Mena, AR Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mena Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mena, Arkansas sits in the Ouachita Mountains region, offering a small but growing short-term rental market with 94 active Airbnb listings and year-over-year listing growth of 108%. With an average daily rate of $177 and average annual revenue of $18,171 per listing, the market delivers modest returns that reflect its rural, outdoor-recreation character. Occupancy currently averages 18%, well below the 26% Arkansas state average, which means investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to generate meaningful cash flow.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mena 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 Mena

Mena attracts investor interest thanks to its proximity to Ouachita National Forest recreation, relatively affordable home prices, and a rapidly expanding listing base that signals growing traveler demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mena represents a competitive but challenging opportunity. The ROI score of 36 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price performance paired with below-average occupancy stability and supply-demand balance — meaning selective deal sourcing is essential. Seasonality is pronounced: October leads at $2,471 in average revenue while January bottoms out at just $543, creating a roughly 4.5x spread between peak and trough months. Investors who can secure properties at favorable price points and optimize for the strong fall and summer seasons have a realistic path to positive returns, but the low overall occupancy rate means passive or poorly managed listings will underperform significantly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mena

Average revenue by month in Mena

Mena's revenue cycle peaks sharply in October at $2,471 and drops to a low of $543 in January, revealing a roughly 4.5x seasonal swing that investors should plan for. Summer months cluster in the $1,600–$1,826 range, making June through November the productive earning window while winter requires realistic cash-flow expectations.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mena

Supply is concentrated among 2-bedroom (29 listings) and 3-bedroom (27 listings) properties, with 1-bedrooms at 22 and 4-bedrooms at just 9. The relatively limited 4-bedroom inventory could represent an opportunity for investors willing to cater to larger groups, though occupancy data should be weighed carefully.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mena

ADR scales steadily from $127 for 1-bedroom listings up to $279 for 4-bedroom properties, a premium of roughly 120%. The jump from 3-bedroom ($192) to 4-bedroom ($279) is especially steep, suggesting strong per-night pricing power for larger homes — though that must be balanced against lower occupancy.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mena

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $40, edging out 2-bedrooms at $34 and outperforming 4-bedrooms at $30 despite the latter's higher ADR. One-bedroom listings lag significantly at just $14 RevPAN, indicating that the smallest units struggle to fill enough nights to generate competitive returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mena

Two-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings share the highest occupancy at 21%, while 1-bedroom (12%) and 4-bedroom (11%) properties lag noticeably. This mid-size sweet spot suggests that 2–3 bedroom configurations offer the most reliable booking volume and cash-flow consistency in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mena

Four-bedroom properties lead on monthly revenue at $2,533 despite low occupancy, driven by their commanding nightly rates. Two-bedroom listings follow at $1,992, offering a strong combination of decent occupancy and solid ADR, while 1-bedroom units trail at $890 — a figure that may struggle to cover operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mena

Annualized, 4-bedroom listings top the market at $30,401, followed by 2-bedrooms at $23,904. Three-bedroom properties earn $15,820 and 1-bedrooms bring in $10,681 — reinforcing that investors targeting meaningful revenue should focus on 2-bedroom or 4-bedroom configurations, weighing occupancy risk against income potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mena

Parking (93%) and kitchen access (92%) are near-universal, while self check-in (83%) and BBQ grills (81%) reflect the outdoor-leisure guest profile dominant in this market. Amenities like hot tubs (26%), lake access (14%), and waterfront positioning (12%) are less common and could serve as meaningful differentiators for listings looking to command higher rates.

Understanding Mena's ROI Score: 36/100

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

Mena's ROI score of 36 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning that while the market has real demand, investors face tighter margins that require careful property selection. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both rate as average, but below-average occupancy stability and supply-demand balance signal that the rapid influx of new listings (108% growth) is outpacing demand gains. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors identify the deals that actually pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mena

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

Permit Requirements

Investors operating short-term rentals in Mena, Arkansas should verify whether a local business license or STR permit is required by contacting the City of Mena and Polk County offices. Arkansas does not currently impose a statewide STR registration mandate, but municipal requirements can vary.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. HOA covenants in certain neighborhoods could also prohibit or limit short-term rental activity, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Arkansas are generally subject to state sales tax and a local tourism or accommodations tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local tax obligations with the Polk County assessor or a qualified tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mena's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 108% year-over-year increase in listings, which could put additional pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in the fall peak (October–November) and summer months, with ADR potentially holding steady or rising 1–3% as hosts compete on amenities rather than price. Occupancy may stabilize in the 17–20% range market-wide, though well-positioned properties near outdoor attractions could outperform. Investors should watch the supply-demand balance closely, as the current below-average score on that metric signals a market that could tip toward oversaturation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mena, AR

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mena?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mena is currently 18%, which falls below the Arkansas state average of 26%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings average around 21%, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties tend to sit closer to 11–12%. Hosts who optimize pricing, amenities, and seasonal availability can often outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mena?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Mena earns approximately $1,514 per month or $18,171 per year. Larger properties tend to earn more — 4-bedroom listings average about $2,533 monthly ($30,401 annually), while 1-bedroom units average around $890 per month ($10,681 annually). Actual results vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location, and how actively the listing is managed.

Is Mena a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mena carries an ROI score of 36 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market has average revenue-to-price ratios and average growth trends, but occupancy stability and supply-demand balance both score below average. That said, with average home values around $326,500 and strong fall-season revenue, investors who source deals carefully and manage properties proactively can find viable returns. The 108% year-over-year listing growth means competition is increasing, so thorough due diligence is important.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Mena is $177, slightly below the Arkansas state average of $192. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $127, 2-bedrooms average $167, 3-bedrooms come in at $192, and 4-bedroom properties command about $279 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mena?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Mena, Arkansas, but investors should verify current local regulations with the City of Mena and Polk County. Requirements may include business licensing, adherence to zoning rules, and compliance with any HOA restrictions. Arkansas does not have a blanket statewide STR ban, but municipal rules can change, so checking with local authorities before purchasing is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mena?

Peak season in Mena runs from roughly September through November, with October standing out as the highest-revenue month at $2,471 in average monthly revenue per listing. Summer months (June through August) also perform well, averaging $1,627 to $1,826. The slowest period is January through February, when average revenue drops to $543–$632 per month. This pattern aligns with fall foliage tourism and warm-weather outdoor recreation in the Ouachita Mountains.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mena?

As of April 2026, there are 94 active Airbnb listings in Mena. The market has grown rapidly, with a 108% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across sizes: 22 one-bedroom, 29 two-bedroom, 27 three-bedroom, and 9 four-bedroom listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mena?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Mena 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and how actively 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 and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
• Trailing 12-month revenue and seasonal performance data by month
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks sourced 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 Mar, 17 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 the date shown; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors and management quality. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.