Laurel, MS Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Laurel Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Laurel, MS has carved out a niche in the short-term rental space thanks in part to its growing cultural profile and affordable property values. With an average home value of $238,178 and annual STR revenue averaging $19,779, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above average — a standout metric for investors seeking cash-flow-friendly entry points. Occupancy currently trails the Mississippi state average at 25%, but the market's low acquisition cost helps offset thinner booking calendars.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Laurel 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 Laurel

Laurel's appeal to STR investors rests on its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and relatively low barrier to entry compared to more saturated Mississippi markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Laurel presents a moderate-opportunity market with a clear strength in affordability relative to revenue. The ROI score of 60 out of 100 — rated as an "Attractive Opportunity" — reflects a favorable revenue-to-price relationship tempered by below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. Seasonality is a defining feature: March leads the year at $2,301 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $996, creating a nearly 2.3x spread between peak and trough. Investors who price strategically during shoulder months and invest in amenities that differentiate their listing can improve returns, but realistic cash-flow modeling should account for several slower months each year."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Laurel

Average revenue by month in Laurel

Laurel's revenue peaks sharply in March at $2,301 and remains strong through July before tapering into fall and winter, with January bottoming out at just $996. The roughly 2.3x gap between peak and trough months signals meaningful seasonality that investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Laurel

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 44 of the 93 active listings, while 4-bedroom properties account for only 5 listings. The scarcity of larger homes could represent an opportunity for investors willing to target group travelers and families seeking more space.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Laurel

ADR scales modestly from $139 for 1-bedroom properties to $158 for 3-bedrooms, but 4-bedroom listings command a significant jump to $280 per night. That premium suggests strong willingness to pay among groups booking larger homes, making the 4-bedroom segment particularly interesting from a rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Laurel

RevPAN is relatively flat across 1- through 3-bedroom sizes at $32–$36, but 4-bedroom listings stand out at $67 — nearly double the smaller categories. This indicates that despite slightly lower occupancy, larger properties generate meaningfully more revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Laurel

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered between 21% and 26% across all property sizes, with 1-bedroom units leading at 26% and 3-bedrooms lagging at 21%. The narrow spread means no single size category enjoys a dramatic booking advantage, and all segments face the challenge of filling calendars in a lower-occupancy market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Laurel

Monthly revenue increases steadily with property size, from $1,410 for 1-bedroom listings up to $2,338 for 4-bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($1,842) to 4-bedrooms ($2,338) — a 27% increase — represents the most compelling revenue step-up in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Laurel

Four-bedroom properties lead the market with $28,066 in average annual revenue, outpacing 3-bedroom listings ($22,109) by nearly $6,000. One-bedroom units generate $16,929 annually, making them viable for lower-cost entry points, though investors seeking the strongest absolute return potential should consider the larger configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Laurel

Parking (97%) and kitchen access (87%) are near-universal expectations in Laurel, while self check-in (73%) and laundry amenities (65–67%) round out the essentials. Premium differentiators like pools (3%), hot tubs (2%), and waterfront access (3%) remain rare — investors who can add these features may gain a significant competitive edge.

Understanding Laurel's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Laurel's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects the market's affordable entry costs relative to STR income. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both score below average, indicating that while the economics can work, operators need to manage seasonal gaps and growing competition carefully. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic expense modeling will give investors the clearest picture of net returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Laurel

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Laurel, Mississippi may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Laurel and the State of Mississippi, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking standards. HOA rules may also apply and can be more restrictive than municipal regulations, so it's important to review any covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Mississippi generally requires collection of state sales tax and any applicable local tourism or occupancy taxes on short-term rentals. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Laurel's STR market is expected to maintain steady but modest demand, with seasonal peaks continuing to center around March through July. ADR could see incremental gains in the 1–3% range as the market matures, though occupancy is likely to hover around 24–27% absent a significant demand catalyst. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality — January and December tend to produce revenue roughly half that of peak months — and budget accordingly for leaner winter stretches. Growth trends remain average, suggesting the market isn't overheating but also isn't accelerating rapidly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Laurel, MS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Laurel?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Laurel is currently 25%, which runs slightly below the Mississippi state average of 29%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units performing best at 26% and 3-bedroom units trailing at 21%. This lower occupancy rate is a key factor to consider when modeling expected cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Laurel?

Airbnb hosts in Laurel earn an average of $1,648 per month and approximately $19,779 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Larger properties tend to earn more — 4-bedroom listings average $2,338 per month ($28,066 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in roughly $1,410 per month ($16,929 annually). Actual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and seasonal demand.

Is Laurel a good market for Airbnb investment?

Laurel scores 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, classified as an "Attractive Opportunity." Its strongest attribute is an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, driven by affordable home values averaging $238,178. However, occupancy stability and supply/demand balance currently rate below average, so investors should plan conservatively and factor in seasonal revenue swings. The market rewards operators who can differentiate their listings and manage costs during slower months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Laurel is $155, which is roughly half the Mississippi state average of $318. ADR ranges from $139 for 1-bedroom properties up to $280 for 4-bedroom listings. This more accessible price point can attract a wider pool of guests, though it also means operators need solid occupancy to generate meaningful revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Laurel?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Laurel, MS, as evidenced by 93 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local permit requirements, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions may apply. Investors should contact the City of Laurel and review any applicable neighborhood covenants before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Laurel?

Peak season in Laurel runs from March through July, with March generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,301. May ($2,050), June ($1,921), and July ($1,902) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($996), February ($1,086), and December ($1,288), so investors should budget for a significant seasonal revenue dip during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Laurel?

As of April 2026, there are 93 active Airbnb listings in Laurel. The supply skews toward smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units making up the largest share at 44 listings, followed by 25 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom properties. Only 5 four-bedroom listings are active, suggesting potential opportunity in the larger-property segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Laurel?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Laurel 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 how effectively the 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 by market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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, HOA restrictions, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before investing.