Oak Ridge, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Oak Ridge Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Oak Ridge, TN presents a compelling niche opportunity for short-term rental investors, with an average occupancy rate of 42% that significantly outpaces the 29% Tennessee state average. The market's 43 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $22,311, supported by an ADR of $119 — well below the state average of $309, which keeps acquisition costs accessible. With an ROI score of 60 out of 100 and strong occupancy stability, this small East Tennessee market rewards investors who target the right property size and manage seasonality effectively.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge attracts STR investors because of its strong occupancy relative to the state average, affordable property entry points, and proximity to East Tennessee's natural and scientific attractions.

Expert Market Assessment

"Oak Ridge earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with a balanced profile: healthy demand metrics and reasonable revenue relative to property values, tempered by below-average market growth. Seasonality is a clear factor — revenue peaks sharply in July at $2,813 and October at $2,429, while February dips to just $873, creating a roughly 3:1 ratio between the strongest and weakest months. Investors who target two- or three-bedroom properties and price strategically during shoulder months stand to capture the most consistent returns. The market's compact size and above-average occupancy stability make it well-suited for hands-on operators who can differentiate through amenities and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Oak Ridge

Average revenue by month in Oak Ridge

Revenue in Oak Ridge follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking at $2,813 in July and hitting a secondary high of $2,429 in October, while February marks the low point at just $873. The roughly $1,940 spread between the best and weakest months means investors should plan for meaningful cash-flow variability and consider pricing strategies that capture shoulder-season demand in spring and fall.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Oak Ridge

Two-bedroom listings dominate Oak Ridge's supply at 17 units, followed by 12 one-bedrooms and 10 three-bedrooms. The relatively even distribution across sizes suggests no single configuration is dramatically oversaturated, though the lighter three-bedroom inventory — combined with its strong revenue metrics — may signal an underserved segment worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Oak Ridge

ADR scales predictably with property size in Oak Ridge, rising from $75 for one-bedrooms to $105 for two-bedrooms and $139 for three-bedroom listings. The jump from one to two bedrooms represents a 40% rate premium, making two-bedrooms a potential sweet spot where guests perceive strong value and hosts capture meaningful rate improvement.

Average RevPAN by property size in Oak Ridge

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $60, edging out three-bedrooms at $55 and significantly outperforming one-bedrooms at just $23. This highlights that the two-bedroom segment's higher occupancy more than compensates for its lower nightly rate compared to three-bedroom units, making it the most capital-efficient configuration on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Oak Ridge

Two-bedroom listings stand out with a 57% occupancy rate — 15 percentage points above the market average — while three-bedrooms sit at 40% and one-bedrooms trail at 32%. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, the two-bedroom segment offers the most reliable booking volume and least exposure to vacancy risk.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Oak Ridge

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $1,962, closely followed by two-bedrooms at $1,802, while one-bedrooms earn a notably lower $1,186. The relatively narrow $160 gap between two- and three-bedroom monthly earnings suggests that the additional cost and complexity of a larger property may not always justify the incremental revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Oak Ridge

Annual revenue ranges from $14,240 for one-bedroom properties to $23,551 for three-bedrooms, with two-bedrooms generating $21,623. Given that two-bedroom units achieve 92% of the three-bedroom annual revenue with lower acquisition and operating costs, they represent a compelling risk-adjusted return profile for investors entering the Oak Ridge market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Oak Ridge

Parking (95%), kitchen (93%), and washer/dryer (86%/81%) are near-universal among Oak Ridge listings, signaling that guests expect home-like convenience as a baseline. Only 7% of listings offer a pool and 5% offer lake access, suggesting that adding premium outdoor amenities could meaningfully differentiate a property in this market.

Understanding Oak Ridge's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Oak Ridge's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a balanced investment profile where above-average occupancy stability and average revenue-to-price ratios are partially offset by below-average market growth trends. The 146% year-over-year increase in active listings warrants attention — while demand remains solid, the pace of new supply could compress margins if it continues. Investors should pair these data insights with local regulatory research and on-the-ground due diligence to validate assumptions before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Oak Ridge

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

Permit Requirements

Oak Ridge, Tennessee 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 Oak Ridge and the State of Tennessee, as local ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Tennessee STR markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay mandates. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Tennessee are typically required to collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically. It's advisable to consult a tax professional familiar with Tennessee STR obligations to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Oak Ridge's STR market is likely to see continued demand stability driven by its above-average occupancy fundamentals, though market growth trends currently sit below average, suggesting supply is expanding faster than demand. Investors should anticipate seasonal revenue fluctuations — monthly earnings can swing from roughly $870 in February to over $2,800 in July — and plan cash reserves accordingly. ADR increases may be modest, potentially in the 1–3% range, as the market's relatively affordable pricing limits aggressive rate hikes. Occupancy rates are expected to hold steady around 40–45%, making property selection and operational efficiency the key levers for outperformance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Oak Ridge, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oak Ridge?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oak Ridge is currently 42%, which is notably higher than the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings lead at 57%, followed by three-bedrooms at 40% and one-bedrooms at 32%. This suggests strong demand, particularly for mid-sized properties that accommodate families or small groups.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Oak Ridge?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Oak Ridge earn approximately $1,859 per month or $22,311 per year, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data from active comparable listings. Earnings vary by property size: three-bedroom properties average $23,551 annually, two-bedrooms bring in about $21,623, and one-bedrooms earn around $14,240. Individual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, property quality, and guest reviews.

Is Oak Ridge a good market for Airbnb investment?

Oak Ridge holds a Rabbu ROI Score of 60 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, though its market growth trend is currently below average due to rapid supply expansion. It's a solid fit for investors comfortable with a smaller market and willing to optimize around seasonal demand patterns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Oak Ridge is $119, which is significantly lower than the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $75, two-bedrooms come in at $105, and three-bedroom properties command $139 per night. The lower ADR reflects Oak Ridge's positioning as an affordable market, which helps sustain its higher-than-average occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Oak Ridge?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Oak Ridge, TN, though specific permit or business license requirements may apply. Regulations can vary and change over time, so prospective investors should verify the latest local ordinances with the City of Oak Ridge planning department and review any applicable HOA or neighborhood restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Oak Ridge?

Peak season in Oak Ridge runs through the summer months, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,813. October also stands out as a strong performer at $2,429, likely driven by fall foliage tourism in East Tennessee. The slowest period is winter, with February at just $873 — meaning investors should budget for significant revenue swings between peak and off-peak months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Oak Ridge?

There are currently 43 active Airbnb listings in Oak Ridge. The supply breaks down to 12 one-bedroom listings, 17 two-bedroom listings, and 10 three-bedroom properties. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 146%, indicating increasing investor interest in this market, which is worth monitoring for potential supply saturation.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Oak Ridge?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Oak Ridge 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. 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 data. Individual results can vary meaningfully 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 Oak Ridge market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Historical revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change; investors should verify current ordinances before purchasing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.