Kingsport, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Kingsport Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kingsport, TN presents a compelling entry point for short-term rental investors drawn to northeast Tennessee's Appalachian charm and relatively affordable housing. With an average home value of $395,153 and annual STR revenue averaging $21,177, the market delivers a workable revenue-to-price ratio without the steep buy-in found elsewhere in the state. Occupancy currently sits at 33%—above the Tennessee state average of 29%—while the ADR of $142 keeps this market firmly in the budget-friendly category. A 138% year-over-year increase in active listings signals growing investor interest, though it also warrants close attention to supply dynamics.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kingsport 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 Kingsport

Kingsport appeals to investors seeking affordable Appalachian-region properties with above-average state occupancy and a clear summer revenue peak that rewards well-positioned listings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kingsport earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 55 out of 100, reflecting a market that delivers respectable returns without outsized risk. Seasonality is pronounced—August revenue ($3,230) is nearly four times what hosts earn in January ($831)—so investors should budget for lean winter months and capitalize on the strong May-through-October window. The rapid growth in active listings (138% year-over-year) introduces a note of caution around supply saturation, but occupancy remains above the state average, suggesting demand hasn't yet been diluted. Larger properties, particularly 4-bedroom units, offer the best revenue potential and deserve close consideration for new entrants."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kingsport

Average revenue by month in Kingsport

Revenue in Kingsport follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking at $3,230 in August and bottoming out at $831 in January—a nearly 4x spread. The warm months of June through October consistently outperform the market average, making summer and early fall the primary earning window for hosts.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kingsport

Two-bedroom listings dominate Kingsport's supply with 31 of 72 active properties, while 4-bedroom homes represent just 8 listings. The relative scarcity of larger units, combined with their stronger revenue performance, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to go bigger.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kingsport

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Kingsport, jumping from $100 for 1-bedrooms to $281 for 4-bedroom properties—a 181% premium. The biggest rate jump occurs between 3-bedrooms ($170) and 4-bedrooms, suggesting that larger homes command a significant nightly premium in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kingsport

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $83, nearly double the market average of $47 and more than three times the $26 earned by 1-bedroom units. Two- and 3-bedroom listings cluster closely at $49 and $47 respectively, indicating that the real revenue-per-night advantage kicks in at the 4-bedroom tier.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kingsport

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 42%, well ahead of 4-bedrooms (30%), 3-bedrooms (28%), and 1-bedrooms (26%). This suggests 2-bedroom units offer the most consistent booking activity, which may appeal to investors prioritizing cash-flow stability over peak nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kingsport

Monthly revenue increases steadily with property size, from $1,082 for 1-bedroom units to $2,931 for 4-bedroom homes. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($1,580) to 3-bedrooms ($2,193) represents a 39% revenue gain that may justify the incremental acquisition cost for investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kingsport

Four-bedroom properties in Kingsport generate the highest annual revenue at $35,175—nearly triple the $12,991 earned by 1-bedroom units. For investors evaluating return potential, the 3-bedroom tier at $26,323 per year also offers strong performance and faces less supply competition than 2-bedroom listings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kingsport

Parking is universal across Kingsport listings (100%), and kitchen access (90%), self check-in (86%), and laundry facilities (83%/81%) are near-standard—indicating these are baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Premium amenities like pools, lake access, and gyms appear in only about 6% of listings, presenting a potential way for investors to stand out from the competition.

Understanding Kingsport's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Kingsport's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth, with supply/demand balance flagged as below average due to rapid listing growth. The score suggests the market offers a workable foundation for returns but isn't a runaway performer—investors who select the right property type and manage costs carefully are best positioned to benefit. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic operating budget will help ensure the numbers on paper translate into actual cash flow.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kingsport

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

Permit Requirements

Investors looking at short-term rentals in Kingsport, Tennessee should verify whether a local STR permit or business registration is required before listing a property. Requirements can vary at the city and county level, so contacting the Kingsport city clerk's office or Sullivan County administration directly is the safest approach.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Tennessee markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum stay requirements, and parking mandates. HOA rules may further limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, and investors should review any deed restrictions or community covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee imposes state and local sales tax as well as occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm whether additional local or county lodging taxes apply in Kingsport and ensure full compliance with all filing obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kingsport's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal demand peaks in the summer months, with August historically generating the strongest revenue at roughly $3,230 per listing. ADR may see modest growth in the range of 1–3% as the market matures, though the rapid 138% increase in active listings could temper occupancy gains if supply outpaces demand. Investors entering now should anticipate occupancy rates hovering around 30–35% market-wide and plan for softer winter months when revenue can dip below $900. Targeting larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) and differentiating through quality amenities may help newer listings stand out in an increasingly competitive field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kingsport, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kingsport?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kingsport is currently 33%, which is notably above the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 42%, while 1-bedroom listings see around 26%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a significant role, with summer months driving the highest booking volumes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kingsport?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kingsport earn approximately $1,764 per month or $21,177 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $12,991 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in around $35,175. August tends to be the highest-earning month, with average revenue reaching $3,230, whereas January is the softest at roughly $831.

Is Kingsport a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kingsport carries an ROI score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from affordable home values averaging $395,153 and occupancy above the state average, creating a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio. That said, the 138% year-over-year growth in active listings means competition is increasing, so investors should focus on property quality and the right bedroom count to stay competitive. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) tend to generate the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Kingsport is $142, which is well below the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $100, 2-bedrooms come in at $117, 3-bedrooms at $170, and 4-bedroom properties command $281 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Kingsport's position as a more affordable market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kingsport?

Short-term rentals do operate in Kingsport, Tennessee, with 72 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, investors should verify local permit requirements, zoning rules, and any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property. We recommend contacting Kingsport city offices or Sullivan County for the most current regulatory details to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kingsport?

Peak season in Kingsport runs from roughly June through October, with August standing out as the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,230 per listing. The summer and early fall months benefit from outdoor recreation, regional tourism, and favorable weather in the Appalachian foothills. The slowest period is January through March, when monthly revenue can drop to the $831–$1,045 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kingsport?

As of April 2026, there are 72 active Airbnb listings in Kingsport. The market has grown significantly, with a 138% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 31 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (16), 3-bedrooms (15), and 4-bedrooms (8).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kingsport?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kingsport 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 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 data. 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 Kingsport market
• Average daily rate, occupancy rate, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics

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 shift as supply and demand evolve. Local regulations, zoning rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.