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

Paducah Short-Term Rental Market Overview

With 90 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $17,922 per property, Paducah offers an affordable entry point for short-term rental investors — average home values sit at $315,748 while the ADR of $148 comes in well below Kentucky's $333 state average. Occupancy currently runs at 24%, which trails the state average of 28%, meaning success here depends on strategic pricing and property positioning rather than a rising tide lifting all boats. The market's 104% year-over-year listing growth signals growing investor interest, though the added supply underscores the need for careful deal sourcing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Paducah 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 Paducah

Paducah appeals to investors seeking an affordable Kentucky market where lower acquisition costs can offset modest occupancy, particularly for larger property configurations that command higher nightly rates.

Expert Market Assessment

"Paducah represents a competitive but selective opportunity. The ROI score of 52 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price fundamentals paired with below-average occupancy stability and supply-demand balance — meaning the market rewards well-positioned properties while punishing generic listings. Seasonality is pronounced: September leads at $2,030 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out at $837, creating a nearly 2.4x spread that investors need to plan around. Larger units consistently outperform, and operators who combine a 2- or 3-bedroom layout with strong amenities and dynamic pricing will be best positioned to capture returns above the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Paducah

Average revenue by month in Paducah

Revenue in Paducah swings dramatically across the calendar — September leads at $2,030 and April follows at $1,941, while January ($837) and February ($856) represent the weakest months. This roughly 2.4x spread between peak and trough signals meaningful seasonality that investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Paducah

One- and 2-bedroom properties dominate Paducah's supply, accounting for 33 and 30 of the 90 total listings respectively, while 3-bedroom units (16 listings) represent a relatively thinner segment of the market. With only 6 studios listed, both the smallest and largest property sizes could present differentiation opportunities for new entrants.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Paducah

ADR scales steadily from $85 for studios to $182 for 3-bedroom properties, with each bedroom increment adding roughly $25–$40 per night. The jump from 2-bedroom ($139) to 3-bedroom ($182) represents the largest absolute premium, suggesting that investors willing to operate larger homes can capture meaningfully higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Paducah

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $44 per available night, nearly triple the $15 figure for studios. Two-bedroom units come in at $35, making them a solid middle-ground option that balances acquisition cost against revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Paducah

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 18% for studios to 26% for 2-bedroom units, with 1-bedrooms at 25% and 3-bedrooms at 24%. The narrow spread suggests that property size alone doesn't dramatically drive booking volume — pricing, quality, and marketing likely play a larger differentiating role.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Paducah

Three-bedroom listings lead with $1,768 in average monthly revenue, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,689, while studios trail at $879 per month. The relatively modest gap between 2- and 3-bedroom earnings ($79/month) means investors should weigh the higher acquisition and operating costs of larger properties carefully.

Average annual revenue by property size in Paducah

Annual revenue ranges from $10,554 for studios to $21,226 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms generating $20,275 — just $951 less than 3-bedrooms. This tight revenue gap between the two largest categories suggests 2-bedroom units may offer better return potential when factoring in lower purchase and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Paducah

Parking is nearly universal at 97% of Paducah listings, followed by kitchen (84%), self check-in (82%), and laundry amenities (76–79%), indicating these are table-stakes features guests expect. Differentiators like pools (8%), hot tubs (6%), and waterfront access (8%) remain rare, presenting an opportunity for hosts who can offer premium outdoor experiences to stand out.

Understanding Paducah's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Paducah's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting average revenue-to-price fundamentals alongside below-average occupancy stability and supply-demand balance. The 104% year-over-year listing growth has intensified competition, meaning investors need to be more targeted in property selection — larger units with strong amenity packages tend to outperform. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic occupancy forecast will help investors determine whether a specific deal pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Paducah

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Paducah, Kentucky should verify whether a short-term rental permit or business registration is required by the city before listing a property. Contacting the Paducah city clerk's office and reviewing McCracken County zoning regulations is recommended to ensure full compliance.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Paducah can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants or neighborhood-specific overlay districts that may limit or prohibit short-term rental activity.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a statewide transient room tax and sales tax on short-term lodging, and Paducah may levy an additional local occupancy or tourism tax. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but operators should confirm local obligations with the city finance department.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Seasonality data points to September and April as peak earning months, with revenue potentially climbing 2–4% in those shoulder and fall windows as Paducah continues to draw visitors for its arts and cultural scene. Occupancy is likely to hover in the 22–26% range over the next 12–18 months given the current supply-demand dynamics, though operators who target 2- and 3-bedroom properties and maintain competitive amenity packages should outperform the market average. Listing growth may moderate as the market matures, which could gradually ease competitive pressure on existing hosts."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Paducah, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Paducah?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Paducah is currently 24%, which falls slightly below Kentucky's statewide average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 26% and studios lagging at 18%. Hosts who invest in quality amenities and dynamic pricing strategies can often push above the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Paducah?

Airbnb hosts in Paducah earn an average of $1,493 per month, or approximately $17,922 per year based on the trailing 12-month historical average. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings average $1,768 per month ($21,226 annually) while studios bring in roughly $879 per month ($10,554 annually). Seasonality also plays a major role, with September and April being the highest-earning months.

Is Paducah a good market for Airbnb investment?

Paducah earns an ROI score of 52 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's average revenue-to-price ratio and affordable home values ($315,748 average) make it accessible, but below-average occupancy stability means investors need to be selective about property type and location. Larger properties — especially 2- and 3-bedroom units — tend to generate the strongest returns, and operators who manage pricing and guest experience well can outperform the market averages.

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

The average daily rate in Paducah is $148, which is significantly lower than the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR scales with property size, starting at $85 for studios and climbing to $182 for 3-bedroom listings. This lower ADR reflects the market's affordability and the types of properties available, making it important for investors to focus on occupancy optimization alongside rate management.

Are short-term rentals legal in Paducah?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Paducah, Kentucky, but operators should verify current local regulations including any permit or registration requirements with the city of Paducah and McCracken County. Zoning restrictions, HOA rules, and potential permit caps may apply depending on the property's location. It's always advisable to consult local authorities or a real estate attorney before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Paducah?

Peak season in Paducah centers on September, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,030, followed closely by April at $1,941. The summer months of June through August also perform well, with revenues ranging from $1,375 to $1,684. January and February are the slowest months, averaging $837 and $856 respectively, which means investors should budget for meaningful seasonal revenue swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Paducah?

There are currently 90 active Airbnb listings in Paducah as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom (33 listings) and 2-bedroom (30 listings) properties, with 16 three-bedroom units and 6 studios rounding out the market. Listing count has grown 104% year-over-year, indicating significant new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Paducah?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Paducah 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods like Paducah's strong September and softer January. 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 Paducah market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and amenity prevalence data for competitive 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 12-month averages and current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variations. Local STR regulations vary and may change — investors should independently verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before purchasing.