Mammoth Cave, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mammoth Cave Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mammoth Cave, KY earns an ROI score of 77 out of 100, placing it in standout territory for short-term rental investors. With an average daily rate of $216 — well below Kentucky's $333 state average — and average annual revenue of $29,846 against home values around $275,042, the revenue-to-price ratio is notably above average. The market is small (just 17 active listings) and deeply seasonal, but its proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park provides a reliable tourism anchor that few rural Kentucky markets can match.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mammoth Cave 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 Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave's strong revenue-to-price ratio and steady national park tourism make it an appealing niche market for investors seeking affordable entry points with nature-driven demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mammoth Cave presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. July is the clear revenue peak at $3,850 per month, while January bottoms out near $1,116 — a spread of over $2,700 that underscores how dependent this market is on warm-weather tourism. The standout ROI score of 77 is powered largely by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, though average occupancy stability and growth trends temper the overall picture. Investors who price competitively and target the 3-bedroom segment, which generates roughly $38,500 annually, stand to capture the best returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mammoth Cave

Average revenue by month in Mammoth Cave

Revenue in Mammoth Cave peaks sharply in July at $3,850 and stays elevated through October ($3,271), while the winter months of January ($1,116) and February ($1,202) represent the clear off-season — a spread of nearly $2,750 that highlights the market's strong seasonal dependence on warm-weather national park tourism.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mammoth Cave

Supply in Mammoth Cave is split evenly between 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with 6 listings each. The absence of studio, 1-bedroom, and 4+ bedroom options suggests potential niches for investors willing to differentiate their property size from the current inventory.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mammoth Cave

Three-bedroom properties command a significant ADR premium at $299 per night compared to $173 for 2-bedroom units — a 73% jump that reflects the value families and groups place on extra space in a nature-tourism destination. This premium makes the 3-bedroom configuration particularly compelling for investors looking to maximize nightly revenue.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mammoth Cave

Three-bedroom listings lead in RevPAN at $46 per available night versus $34 for 2-bedroom units, delivering 35% more revenue per night after factoring in occupancy. Despite slightly lower occupancy rates, the substantially higher ADR of 3-bedroom properties more than compensates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mammoth Cave

Two-bedroom properties edge out their 3-bedroom counterparts with 20% occupancy versus 16%, suggesting smaller units book more consistently — likely due to lower nightly rates attracting a broader range of travelers. Both segments sit below the state average of 28%, reflecting the market's seasonal demand pattern and opportunity for operators who can drive bookings in shoulder months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mammoth Cave

Three-bedroom listings generate $3,211 per month on average compared to $2,394 for 2-bedroom units, a roughly $800 monthly advantage driven primarily by higher nightly rates. For investors weighing property size, the 3-bedroom segment offers meaningfully more monthly cash flow despite its lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mammoth Cave

At $38,541 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties outpace 2-bedroom listings ($28,729) by nearly $10,000 per year. Given that acquisition costs in the area average $275,042, the 3-bedroom configuration offers the strongest gross yield potential in Mammoth Cave's current market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mammoth Cave

Every listing in Mammoth Cave offers a kitchen, and outdoor-oriented amenities dominate — 88% have parking, 82% a BBQ grill, and 71% feature a backyard, patio, or outdoor furniture. Lake access appears in 59% of listings, signaling that waterfront or nature-adjacent positioning is a key competitive advantage in this national park market.

Understanding Mammoth Cave's ROI Score: 77/100

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

Mammoth Cave's ROI score of 77 out of 100 places it in "Standout Opportunity" territory, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the most heavily weighted factor at 40%. Occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, which reflects the seasonal nature of national park tourism and the recent surge in new listings. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal budget will help investors determine whether the market's strong yield potential aligns with their investment goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mammoth Cave

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in the Mammoth Cave area of Kentucky may need to obtain local business permits or register with the county. Investors should verify current requirements with Edmonson County and any applicable Kentucky state agencies before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in rural Kentucky communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants or deed restrictions that limit short-term rentals, so reviewing property-level documents is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax and sales tax on short-term rental stays, and Edmonson County may levy additional local occupancy taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local obligations are also covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mammoth Cave's STR market is expected to see continued supply growth — active listings have surged 133% year over year — though the small base means absolute numbers remain modest. Seasonal demand should keep July through October as the revenue engine, with monthly earnings likely ranging from $3,100 to $3,850 during peak and dipping below $1,500 in winter. Investors can reasonably expect ADRs to hold steady or tick up 2–4% as the National Park continues drawing visitors, though occupancy rates may face slight downward pressure as new supply enters the market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mammoth Cave, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mammoth Cave?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mammoth Cave is currently 18%, which falls below the Kentucky state average of 28%. This reflects the market's seasonal nature — demand concentrates heavily in summer and fall when national park visitation peaks, while winter months see significantly lighter booking activity. Two-bedroom properties average 20% occupancy, while 3-bedroom units come in at 16%, though the larger units compensate with higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mammoth Cave?

Airbnb hosts in Mammoth Cave earn an average of $2,487 per month, which translates to roughly $29,846 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $28,729 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in approximately $38,541. Monthly earnings swing from a low of about $1,116 in January to a high of $3,850 in July.

Is Mammoth Cave a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mammoth Cave scores 77 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, earning a "Standout Opportunity" designation. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average annual revenue of nearly $30,000 against home values of around $275,042 creates an appealing yield. The small listing count (17 active properties) and national park proximity add to the appeal, though investors should factor in the seasonal revenue pattern and relatively low occupancy rate when building financial projections.

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

The average daily rate in Mammoth Cave is $216, which is significantly lower than the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings averaging $173 per night and 3-bedroom properties commanding $299. The lower ADR compared to statewide figures is offset by more affordable property acquisition costs, contributing to the market's strong revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mammoth Cave?

Short-term rentals currently operate in the Mammoth Cave area, with 17 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. However, local permit requirements and regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with Edmonson County and Kentucky state authorities for the latest rules regarding STR permits, zoning, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mammoth Cave?

Peak season in Mammoth Cave runs from June through October, aligning with warm-weather visitation to Mammoth Cave National Park. July is the single highest-earning month at $3,850 in average revenue, followed closely by October at $3,271 and June at $3,615. The off-season spans November through February, with January being the slowest month at just $1,116 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mammoth Cave?

There are currently 17 active Airbnb listings in the Mammoth Cave market as of April 2026. The supply is evenly split between 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with 6 listings in each category. Year-over-year listing growth has been 133%, though this dramatic percentage reflects the very small base — the market remains one of the more lightly supplied STR destinations in Kentucky.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mammoth Cave?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Mammoth Cave 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 data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $3,850) and slower periods (like January's $1,116). 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 Mammoth Cave, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity data across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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, zoning changes, and HOA rules may affect STR eligibility — always verify before purchasing.