Mentone, AL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mentone Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mentone, Alabama — perched on Lookout Mountain — offers an intriguing niche for short-term rental investors drawn to a small but growing vacation market. With 112 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $192, and annual revenue averaging $27,965, the market sits below Alabama's state averages on occupancy (27% vs. 38%) but compensates with above-average growth trends and a leisure-driven guest base. The 89% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though demand hasn't yet fully caught up with supply.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mentone 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 Mentone

Mentone appeals to investors seeking an affordable mountain-retreat market with rising demand, favorable property-to-revenue ratios, and seasonal tourism anchored by outdoor recreation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mentone presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who understand its seasonal rhythm. Revenue peaks in July and August (around $3,100–$3,166/month) with a strong secondary peak in October during fall foliage season ($2,887), while winter months like January dip to roughly $1,041 — creating a pronounced seasonal spread. The market's ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects a genuine but uneven opportunity: revenue-to-price ratios are average and growth trends are encouraging, but below-average occupancy stability and supply-demand balance mean investors need to plan for soft months and price aggressively during peak windows."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mentone

Average revenue by month in Mentone

Mentone's revenue calendar shows strong seasonality, with August ($3,166) and July ($3,103) leading the year while January bottoms out at $1,041 — roughly a 3x spread. A notable secondary peak in October ($2,887) reflects fall foliage demand, and the March–June corridor stays healthy in the $2,100–$2,600 range, giving hosts a solid six-month earning window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mentone

Two-bedroom listings dominate Mentone's supply at 39 units, closely followed by 3-bedrooms (33) and 1-bedrooms (25), while 4-bedroom properties represent just 10 listings. The relative scarcity of 4-bedroom units — combined with their significantly higher revenue — may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mentone

ADR in Mentone scales sharply with size: 1-bedroom properties average $142 per night, 2-bedrooms $158, 3-bedrooms $214, and 4-bedrooms command $319. The jump from 3 to 4 bedrooms adds roughly $105 per night, making larger properties the clearest path to premium nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mentone

Revenue per available night increases steadily from $34 for 1-bedroom listings to $77 for 4-bedroom properties, more than doubling across the size spectrum. Even after accounting for similar occupancy rates across sizes, larger units deliver meaningfully better yield per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mentone

Occupancy rates in Mentone cluster tightly between 24% and 29% regardless of property size, with 2-bedroom listings edging ahead at 29%. The relatively uniform occupancy suggests that revenue differentiation is driven primarily by nightly rate rather than fill rate, which favors larger, higher-ADR properties.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mentone

Monthly revenue rises from $1,618 for 1-bedroom listings to $4,383 for 4-bedroom properties — a nearly 2.7x difference. Three-bedroom units earn $2,664 per month, comfortably above the market average of $2,330, making them a balanced mid-tier option for investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mentone

Four-bedroom properties lead with $52,596 in average annual revenue, nearly doubling the 3-bedroom figure of $31,975 and far outpacing 1-bedrooms at $19,427. For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue relative to management effort, the 4-bedroom segment offers the strongest return potential in Mentone.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mentone

Kitchens (96%), parking (93%), and washer/dryer combos (88%) are table stakes in Mentone, reflecting a cabin-retreat market where guests expect self-sufficient stays. Outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (88%), outdoor furniture (80%), and patios (75%) are nearly as common, while hot tubs (46%) and pet-friendliness (57%) represent meaningful differentiators that can help a listing stand out.

Understanding Mentone's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Mentone's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, indicating genuine investment potential tempered by some headwinds. The revenue-to-price ratio is average and market growth trends are above average — both encouraging signs — but below-average occupancy stability and supply-demand balance suggest that the rapid influx of new listings (89% YoY growth) is outpacing demand in the near term. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and plan for seasonal cash-flow variability when underwriting a Mentone property.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mentone

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mentone, Alabama should verify whether local permits or registration are required through the Town of Mentone and DeKalb County. Alabama does not have a statewide STR licensing framework, so requirements can vary and investors should confirm current rules with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in the area include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants can also restrict STR activity in certain developments, so investors should review any deed restrictions carefully before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Alabama are generally subject to state and county lodging taxes, and many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their obligations with the Alabama Department of Revenue and local tax offices to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mentone's short-term rental market is likely to benefit from its above-average growth trajectory, with ADR potentially firming in the $190–$205 range as operators refine pricing strategies around seasonal peaks. Summer months and the October leaf season should continue to anchor the revenue calendar, though occupancy may stay in the 25–30% range until demand growth catches up with the rapid supply expansion. Investors who target larger properties — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom cabins — are best positioned to capture premium nightly rates and higher annual yields during this maturation phase."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mentone, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mentone?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mentone is currently 27%, which falls below the Alabama state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 29% while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties average around 24%. The lower overall occupancy reflects Mentone's seasonal, leisure-driven demand profile — hosts typically see their strongest booking stretches during summer and fall.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mentone?

Airbnb hosts in Mentone earn an average of $2,330 per month or approximately $27,965 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $19,427 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in around $52,596 per year. Peak earning months are July and August, where average monthly revenue exceeds $3,100.

Is Mentone a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mentone earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' range. The market shows above-average growth trends and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, though occupancy stability and supply-demand balance are below average. Investors targeting larger cabin-style properties with desirable amenities like hot tubs and outdoor living spaces are best positioned to outperform market averages, especially if they optimize pricing around Mentone's strong summer and fall seasons.

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

The average daily rate in Mentone is $192, which is below the Alabama state average of $247. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $142 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $319. The gap between smaller and larger units makes a strong case for investing in properties that can accommodate groups and families.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mentone?

Short-term rentals operate in Mentone, with 112 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permit requirements and regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with the Town of Mentone and DeKalb County authorities. Alabama does not impose a uniform statewide STR licensing system, meaning local ordinances are the primary regulatory layer to research.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mentone?

Peak season in Mentone runs through the summer months, with August ($3,166) and July ($3,103) delivering the highest average monthly revenue. October ($2,887) is a strong secondary peak driven by fall foliage tourism on Lookout Mountain. The slowest months are January ($1,041) and February ($1,422), creating a roughly 3:1 revenue spread between the best and worst months of the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mentone?

There are currently 112 active Airbnb listings in Mentone as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with an 89% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 39 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (33), 1-bedrooms (25), and 4-bedrooms (10).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mentone?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Mentone 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 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 for the Mentone market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index for revenue-to-price context

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 is current as of April 2026 and may not reflect recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.