Ocala, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ocala Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ocala, FL presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, combining an average home value of $395,869 with annual revenue averaging $20,971 across active listings. With 460 active Airbnb listings and a 131% year-over-year growth rate, the market is gaining traction quickly — though its $170 ADR sits well below the $498 Florida state average, signaling a more budget-friendly, value-oriented guest profile. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects balanced fundamentals across revenue, occupancy, and demand, making it a market worth a closer look for investors seeking affordable Florida real estate with steady rental income.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ocala 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 Ocala

Ocala appeals to investors seeking affordable Florida property with reasonable revenue-to-price ratios and growing demand driven by the region's equestrian culture and outdoor recreation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ocala earns an "Attractive Opportunity" rating with an ROI score of 57/100, reflecting average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply-demand balance. Seasonality is a meaningful factor here: revenue swings from a high of $2,803 in March to a low of $1,255 in September, creating a roughly 2.2x spread between the peak and trough months. Investors who can manage through the slower summer and early fall months — perhaps by targeting larger properties that command higher nightly rates — stand to benefit from strong late-winter demand. The market's affordability relative to other Florida destinations gives it a distinct advantage for investors watching their acquisition cost closely."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ocala

Average revenue by month in Ocala

Revenue in Ocala peaks sharply in March at $2,803 and stays elevated through February ($2,243), while September marks the low point at $1,255 — a spread that highlights meaningful seasonality investors should plan around. The late-winter surge likely reflects seasonal visitor patterns, while summer and early fall represent a clear soft period requiring smart pricing to maintain cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ocala

Three-bedroom properties dominate Ocala's supply with 172 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (107) and 2-bedrooms (92), while 5-bedroom listings number just 7. The scarcity of larger properties could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 4- or 5-bedroom homes where competition is thinner and revenue potential is highest.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ocala

ADR scales steeply with property size in Ocala, rising from $89 for studios to $356 for 5-bedroom listings — a 4x premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($140) to 3-bedroom ($189) represents a strong incremental gain relative to the added bedroom, making 3-bedroom properties a compelling sweet spot for balancing acquisition cost and nightly rate.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ocala

RevPAN climbs steadily with size, from just $30 for studios to $162 for 5-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms delivering $109 and 4-bedrooms reaching $127. Larger configurations clearly extract more revenue per available night, though investors should weigh this against higher carrying costs and the somewhat lower occupancy rates seen at the 4- and 5-bedroom level.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ocala

Occupancy peaks at 57% for 3-bedroom properties and 55% for 2-bedrooms, both above the market average of 51%, while studios (34%) and 1-bedrooms (39%) lag significantly. The 4- and 5-bedroom categories dip to 48% and 46% respectively, suggesting that while larger homes earn more per booking, they face more idle nights between reservations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ocala

Monthly revenue ranges from $780 for studios to $3,706 for 5-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms earning a solid $2,082 — well above the market average of $1,747. The significant revenue step-up from 2-bedroom ($1,491) to 3-bedroom configurations reinforces the value of targeting mid-to-large properties in Ocala's market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ocala

Five-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $44,481, while 4-bedrooms earn $34,986 and 3-bedrooms come in at $24,990. For investors weighing acquisition cost against return potential, 3-bedroom homes offer the best balance with nearly $25K in annual revenue at a property price point likely well below the larger configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ocala

Parking (97%) and kitchens (93%) are near-universal in Ocala's Airbnb market, while washers (82%), self check-in (79%), and backyards (72%) round out the top tier — reflecting guest expectations for home-like comfort and convenience. Notably, 65% of listings are pet-friendly, suggesting strong demand from travelers with animals, while pools (17%) and hot tubs (7%) remain differentiating amenities that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Ocala's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Ocala's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average performance across all four calculation factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. No single factor stands out as exceptionally strong or notably weak, which means returns here hinge on execution — property selection, pricing, and guest experience will separate outperformers from the pack. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and a clear understanding of Ocala's seasonal revenue swings before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ocala

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ocala, FL, should be aware that Florida requires STR properties to register with the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Additionally, Marion County or the City of Ocala may impose local permit or registration requirements, so investors should verify current rules with local authorities before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Florida markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA and deed restrictions may also apply in certain communities, and some jurisdictions impose caps on the number of active permits — checking neighborhood-level rules is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Florida levies a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rentals, both of which hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting. Many booking platforms handle a portion of tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Marion County Tax Collector to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ocala's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the rapid 131% year-over-year listing increase, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonality data suggests revenue peaks in February and March — likely driven by equestrian events and snowbird travel — with softer months like September pulling averages down to around $1,255. Investors should anticipate ADR increases in the 1–3% range as the market matures, with occupancy stabilizing around 48–54% depending on property size and management quality. Pairing a well-positioned 3- or 4-bedroom property with strong amenities could help outperform these market-level estimates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ocala, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocala?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocala is currently 51%, slightly below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2- and 3-bedroom listings tend to perform best at 55% and 57% respectively, while studios and 1-bedrooms see lower occupancy in the 34–39% range. Individual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, listing quality, and seasonal demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ocala?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Ocala earn approximately $1,747 per month or $20,971 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size — studios average around $780/month while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $3,706/month. Peak earning months are February ($2,243) and March ($2,803), with softer months like September averaging around $1,255.

Is Ocala a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ocala scores a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from relatively affordable home values averaging $395,869, decent revenue potential, and growing demand as evidenced by 131% year-over-year listing growth. While ADR and occupancy are below Florida state averages, the lower acquisition cost creates a favorable revenue-to-price ratio for investors. As with any market, success depends on property selection, management quality, and understanding local regulations.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ocala is $170, which is considerably lower than the $498 Florida state average. ADR ranges widely by property size, from $89 for studios to $356 for 5-bedroom properties. Three-bedroom listings, which make up the largest segment of the market, average $189 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ocala?

Short-term rentals are legal in Ocala and throughout Florida, though operators must register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Local regulations from Marion County or the City of Ocala may impose additional requirements such as permits, safety inspections, or occupancy limits. Investors should verify all applicable local, county, and state requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ocala?

Peak season for Airbnb in Ocala runs from February through March, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,243 and $2,803 respectively. This aligns with the late-winter period when seasonal visitors and event-goers are most active in the region. The slowest months are September ($1,255) and October ($1,343), creating a roughly 2:1 revenue spread between the strongest and weakest months of the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ocala?

As of April 2026, there are 460 active Airbnb listings in Ocala. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 131% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties are the most common configuration with 172 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (107) and 2-bedrooms (92).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ocala?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ocala 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 counts of active Airbnb and short-term rental listings by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month historical 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic trends, or seasonal fluctuations. Local regulations and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decisions.