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

Lakemont Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lakemont, GA is a small mountain-lake community in northeast Georgia with just 20 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $27,621 per property. Occupancy sits at only 12% — well below the 32% Georgia state average — and average home values of $1,374,454 create a challenging revenue-to-price dynamic. While the area's seasonal appeal drives meaningful summer and fall peaks, the overall profile suggests this market requires careful, property-specific analysis before committing capital.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lakemont 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 Lakemont

Investors consider Lakemont primarily for its mountain-lake lifestyle appeal and seasonal tourism demand, though the high home values and low occupancy create a narrow window for viable returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lakemont's current data points to limited investment potential overall. The 12% average occupancy rate and $35 RevPAN indicate that most properties sit vacant the majority of the year, and the $1.37M average home price makes it difficult to generate returns that justify the entry cost. That said, the market does show pronounced seasonality — July peaks at $3,985 in average monthly revenue, nearly four times the winter lows — which means a well-positioned property with strong amenities could outperform the market average during high season. This is a market where success depends heavily on individual property selection and marketing execution rather than broad market tailwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lakemont

Average revenue by month in Lakemont

Lakemont shows sharp seasonality, with July ($3,985) and October ($3,114) as the standout months and January ($1,037) and February ($1,075) representing the trough — nearly a 4x spread between peak and off-peak. Investors should budget for roughly five soft months (November through March) and plan pricing strategies around the lucrative summer-to-fall window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lakemont

The market's 20 listings are concentrated in 2-bedroom (5 listings) and 3-bedroom (7 listings) configurations, with other sizes making up the balance. The small overall supply means even modest additions in underrepresented sizes — such as larger family-oriented properties — could capture unmet demand if it exists.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lakemont

ADR scales modestly from $216 for 2-bedroom properties to $230 for 3-bedrooms, a roughly 6% premium for the extra bedroom. The relatively narrow gap suggests that simply adding bedrooms may not dramatically increase nightly revenue, and investors should focus on amenity differentiation to justify higher rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lakemont

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $22, outpacing 3-bedrooms at $19, thanks to their slightly better occupancy rates. This indicates that smaller properties in Lakemont are currently more efficient at converting available nights into revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lakemont

Occupancy is low across the board, with 2-bedroom units at 11% and 3-bedrooms trailing at just 8% — both far below Georgia's 32% state average. These rates suggest that most properties sit empty the vast majority of the year, making cash-flow stability a significant concern regardless of size.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lakemont

Two-bedroom properties lead with average monthly revenue of $2,664, nearly 78% more than the $1,496 generated by 3-bedroom units. This counterintuitive result — smaller units earning more — reflects the higher occupancy and more favorable RevPAN of 2-bedroom listings in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lakemont

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties average $31,971 compared to $17,962 for 3-bedrooms. Given that 2-bedroom homes likely carry a lower acquisition cost, they appear to offer the stronger return profile in Lakemont's current demand environment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lakemont

Kitchens and parking are universal (100% of listings), while laundry facilities (90%), outdoor furniture (80%), and backyards/grills/patios (75%) form the expected baseline. Differentiators like lake access (30%), hot tubs (20%), and waterfront location (15%) are far less common, signaling that properties offering these premium amenities may have a meaningful competitive edge in attracting bookings.

Understanding Lakemont's ROI Score: 21/100

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

Lakemont's ROI Score of 21 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment potential band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average occupancy stability — the two most heavily weighted factors. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both register as average, providing a modest baseline but not enough to offset the core challenges. Investors drawn to this market should pair this data with thorough property-level analysis and local regulatory research to identify specific opportunities that can outperform the broader market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lakemont

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lakemont and Rabun County, Georgia may need to obtain local permits or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Rabun County planning and zoning offices, as regulations in rural Georgia communities can vary.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay durations. HOA rules can also impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity, so reviewing any covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Georgia requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state sales tax and local hotel/motel excise taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection in many Georgia jurisdictions. Investors should confirm their specific tax obligations with a local tax professional to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lakemont's seasonal pattern is likely to persist: stronger bookings from May through November, with softer winter months pulling down annual totals. Active listings grew 50% year over year, which could pressure occupancy further unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy remaining in the 10–15% range market-wide, with ADRs holding steady around $280–$300, and should model conservative cash-flow scenarios that account for prolonged off-season vacancies."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lakemont, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakemont?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakemont is currently 12%, which is significantly below the Georgia state average of 32%. This low rate reflects the market's strong seasonality and limited year-round demand, with most bookings concentrated in the warmer months from May through November.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lakemont?

Airbnb hosts in Lakemont earn an average of $2,301 per month or roughly $27,621 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies considerably by season, ranging from around $1,037 in January to $3,985 in July. Two-bedroom properties average about $31,971 annually, while 3-bedroom units average $17,962.

Is Lakemont a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lakemont currently carries a limited investment potential rating, with a Rabbu ROI Score of 21 out of 100. The primary challenges are a below-average revenue-to-price ratio (average home values exceed $1.37M) and low occupancy stability. However, investors who can acquire property at a favorable price point and differentiate their listing with sought-after amenities like lake access or a hot tub may find niche opportunities, particularly during the strong summer and fall seasons.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lakemont is $287, just under the Georgia state average of $299. Two-bedroom properties average $216 per night while 3-bedroom properties command $230 per night. Despite the reasonable ADR, low occupancy limits total revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lakemont?

Short-term rentals operate in Lakemont, GA, as evidenced by 20 active Airbnb listings. However, local permitting, zoning, and HOA requirements may apply. Investors should verify current regulations with Rabun County and any applicable homeowners associations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lakemont?

Peak season in Lakemont runs from roughly June through November, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,985 in revenue. October is also strong at $3,114, likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January ($1,037) and February ($1,075), when mountain-lake destinations in Georgia see reduced visitor traffic.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lakemont?

There are currently 20 active Airbnb listings in Lakemont as of April 2026. The supply is split between 2-bedroom properties (5 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (7 listings), with the remaining listings in other configurations. Active listings grew 50% year over year, indicating increasing host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lakemont?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lakemont 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 remainder 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for Lakemont, GA
• Historical monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data for comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns for listings, ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue metrics
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify market norms and competitive differentiators
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context

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 performance and market conditions as of April 2026; actual conditions may shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.