Live Oak, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

54 / 100

Live Oak presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Live Oak Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Live Oak, FL is a small, emerging short-term rental market with just 29 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $18,908 per property. While the market's 338% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, occupancy sits at 23% — well below Florida's 54% state average — suggesting demand hasn't yet caught up with new supply. With an average daily rate of $138 and home values around $402,896, this is a market that rewards selective deal sourcing rather than broad-based buying.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Live Oak short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 29
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $138
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 23%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $31
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,575
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $18,908

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Live Oak

Investors are drawn to Live Oak for its low entry cost relative to coastal Florida markets and the early-mover potential signaled by rapid listing growth.

Key investment factors

  • Home values of ~$403K are significantly below many Florida STR markets, lowering the barrier to entry
  • 338% year-over-year listing growth reflects strong and rising investor conviction
  • 3-bedroom properties generate $28,543 annually, offering the strongest revenue-to-cost profile
  • Outdoor amenities like backyards, grills, and lake access cater to nature-oriented getaway demand
  • Small supply base of 29 listings means well-optimized properties can capture outsized market share

Expert Market Assessment

"Live Oak earns a "Competitive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 54 out of 100 — a market where returns are achievable but require careful property selection. Seasonality is moderate: July leads with $2,042 in average monthly revenue while February dips to $1,167, creating a roughly 75% spread between peak and trough. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability mean that investors need to target higher-performing property configurations — particularly 3-bedroom homes — and optimize pricing and guest experience to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Live Oak's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Factor Live Oak Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Live Oak's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning deals exist but require sharper analysis. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability weigh on the score, while an above-average market growth trend and balanced supply/demand dynamics provide upside. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target high-performing property types — particularly 3-bedroom homes — to position for the best returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Live Oak

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Live Oak, FL should verify whether a local business tax receipt or STR registration is required through the City of Live Oak and Suwannee County. Florida also requires STR operators to register with the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), so investors should confirm compliance at both levels before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Investors should review any applicable county or municipal zoning regulations and neighborhood-level deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rental income, and platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit a portion of these obligations on behalf of hosts. Operators in Suwannee County should verify the current local tax rate and confirm what their booking platform handles versus what must be filed independently.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Live Oak

Financing an Airbnb investment in Live Oak requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Live Oak Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"The rapid growth in active listings indicates that operators are betting on Live Oak's trajectory, and the above-average market growth trend in Rabbu's ROI model supports that thesis. Over the next 12–18 months, occupancy could stabilize in the 25–30% range as newer listings mature and build review histories, though investors should plan conservatively given current rates. ADR may see modest increases of 2–5% if operators improve amenity packages and target higher-value guest segments, but meaningful revenue gains will likely hinge on demand-side drivers catching up to the expanding supply."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Live Oak, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Live Oak?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Live Oak is currently 23%, which is notably below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 28%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 25% and 2-bedrooms at 17%. Given the market's rapid listing growth, newer properties may still be building guest traction, which can suppress these averages.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Live Oak?
Airbnb hosts in Live Oak earn an average of $1,575 per month, or roughly $18,908 annually, based on the trailing 12 months of booking performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $11,013 per year, 2-bedrooms bring in about $16,777, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $28,543 annually. Individual results depend heavily on pricing strategy, amenity quality, and guest reviews.
Is Live Oak a good market for Airbnb investment?
Live Oak scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" tier. The market shows above-average growth trends and balanced supply/demand dynamics, but revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability currently sit below average. Investors who target well-configured properties — especially 3-bedroom homes — and execute strong operational strategies can find viable returns, though this isn't a set-it-and-forget-it market.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Live Oak?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Live Oak is $138, which is significantly lower than the $498 Florida state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $107, 2-bedrooms come in at $121, and 3-bedroom properties command $177 per night. These rates reflect the rural nature of the market and position Live Oak as a budget-friendly alternative to Florida's coastal destinations.
Are short-term rentals legal in Live Oak?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Florida, though local regulations in Live Oak and Suwannee County may impose specific requirements such as business tax receipts, zoning compliance, or registration with the Florida DBPR. Investors should check directly with the City of Live Oak and Suwannee County planning departments to confirm current rules, as regulations can change. HOA restrictions may also apply depending on the property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Live Oak?
Peak season in Live Oak centers around the summer months, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,042. August ($1,855) and October ($1,806) are also strong performers. The slowest month is February at $1,167, making it roughly 43% below peak revenue. Spring and fall offer moderate performance, suggesting demand is driven in part by outdoor recreation and seasonal travel patterns.
How many Airbnbs are there in Live Oak?
There are currently 29 active Airbnb listings in Live Oak as of April 2026. The market has seen explosive 338% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating strong and rising investor interest. Supply is distributed across 11 one-bedroom units, 5 two-bedroom units, and 9 three-bedroom properties, making it a relatively small and still-developing market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Live Oak?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Live Oak 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, exclude regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the numbers 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 for Live Oak and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
  • Annual and monthly revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property optimization

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Live Oak's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

Browse Airbnbs for Sale

Explore active Airbnbs and STR-ready homes in Charlotte with verified income data.

View Properties

Connect with an Agent

Work with specialized agents who've helped investors acquire over $650M in STR properties.

Find an Agent

Connect with a Lender

Qualify for as low as 15% down on a DSCR loan using the rental property's projected income.

Find a Lender
Browse Airbnbs for Sale