Lake City, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lake City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake City, FL is a small, emerging short-term rental market with just 32 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $17,484 per property. While the market's ADR of $143 sits well below Florida's $498 state average, considerably lower home values at $410,027 keep the entry point accessible. Listing growth of 153% year-over-year signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 38% lags the 54% state average, meaning careful deal selection and operational execution will be essential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake City 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 Lake City

Lake City attracts investor attention because of its low entry costs relative to other Florida markets, rapid listing growth suggesting untapped demand, and its position along major travel corridors in north-central Florida.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake City represents a competitive but modest STR opportunity. With an ROI score of 50 out of 100, the market sits in a zone where returns are achievable but not automatic — below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability mean investors need to be selective about property type and pricing strategy. Seasonality is pronounced: July and March are the revenue peaks, while January dips to just $979, creating roughly a 2:1 spread between the best and worst months. Three-bedroom properties clearly outperform smaller units on every metric, suggesting that investors who target the right configuration and manage expenses tightly can carve out a viable position in this small-market setting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake City

Average revenue by month in Lake City

Revenue in Lake City shows pronounced seasonality, peaking in July at $2,116 and hitting its low in January at $979 — a spread of over $1,100. A secondary peak appears in March at $1,877, suggesting spring break travel contributes meaningfully, while the fall months stabilize around $1,200–$1,500.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake City

Supply is fairly evenly distributed, with 9 one-bedroom, 9 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom listings making up the market's 32 total properties. The slight concentration in three-bedroom units aligns with their stronger performance metrics, though the even split means no single size category is dramatically underserved.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lake City

ADR scales steadily with size, from $96 for one-bedroom listings to $144 for two-bedrooms and $163 for three-bedroom properties. The jump from one to two bedrooms ($48) is more dramatic than from two to three ($19), suggesting two-bedroom units may offer a favorable rate-to-acquisition-cost balance for budget-conscious investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake City

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $76, nearly triple the $26 earned by one-bedroom units, with two-bedrooms sitting in between at $44. This gap is driven by both higher ADRs and substantially better occupancy for larger properties, making three-bedrooms the clear efficiency leader in Lake City.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake City

Occupancy rates increase meaningfully with property size: one-bedrooms average just 28%, two-bedrooms land at 30%, and three-bedroom listings reach 47%. The nearly 20-point gap between one-bedroom and three-bedroom occupancy underscores that larger homes are significantly more in demand from guests visiting Lake City.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake City

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,044 for one-bedroom listings to $1,704 for three-bedroom properties, with two-bedrooms at $1,330. Three-bedroom units earn roughly 63% more per month than one-bedrooms, making them the strongest cash-flow generators in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake City

Annual revenue climbs from $12,538 for one-bedroom listings to $20,451 for three-bedroom properties, a difference of nearly $8,000 per year. Given average home values around $410,027, investors should model acquisition costs carefully — three-bedroom units offer the best gross revenue, but yield will depend heavily on the purchase price of individual properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake City

Parking (97%), a kitchen (94%), and a backyard (88%) are near-universal among Lake City listings, reflecting guest expectations for a drive-to, home-style destination. Self check-in and laundry facilities are also standard at around 81%, while premium amenities like hot tubs (6%) and pools (3%) are rare — potentially offering a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to add them.

Understanding Lake City's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Lake City's ROI score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning returns are possible but not a given. Key factors pulling the score down include below-average marks in revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, while supply/demand balance rates average — reflecting a small market where new listings haven't yet overwhelmed demand. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on three-bedroom properties can help investors position themselves for the best possible outcome in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lake City, Florida may be required to obtain a local business tax receipt as well as a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) vacation rental license. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Lake City and Columbia County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules or deed restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing all applicable covenants before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county tourist development tax on short-term rental stays, and platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue and Columbia County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake City's rapid supply growth (153% YoY) suggests the market is still in a discovery phase, and new listings may compress occupancy further before demand catches up. Seasonal patterns point to revenue peaks in summer (July at ~$2,116/month) and spring break (March at ~$1,877), with softer winter months dipping below $1,000. Investors should budget conservatively around 35–40% occupancy and look for ADR gains of 1–3% as the market matures, though the pace of new supply will be the key variable to watch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake City, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake City is currently 38%, which falls below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — one-bedroom listings average 28%, two-bedrooms hit 30%, and three-bedroom properties lead at 47%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should consider larger properties and competitive pricing strategies.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake City?

Airbnb hosts in Lake City earn an average of $1,457 per month and $17,484 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: one-bedroom listings average $12,538 annually, two-bedrooms bring in about $15,961, and three-bedroom properties lead with approximately $20,451 per year. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $2,100.

Is Lake City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake City carries an ROI score of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. While the market offers low entry costs with average home values around $410,027 and rapid listing growth of 153% year-over-year, occupancy and revenue-to-price ratios currently sit below average for Florida. Investors who choose three-bedroom properties and manage them efficiently stand the best chance of generating positive returns, but thorough due diligence is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lake City is $143, considerably lower than the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom units average $96, two-bedrooms command $144, and three-bedroom properties reach $163 per night. These rates reflect the market's positioning as an affordable, regional destination rather than a premium resort area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake City?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Lake City, FL, though operators are typically required to register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and may need a local business tax receipt. Regulations can change, and some properties may be subject to HOA or deed restrictions, so investors should verify all current rules with local authorities and review any applicable covenants before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake City?

Peak season in Lake City centers on summer, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,116. March also stands out as a strong month at $1,877, likely driven by spring break travel. The slowest period is January, when average revenue drops to around $979. This creates a roughly 2:1 spread between the best and worst months, so investors should plan cash flow around notable seasonal swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake City?

Lake City currently has 32 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is split among one-bedroom (9 listings), two-bedroom (9 listings), and three-bedroom properties (12 listings). Notably, listing counts have grown 153% year-over-year, indicating significant new investor activity in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake City 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 capture seasonal peaks like July and softer periods like January. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well a listing is managed.

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 Lake City, FL market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Trailing 12-month revenue data reflecting seasonal booking patterns
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may shift as supply, demand, and regulations evolve. Local regulations and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.