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

Murray Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Murray, KY is a compact short-term rental market with just 28 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,042 per property. With an average daily rate of $166—roughly half the Kentucky state average—and home values around $320,784, the market offers relatively affordable entry for investors. A 128% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy currently sits at 21%, below the state average of 28%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Murray 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 Murray

Murray appeals to investors seeking affordable property prices paired with moderate STR revenue in a small-town Kentucky market with lake and university-adjacent demand drivers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Murray presents a moderate investment opportunity with its ROI score of 56 out of 100, reflecting a balance between reasonable revenue relative to property costs and some softness in occupancy. Seasonality is pronounced—July revenue of $3,373 is more than seven times the January figure of $462—so investors need to plan cash flow carefully around the quieter winter months. The market's small scale and growing supply mean individual listing quality and pricing strategy will matter more here than in larger, more liquid STR markets. For investors willing to optimize around peak summer and fall demand, Murray can deliver respectable returns at a fraction of the entry cost seen in more saturated destinations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Murray

Average revenue by month in Murray

Murray's revenue exhibits sharp seasonality: July peaks at $3,373—over seven times the January low of $462—with a strong corridor from May through October averaging above $2,000 monthly. Investors should budget for very lean winter months (January–February under $500) and plan to capture the bulk of annual income during the warmer half of the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Murray

Supply in Murray is tightly concentrated between 1-bedroom (12 listings) and 2-bedroom (13 listings) properties, with no larger configurations represented in the active inventory. This narrow size distribution could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer 3+ bedroom properties to differentiate from the existing supply.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Murray

ADR scales meaningfully with size: 2-bedroom listings command $149 per night versus $98 for 1-bedrooms, representing a 52% premium. For investors weighing acquisition costs against nightly rates, the jump to a second bedroom delivers a significant pricing advantage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Murray

Despite their lower ADR, 1-bedroom listings deliver the stronger RevPAN at $29 compared to $21 for 2-bedrooms, driven by their meaningfully higher occupancy rates. This suggests that smaller units are currently more efficient at converting available nights into actual revenue in Murray.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Murray

One-bedroom properties fill at 30% occupancy—more than double the 14% rate for 2-bedroom listings—indicating substantially stronger demand consistency for smaller units. The low 2-bedroom occupancy is a notable cash-flow risk and suggests that pricing or demand alignment needs attention for larger properties.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Murray

Monthly revenue is surprisingly close across property sizes, with 1-bedrooms averaging $1,694 and 2-bedrooms at $1,653, reflecting how the higher ADR of 2-bedroom units is offset by much lower occupancy. Investors choosing between sizes should weigh this near-parity in revenue against potentially higher operating costs for larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Murray

Annual revenue follows the same pattern, with 1-bedrooms earning $20,332 and 2-bedrooms close behind at $19,847. Given the lower acquisition and maintenance costs typically associated with smaller units, 1-bedroom properties appear to offer the more favorable return profile in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Murray

Kitchen and parking are universal (100% of listings), while washer/dryer (89%) and self check-in (79%) are near-standard, establishing a high baseline for guest expectations. Lake access appears on 36% of listings and waterfront on 25%, signaling that proximity to water is a meaningful differentiator—investors with lakefront or lake-adjacent properties may be able to command premium rates.

Understanding Murray's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Murray's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is reasonable but occupancy stability remains below average. The average ratings for revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance indicate a market that pencils out on paper, though the below-average occupancy factor means investors need to manage expectations around fill rates. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a strong seasonal pricing strategy will be critical to maximizing returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Murray

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Murray, Kentucky may need to obtain local permits or register their property with city authorities before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Murray and Calloway County offices, as regulations in smaller Kentucky municipalities can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Kentucky communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply depending on the neighborhood, so prospective hosts should review all applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax on short-term accommodations, and Murray may levy additional local occupancy or tourism taxes. Major booking platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Murray's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as new hosts enter the space, which could put additional pressure on an already below-average occupancy rate. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate heavily in the summer months, with July historically delivering the strongest performance. Investors should anticipate ADR holding relatively steady in the $160–$175 range while occupancy may fluctuate between 18–24% depending on season and the pace of new supply entering the market. Strategic pricing and targeting niche demand—such as university-related stays or lake visitors—will be key to outperforming the averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Murray, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Murray?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Murray, KY is currently 21%, which falls below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 30% occupancy compared to just 14% for 2-bedroom properties. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer months driving the strongest demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Murray?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Airbnb hosts in Murray earn an average of $1,920 per month, which translates to approximately $23,042 annually. Revenue varies by season—July is the highest-earning month at $3,373, while January drops to around $462. One-bedroom listings average $20,332 per year and 2-bedroom listings average $19,847 per year.

Is Murray a good market for Airbnb investment?

Murray scores a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market offers affordable entry with average home values of $320,784 and a revenue-to-price ratio rated as average. Below-average occupancy stability is a factor to consider, but low competition with only 28 active listings and reasonable revenue potential relative to property costs make it worth evaluating—especially for investors who can optimize around seasonal peaks.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Murray is $166, which is roughly half the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $98 per night, while 2-bedroom properties command $149 per night. The lower ADR reflects Murray's positioning as an affordable, smaller-market destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Murray?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Murray, KY, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and tax requirements. Regulations can change, so investors should check directly with the City of Murray and Calloway County for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Murray?

Peak season for Airbnb in Murray runs from May through October, with July being the single strongest month at $3,373 in average revenue. The summer months benefit from lake-related tourism and outdoor recreation. The off-season stretches from November through February, with January and February averaging under $500 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Murray?

As of April 2026, there are 28 active Airbnb listings in Murray, KY. The supply is split nearly evenly between 1-bedroom (12 listings) and 2-bedroom (13 listings) properties. Notably, active listings have grown 128% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Murray?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Murray 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 is calculated independently, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July at $3,373) and slower months (like January at $462). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, 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 for the Murray, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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