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

Owensboro Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Owensboro, KY presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with an ROI score of 63 out of 100 and average home values around $321,232. The market's 54 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $23,416, while the average daily rate of $146 sits well below Kentucky's $333 state average — suggesting this smaller market caters to budget-conscious travelers rather than luxury guests. Above-average occupancy stability and affordable property prices create a favorable revenue-to-price dynamic for investors seeking modest but dependable cash flow.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Owensboro 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 Owensboro

Owensboro appeals to STR investors because of its affordable property prices relative to revenue potential, combined with stable booking demand throughout much of the year.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 63 and an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, Owensboro offers a moderate but promising investment environment. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $3,215 per month and dips to just $761 in February, creating pronounced seasonality that investors need to plan around — the roughly 4:1 spread between peak and trough months means cash reserves for the winter slowdown are essential. The market's occupancy stability is a genuine bright spot, though rapid supply growth (144% year-over-year) warrants monitoring. Investors who focus on three-bedroom properties — which deliver the best RevPAN at $46 while representing the bulk of supply — are well-positioned to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Owensboro

Average revenue by month in Owensboro

Owensboro's STR revenue follows a strong seasonal curve, peaking at $3,215 in July and bottoming out at $761 in February — a more than 4x spread that underscores the importance of summer demand. The May-through-October stretch consistently delivers above-average revenue, while January and February are the only months that dip below $1,000.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Owensboro

Three-bedroom properties dominate Owensboro's STR supply with 27 of 54 listings (50%), followed by 2-bedrooms at 14 and 4-bedrooms at 7. One-bedroom units are the scarcest at just 5 listings, which could represent an opportunity for investors targeting couples or solo travelers in a less competitive segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Owensboro

ADR scales predictably with size in Owensboro, ranging from $101 for 1-bedroom units to $202 for 4-bedroom properties. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($118) to 3-bedrooms ($157) represents the steepest per-bedroom premium, suggesting that family-sized properties command a meaningful rate advantage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Owensboro

Three-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $46, narrowly edging out 1-bedrooms at $44, while 2-bedrooms sit close behind at $40. Four-bedroom properties lag significantly at $25 RevPAN, indicating that their higher nightly rate doesn't compensate for their much lower occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Owensboro

Smaller units fill up far more consistently in Owensboro — 1-bedroom listings lead with 43% occupancy, followed by 2-bedrooms at 34% and 3-bedrooms at 30%. Four-bedroom properties struggle at just 12% occupancy, suggesting limited demand for larger group accommodations and a potential cash-flow risk at that size.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Owensboro

Monthly revenue climbs with bedroom count, from $1,542 for 1-bedrooms to $2,247 for 4-bedrooms, though the gap between 3-bedrooms ($2,127) and 4-bedrooms is slim at just $120. Given the much higher occupancy and RevPAN of 3-bedroom units, they offer a more balanced risk-return profile than the larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Owensboro

Four-bedroom properties top annual revenue at $26,965, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $25,527 — a difference of under $1,500 that may not justify the higher purchase and maintenance costs of a larger home. One- and 2-bedroom units earn $18,510 and $19,111 respectively, making them viable options for investors prioritizing lower acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Owensboro

Kitchens (100%), washers (96%), and parking (94%) are near-universal across Owensboro listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience in this market. Outdoor features like backyards (76%), patios (61%), and BBQ grills (50%) are also common, signaling that guests value outdoor living space — investors without these amenities may be at a competitive disadvantage.

Understanding Owensboro's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Owensboro's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability that together suggest reliable — if not exceptional — returns. The below-average ratings for market growth trend and supply/demand balance reflect the rapid 144% increase in listings, which could dilute individual property performance if demand doesn't grow proportionally. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a careful property-level analysis will help investors determine whether the numbers work for their specific situation.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Owensboro

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Owensboro, Kentucky may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements with the City of Owensboro and Daviess County authorities before launching a rental.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Owensboro can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA restrictions may also apply depending on the neighborhood, so prospective hosts should review any covenants or deed restrictions tied to their property.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax on short-term accommodations, and Owensboro may levy additional local lodging or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with local and state revenue offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Owensboro's STR market is expected to maintain steady seasonal demand, with summer months (June through August) continuing to drive the strongest revenue. Occupancy stability is rated above average, which suggests consistent booking patterns even during shoulder months. However, below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance metrics signal that new listing growth (144% year-over-year) could put downward pressure on per-listing performance if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should expect ADR to remain in the $140–$155 range, with occupancy likely hovering between 27–32% market-wide depending on property type and season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Owensboro, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Owensboro?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Owensboro is currently 29%, which is slightly above Kentucky's state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 43%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 12%. Owensboro's occupancy stability is rated above average, meaning hosts can generally expect consistent booking patterns throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Owensboro?

Airbnb hosts in Owensboro earn an average of $1,951 per month, or approximately $23,416 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary by property size — 4-bedroom listings lead at $2,247 per month ($26,965 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,542 per month ($18,510 annually). Revenue is highly seasonal, peaking at $3,215 in July and dropping to $761 in February.

Is Owensboro a good market for Airbnb investment?

Owensboro earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 63 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from affordable property values averaging $321,232 and above-average occupancy stability. That said, below-average market growth trends and supply/demand balance — partly driven by a 144% year-over-year increase in listings — mean investors should carefully evaluate pricing strategies and seasonal cash flow before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Owensboro is $146, which is significantly below Kentucky's state average of $333. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $101, 2-bedrooms come in at $118, 3-bedrooms at $157, and 4-bedroom properties command the highest rate at $202 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Owensboro?

Short-term rentals do operate in Owensboro, KY, with 54 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, regulations can change, and operators may need to obtain permits, licenses, or meet specific requirements set by the City of Owensboro or Daviess County. We recommend consulting local government offices for the most current rules before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Owensboro?

Peak season in Owensboro runs from May through October, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $3,215 per month. June ($2,694) and May ($2,237) also perform well. The slowest months are February ($761) and January ($998), creating a pronounced seasonal pattern that investors should factor into their financial planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Owensboro?

There are currently 54 active Airbnb listings in Owensboro as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 144% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 27 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (14), 4-bedrooms (7), and 1-bedrooms (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Owensboro?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Owensboro 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 remaining data 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. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well 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, broken down by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics for active listings
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify competitive standards

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 historical performance and market conditions may have shifted since the reporting period. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.