Jamestown, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Jamestown Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Jamestown, KY is a small lake-oriented market with just 24 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer peak — July revenues average $4,549, roughly six times the January figure of $709. With an average annual revenue of $27,250 against average home values of $306,227, the market offers a modest yield that demands careful deal selection. The 118% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, but below-average occupancy (18% vs. 28% statewide) means competition for bookings is stiffening.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Jamestown 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 Jamestown

Investors are drawn to Jamestown's affordable lakeside setting and outsized summer demand, though the highly seasonal revenue pattern and growing supply call for disciplined property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Jamestown presents a competitive but selective opportunity. The ROI score of 40 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics paired with below-average occupancy stability — a combination that rewards investors who secure the right property at the right price rather than those buying blindly. Summer months (June–August) account for a disproportionate share of annual income, so cash-flow planning needs to accommodate a slow November-through-February stretch where monthly revenue can dip below $800. Investors targeting larger, well-appointed lakefront homes are best positioned to capture the premium demand this market generates during peak season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Jamestown

Average revenue by month in Jamestown

Jamestown's revenue curve is sharply seasonal: July leads at $4,549, while January bottoms out at $709 — a spread of nearly 6.4x. The June-through-August window alone accounts for roughly 44% of the total annual revenue, making summer performance the decisive factor for overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Jamestown

Supply is concentrated in two categories: 2-bedroom properties (8 listings) and 4-bedroom properties (6 listings). The absence of reported 1-bedroom or 3-bedroom listings could signal either limited demand for those configurations or a potential gap investors might explore.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Jamestown

ADR scales steeply with size — 4-bedroom listings command $297 per night, more than double the $130 rate for 2-bedroom units. This premium suggests strong willingness among guests to pay for larger lakeside accommodations, making the per-bedroom rate increase an attractive trade-off for investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Jamestown

Four-bedroom properties deliver $46 in RevPAN compared to just $18 for 2-bedroom units, meaning they generate roughly 2.5 times the revenue per available night. Despite only marginally higher occupancy, the substantially higher ADR drives this gap, confirming that larger properties are the stronger revenue producers in Jamestown.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Jamestown

Occupancy rates are low across both tracked sizes, with 2-bedroom listings at 14% and 4-bedroom listings slightly better at 16%. Neither size commands the kind of consistent bookings needed for high cash-flow stability, reinforcing that Jamestown is a peak-season market where winter vacancies should be factored into financial planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Jamestown

Four-bedroom listings average $2,896 per month — nearly triple the $1,059 earned by 2-bedroom units. For investors weighing acquisition costs against monthly cash flow, the larger configuration clearly delivers a more meaningful revenue stream despite the modestly higher operating expenses.

Average annual revenue by property size in Jamestown

At $34,755 annually, 4-bedroom properties significantly outperform 2-bedroom units ($12,710), offering stronger return potential relative to the market's average home value of $306,227. Investors focused on maximizing yield should prioritize larger properties, though individual deals still need to pencil out against acquisition and carrying costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Jamestown

Parking (100%) and BBQ grills (96%) are essentially table stakes in Jamestown, followed closely by washers and kitchens (both 92%). The prevalence of outdoor-oriented amenities — outdoor furniture (79%), backyards (54%), and waterfront access (46%) — confirms that guests expect a full lakeside leisure experience, and differentiators like hot tubs (21%) or lake access (25%) remain relatively uncommon and could provide a competitive edge.

Understanding Jamestown's ROI Score: 40/100

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

Jamestown's ROI Score of 40 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band — meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but requires more selective deal sourcing to achieve attractive returns. The revenue-to-price ratio is average, while occupancy stability scores below average, reflecting the stark seasonality that concentrates earnings into a few summer months. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and target properties that can command premium rates during peak season to make the numbers work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Jamestown

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Jamestown, Kentucky should verify whether a short-term rental permit or business license is required through Russell County and the City of Jamestown before listing a property. Local requirements can change quickly in smaller markets, so checking with the city clerk or county planning office is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking rules, and any HOA covenants — especially relevant for lakefront communities or planned developments. Investors should also watch for any future permit caps as the market's listing count continues to grow rapidly.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Kentucky are generally subject to state sales tax and local transient room taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on the host's behalf. It's wise to confirm current rates and any additional county-level lodging taxes with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Jamestown's sharp summer seasonality is unlikely to change — expect the bulk of revenue to concentrate between June and August, with softer winter months pulling annual averages down. ADR could edge up modestly (1–3%) if new listings maintain quality standards, though occupancy may stay in the 16–20% range as supply continues to grow. Investors who can weather four to five lean months and capitalize on the June-through-August window should see steady, if not explosive, returns. Pairing a lakefront or lake-access property with premium amenities could help differentiate in what's becoming a more crowded field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Jamestown, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Jamestown?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Jamestown is currently 18%, which falls below the Kentucky state average of 28%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — properties fill up during summer lake season but see significantly lower demand in colder months. Investors can improve individual occupancy through competitive pricing, flexible minimum stays, and amenities that appeal to off-season guests.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Jamestown?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Jamestown earn approximately $2,270 per month and $27,250 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 4-bedroom listings average around $34,755 annually, while 2-bedroom units bring in roughly $12,710. Peak summer months like July can generate $4,549 on average, while January may only yield about $709.

Is Jamestown a good market for Airbnb investment?

Jamestown carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 40 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. Investor interest is strong and growing — active listings surged 118% year over year — but the market's below-average occupancy and heavy seasonality mean profitability hinges on buying at the right price and managing through slower winter months. Larger properties near the lake tend to outperform, so careful deal sourcing is essential.

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

The average daily rate in Jamestown is $223, which is below the Kentucky state average of $333. Rates vary sharply by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $130 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $297. Investors targeting larger homes can capture a meaningful ADR premium that helps offset the market's lower occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Jamestown?

Short-term rentals do operate in Jamestown, KY, with 24 active Airbnb listings currently on the platform. However, investors should verify specific permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with Russell County and the City of Jamestown before purchasing or listing a property. Regulations can evolve, particularly in markets experiencing rapid supply growth.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Jamestown?

Peak season in Jamestown runs from June through August, with July being the highest-revenue month at an average of $4,549. June ($3,478) and August ($3,972) are also strong. The off-peak period spans roughly November through February, when monthly revenues drop to between $709 and $1,468. This pattern aligns with Lake Cumberland's summer recreation season.

How many Airbnbs are there in Jamestown?

As of April 2026, there are 24 active Airbnb listings in Jamestown. The market has grown significantly, with a 118% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is currently split between 2-bedroom properties (8 listings) and 4-bedroom properties (6 listings), with the remainder falling into other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Jamestown?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Jamestown 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 roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night metrics
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Popular amenity prevalence 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of the reporting date and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify current rules with municipal authorities before investing.