings, a spread that underscores how dramatically property size influences earning potential. At $24,065 per year, 3-bedroom homes also deliver strong returns and represent a more accessible entry point than 4-bedroom properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Huntsville

Kitchens (98%) and parking (96%) are near-universal, while self check-in (87%) and laundry facilities (84–87%) have become baseline guest expectations in Huntsville. Workspace availability at 72% reflects the market's business-traveler appeal, and investors looking to differentiate might consider adding pools (only 8% of listings) or pet-friendly policies (40%) to stand out.

Understanding Huntsville's ROI Score: 38/100

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

With an ROI Score of 38 out of 100, Huntsville falls into the "Competitive Opportunity" band — investor interest is clearly strong (listing growth is at 115%), but below-average marks on revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance mean returns aren't automatic. The average market growth trend provides some optimism, yet the math requires disciplined deal sourcing and a focus on property types that outperform market averages. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear value-add strategy will be critical for investors looking to generate meaningful returns here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Huntsville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Huntsville, Alabama may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Huntsville and Madison County authorities, as local regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Huntsville can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and HOA-imposed rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals altogether. Investors should review zoning classifications and any neighborhood-specific covenants before purchasing a property intended for STR use.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Alabama are generally subject to state and local lodging taxes, which may include occupancy and sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with Alabama's Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Huntsville's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 115% year-over-year increase in active listings. Occupancy rates may remain in the low-to-mid 30% range unless demand catches up, though larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) that already outperform on occupancy could hold their ground. ADR increases are estimated to be modest — perhaps 1–3% — as competition keeps pricing pressure on smaller units. Investors who focus on higher-bedroom-count properties and differentiated guest experiences stand the best chance of outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Huntsville, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Huntsville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Huntsville is currently 33%, which falls below Alabama's state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size: 4-bedroom listings achieve the highest rate at 44%, while studios sit at 28%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should consider larger properties that appeal to families and groups.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Huntsville?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Huntsville earn approximately $1,484 per month or $17,815 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 4-bedroom listings average $2,688 per month ($32,260 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $917 per month ($11,006 annually). Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is managed.

Is Huntsville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Huntsville carries an ROI Score of 38 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Investor interest and demand are present, but higher home values (averaging $470,562) relative to current revenue levels, combined with rapid supply growth of 115% year-over-year, mean that selective deal sourcing is essential. Investors who target larger properties and differentiate with strong amenities and pricing strategy are best positioned to succeed.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Huntsville is $134, which is significantly below Alabama's state average of $247. ADR scales with property size: studios average $90, 1-bedrooms $83, 2-bedrooms $109, 3-bedrooms $168, and 4-bedrooms $208. This pricing structure means larger properties command a meaningful premium per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Huntsville?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Huntsville, Alabama, though operators may need to obtain appropriate permits or business licenses. Local regulations regarding zoning, occupancy limits, and other restrictions can vary, so it's important to check directly with the City of Huntsville and relevant county authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Huntsville?

Peak season for Airbnb in Huntsville runs from May through August, with June leading at $1,827 in average monthly revenue. The shoulder months of March ($1,685) and October ($1,507) also perform respectably. January is the slowest month at $925, so investors should plan for a winter dip when building their financial projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Huntsville?

As of April 2026, there are 239 active Airbnb listings in Huntsville. The supply has grown dramatically, with a 115% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 93 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (73), 2-bedrooms (39), 4-bedrooms (22), and studios (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Huntsville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Huntsville 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 for the Huntsville market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and popular amenity data across active listings

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.