Morehead, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Morehead Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Morehead, KY is a small but competitive short-term rental market with just 24 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $18,873 per property. The market's ADR of $154 sits well below Kentucky's $333 state average, and occupancy runs at 19% compared to 28% statewide — suggesting demand is present but selective. With average home values around $295,923 and strong year-over-year listing growth of 104%, investors should approach Morehead with careful deal sourcing and a clear strategy around larger properties, which significantly outperform smaller ones.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Morehead 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 Morehead

Investors consider Morehead for its affordable home prices relative to the state and the niche demand driven by university activity and nearby natural attractions.

Expert Market Assessment

"Morehead presents a competitive but uneven opportunity: the market's small listing count means individual property performance varies widely, and overall occupancy at 19% signals that not every listing is capturing consistent demand. That said, 3-bedroom properties stand out with 29% occupancy and $30,991 in annual revenue — nearly double the market average. Seasonality is pronounced, with July ($2,509) and September ($2,183) leading the way while February ($435) represents a deep trough. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for peak-season pricing will be best positioned to extract value from this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Morehead

Average revenue by month in Morehead

Revenue in Morehead peaks sharply in July at $2,509 and stays elevated through November, while February bottoms out at just $435 — a nearly 6x swing that underscores the market's heavy seasonality. Investors should budget for thin winter months and focus marketing efforts around the June–November window when most income is generated.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Morehead

Two-bedroom properties dominate Morehead's supply with 13 of 24 active listings, while 3-bedrooms (6 listings) and 1-bedrooms (5 listings) are less represented. The relatively limited supply of 3-bedroom units, combined with their superior revenue metrics, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to target that property size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Morehead

ADR in Morehead climbs meaningfully with size: 1-bedrooms average $106, 2-bedrooms $144, and 3-bedrooms command $214 per night. The jump from 2- to 3-bedrooms represents a 49% premium, suggesting guests are willing to pay significantly more for additional space and that the cost-to-rate trade-off favors larger properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Morehead

RevPAN tells a compelling story in Morehead — 3-bedroom properties generate $62 per available night, roughly triple the $22 for 2-bedrooms and more than four times the $14 for 1-bedrooms. This gap reflects both higher nightly rates and substantially better occupancy for larger units, making them the clear leader for revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Morehead

Occupancy rates increase notably with property size: 1-bedrooms sit at 13%, 2-bedrooms at 16%, and 3-bedrooms reach 29%. The 29% rate for 3-bedroom properties, while still modest, matches the state average and offers more predictable cash flow compared to the lower fill rates seen in smaller units.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Morehead

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $2,582, outpacing 2-bedrooms ($1,537) by 68% and 1-bedrooms ($1,146) by more than double. For investors weighing property size, the data clearly favors 3-bedroom configurations as the top monthly earners in the Morehead market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Morehead

Annual revenue scales dramatically with size in Morehead: 1-bedrooms generate about $13,761, 2-bedrooms bring in $18,445, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $30,991. The 3-bedroom tier offers the strongest return potential, earning nearly 2.3x what a 1-bedroom produces over a full year.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Morehead

Parking (96%) and kitchen access (92%) are near-universal in Morehead listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent, rural-adjacent market. Self check-in (83%), washer/dryer (63–67%), and outdoor features like patios and BBQ grills (50–58%) are also common, while differentiators like hot tubs (8%) and lake or waterfront access (4%) remain rare and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Morehead's ROI Score: 40/100

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

Morehead's ROI score of 40 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest is outpacing the ease of finding high-return deals. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend are average, but below-average occupancy stability (19% vs. 28% statewide) is the biggest drag on the score. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on 3-bedroom properties, where performance significantly exceeds the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Morehead

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

Permit Requirements

Morehead, Kentucky may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Morehead and Rowan County officials, as local regulations in smaller Kentucky markets can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Kentucky STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods or subdivisions.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Kentucky are typically subject to state sales tax and local transient room taxes on stays of fewer than 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Morehead's STR market is expected to remain seasonal, with the strongest revenue concentrated between June and November. The rapid doubling of active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace — expect occupancy to hover around 17–21% market-wide. ADR may see modest gains of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies, but meaningful revenue growth will likely depend on targeting 3-bedroom properties and capitalizing on peak-season demand tied to Morehead State University events and regional outdoor recreation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Morehead, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morehead?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morehead is currently 19%, which is below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average just 13%, while 3-bedroom properties achieve around 29%. This means larger properties tend to capture a more consistent share of demand in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Morehead?

Airbnb hosts in Morehead earn an average of $1,572 per month and approximately $18,873 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings bring in around $13,761 annually, 2-bedrooms average $18,445, and 3-bedroom properties lead at roughly $30,991 per year. Individual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, amenities, and seasonal optimization.

Is Morehead a good market for Airbnb investment?

Morehead carries an ROI score of 40 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market has affordable home values averaging $295,923 and growing investor interest (listings doubled year-over-year), but occupancy is below average and revenue-to-price ratios are middling. Success here likely depends on targeting 3-bedroom properties, which significantly outperform other sizes, and being strategic about pricing during peak months like July and September.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Morehead is $154, which is well below the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedrooms average $106, 2-bedrooms come in at $144, and 3-bedroom properties command $214 per night. While rates are modest, they reflect the market's more affordable positioning and smaller-market dynamics.

Are short-term rentals legal in Morehead?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Morehead, KY, though operators may need to obtain local business licenses or permits. As with many smaller Kentucky markets, regulations can change, so it's important to check with the City of Morehead and Rowan County for the most current requirements regarding STR operation, zoning, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Morehead?

Peak season in Morehead runs from June through November, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,509, followed by September at $2,183 and November at $1,963. The slowest period is February, when average revenue drops to just $435. This pronounced seasonality means hosts should plan pricing and marketing strategies around the summer and early fall months to maximize returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Morehead?

As of April 2026, there are 24 active Airbnb listings in Morehead. The supply is concentrated among 2-bedroom properties (13 listings), with 3-bedrooms (6 listings) and 1-bedrooms (5 listings) making up the rest. Notably, listings have grown by 104% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor activity in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Morehead?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Morehead 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 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 Morehead, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and popular amenity analysis across active listings

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.