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

Opelika Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Opelika, AL is a small but growing short-term rental market with 60 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $267—about $20 above the Alabama state average. However, occupancy sits at just 22%, well below the 38% state benchmark, which tempers overall revenue potential. Average annual revenue comes in at $27,040, and with home values around $448,188, investors will need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to make the numbers work in this competitive landscape.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Opelika 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 Opelika

Opelika attracts investor interest due to its proximity to Auburn University and above-average daily rates, though below-average occupancy means deal selectivity is critical.

Expert Market Assessment

"Opelika presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in higher-occupancy markets. The 22% average occupancy rate is a genuine headwind, but the pronounced seasonality—with November averaging $4,462 and September at $4,236—shows that demand concentrates powerfully around key events. Larger properties outperform meaningfully, with 4-bedroom units earning nearly double the market average on an annual basis. Investors who time their pricing around peak months and target larger configurations stand the best chance of generating solid returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Opelika

Average revenue by month in Opelika

Opelika's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, with November ($4,462) and September ($4,236) generating three to four times the revenue of January ($1,060) and February ($1,251). This pattern strongly suggests demand tied to Auburn University events, making fall the critical earning window for hosts in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Opelika

Supply is relatively balanced across bedroom counts, with 2-bedroom (16 listings) and 3-bedroom (15 listings) properties slightly edging out 1-bedroom (12) and 4-bedroom (10) units. The comparatively lower count of 4-bedroom homes, combined with their much higher revenue potential, could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Opelika

ADR scales substantially with size, rising from $161 for 1-bedroom listings to $440 for 4-bedroom properties—a nearly 3x premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($281) to 4-bedroom ($440) is especially steep, suggesting strong group-travel willingness to pay for larger accommodations in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Opelika

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $37 for 1-bedroom units to $91 for 4-bedroom properties, confirming that larger homes deliver meaningfully better per-night returns even after factoring in occupancy. The 3-bedroom tier at $77 also stands out as a strong performer relative to its ADR, reflecting its slightly higher occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Opelika

Occupancy rates are modest across all sizes, ranging from 21% for 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units to 28% for 3-bedroom properties. The 3-bedroom category's relative outperformance in occupancy suggests it hits a sweet spot for guest demand, offering investors somewhat more predictable booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Opelika

Four-bedroom properties lead convincingly at $3,941 per month, nearly double the market-wide average and roughly 2.5 times the $1,589 earned by 2-bedroom listings. Even 3-bedroom homes at $2,096 per month meaningfully outpace smaller configurations, reinforcing that larger units drive the best revenue in Opelika.

Average annual revenue by property size in Opelika

At $47,297 annually, 4-bedroom properties generate more than double the revenue of 3-bedroom units ($25,157) and nearly 2.5 times that of 2-bedroom listings ($19,073). For investors evaluating return potential against acquisition costs, the 4-bedroom segment offers the highest gross revenue, though the additional purchase and operating costs of larger homes should be weighed carefully.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Opelika

Parking (97%) and kitchen access (85%) are near-universal expectations among Opelika guests, while self check-in (77%), a backyard (75%), and in-unit laundry (72–73%) round out the top tier. Premium differentiators like lake access, a pool, or waterfront location appear in only about 12% of listings, suggesting these features could help a property stand out in a competitive field.

Understanding Opelika's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Opelika's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but requires careful deal selection to achieve attractive returns. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance rate as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend both score below average—reflecting the 22% occupancy headwind and rapidly expanding supply. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes) that have demonstrated stronger per-night performance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Opelika

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Opelika, Alabama may need to obtain a short-term rental permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Opelika and Lee County authorities, as local regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Alabama markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants may also impose additional restrictions, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions or community rules before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Alabama are typically subject to state and local lodging taxes, sales tax, and potentially a county-level occupancy tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Opelika's STR market is likely to remain event-driven, with strong seasonal spikes in September and November suggesting demand tied to Auburn University football and fall events. Investors can expect ADR to hold steady or edge up modestly by 1–3%, though occupancy improvement will depend on how quickly supply absorbs—listing counts grew 194% year-over-year, which could keep competition fierce. Revenue estimates suggest monthly earnings ranging from roughly $1,060 in January to over $4,400 in November, so cash-flow planning around these seasonal swings will be essential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Opelika, AL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Opelika?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Opelika is currently 22%, which falls below the Alabama state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings performing best at 28%, while 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 4-bedroom properties hover around 21–23%. This lower overall occupancy reflects the event-driven nature of the market, where demand surges during specific months and softens considerably in the off-season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Opelika?

Airbnb hosts in Opelika earn an average of $2,253 per month and approximately $27,040 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 4-bedroom properties lead at roughly $3,941 per month ($47,297 annually), while 2-bedroom listings average about $1,589 per month ($19,073 annually). Seasonal fluctuations are pronounced, with hosts earning over $4,400 in peak months like November and closer to $1,060 in January.

Is Opelika a good market for Airbnb investment?

Opelika scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers above-average daily rates of $267 compared to the state average, and larger properties can generate strong revenue during peak months. However, below-average occupancy and rapid supply growth mean investors need to be selective about property type, location, and pricing strategy. Targeting 3- or 4-bedroom homes and optimizing for event-driven demand periods can improve return potential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Opelika is $267, which is approximately $20 higher than the Alabama state average of $247. ADR scales meaningfully with property size—1-bedroom listings average $161, while 4-bedroom properties command $440 per night. This premium pricing on larger homes reflects the group-travel demand common in university-adjacent markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Opelika?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Opelika, Alabama, though hosts may need to obtain local permits or business licenses. Regulations can vary and evolve, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Opelika and Lee County for the most current rules regarding STR operations, zoning, and any applicable restrictions.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Opelika?

Peak season in Opelika centers on the fall, with November ($4,462) and September ($4,236) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. May ($2,736) and October ($2,663) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($1,060) and February ($1,251), creating a wide seasonal spread that investors should plan for in their cash-flow projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Opelika?

There are currently 60 active Airbnb listings in Opelika as of April 2026. The supply is fairly evenly distributed, with 12 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom, 15 three-bedroom, and 10 four-bedroom properties. Notably, active listings grew 194% year-over-year, indicating significant new investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Opelika?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Opelika are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 and naturally reflects 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 active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Opelika, AL market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 performance and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may vary based on property quality, pricing, and management. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change—investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.