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

Palatka Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Palatka, FL presents an intriguing entry point for short-term rental investors looking at smaller Florida markets with comparatively affordable property values. With an average home value of $339,705 and average annual revenue of $15,366 across just 40 active listings, the market offers a favorable revenue-to-price ratio relative to Florida's pricier coastal destinations. The compact supply base and 111% year-over-year listing growth suggest rising investor interest, though occupancy at 46% trails the state average of 54%, signaling room for operational improvement.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Palatka 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 Palatka

Palatka appeals to investors seeking affordable Florida real estate with reasonable revenue potential and a still-nascent competitive landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Palatka earns an Attractive Opportunity designation with an ROI score of 57 out of 100, reflecting a market with genuine potential tempered by below-average occupancy stability. The revenue-to-price ratio scores at an average level, which in a market with sub-$340K home values still translates to a reasonable yield compared to Florida's expensive beach towns. Seasonality is pronounced — March delivers more than double the revenue of September ($2,191 vs. $940) — so investors should budget for meaningful off-peak softness. The overall opportunity is moderate, best suited for investors comfortable with active pricing management and willing to differentiate their listings through amenities and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Palatka

Average revenue by month in Palatka

March is the clear revenue peak at $2,191, more than double the September trough of $940, revealing strong spring-season demand likely tied to outdoor recreation along the St. Johns River. Investors should plan for a pronounced seasonal swing, with secondary revenue bumps in July ($1,425) and the November–December holiday corridor.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Palatka

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 16 of the 40 active listings (40%), followed by 11 two-bedroom and 9 three-bedroom properties. The relatively balanced distribution means no single segment is dramatically oversaturated, though the heavier concentration of 1-bedrooms may present an opening for investors targeting larger family-oriented properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Palatka

ADR scales predictably with size — from $80 for 1-bedroom listings to $144 for 2-bedrooms and $181 for 3-bedrooms. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms represents an 80% ADR premium, making 2-bedroom units a compelling middle ground where pricing power improves significantly without the higher acquisition cost of larger homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Palatka

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $76 per available night, outperforming both 1-bedroom ($39) and 3-bedroom ($67) units. The 3-bedroom segment's lower RevPAN relative to its higher ADR reflects its 37% occupancy rate, suggesting that while nightly rates are strong, filling those larger properties consistently remains a challenge.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Palatka

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 53%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 49%, while 3-bedroom properties lag notably at just 37%. For investors prioritizing consistent cash flow, the 2-bedroom segment offers the most reliable booking volume in Palatka's market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Palatka

Three-bedroom properties edge out 2-bedrooms for top monthly revenue at $1,771 versus $1,653, though the gap is narrower than the ADR difference would suggest due to the occupancy disparity. One-bedroom units trail considerably at $771 per month, making them harder to justify as standalone investments unless acquisition costs are proportionally lower.

Average annual revenue by property size in Palatka

Annual revenue ranges from $9,255 for 1-bedroom units to $21,262 for 3-bedroom homes, with 2-bedrooms landing at $19,842. Given that 2-bedroom properties generate nearly as much annual revenue as 3-bedrooms while maintaining significantly higher occupancy, they may offer the best risk-adjusted return for investors in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Palatka

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and backyards and kitchens each appear in 95%, signaling that guests in Palatka expect a home-like, self-sufficient experience. Lake access and waterfront features appear in 25% of listings, representing a clear differentiator for properties that can offer direct water proximity in this river-adjacent market.

Understanding Palatka'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

Palatka's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, driven primarily by an average revenue-to-price ratio that benefits from the market's affordable home values. The below-average occupancy stability score is the main drag, reflecting the seasonal swings and 46% average occupancy that can create uneven monthly cash flow. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and a clear pricing strategy to capitalize on the market's strengths while mitigating its occupancy challenges.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Palatka

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Palatka, FL should verify whether a local business tax receipt or STR registration is required by the City of Palatka or Putnam County. Florida state law also requires vacation rental licensing through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, so investors should confirm compliance at both the local and state level.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain communities. Investors should check for any minimum-stay requirements or zoning restrictions before purchasing a property intended for STR use.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rental stays, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Operators should verify their obligations with the Florida Department of Revenue and Putnam County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Palatka's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investors discover its affordability advantage, though occupancy rates may face modest pressure if new listings outpace demand. Seasonal patterns point to March as the clear revenue peak at $2,191, suggesting spring tourism and outdoor activity drive bookings — investors who optimize pricing around that window could capture meaningful upside. ADR may see incremental gains of 1–3% as operators refine their offerings, while occupancy could stabilize in the 44–48% range depending on how quickly supply expands. Market growth trends and supply-demand dynamics both rate average in the ROI assessment, reinforcing a cautiously optimistic trajectory."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Palatka, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palatka?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Palatka is currently 46%, which falls below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 53%, while 3-bedroom properties average 37%. Investors who optimize pricing strategy and offer compelling amenities may be able to push occupancy above the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Palatka?

Airbnb hosts in Palatka earn an average of $1,280 per month, or roughly $15,366 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average $9,255 annually, 2-bedroom properties bring in about $19,842, and 3-bedroom homes lead at $21,262 per year. Monthly revenue peaks in March at $2,191 and dips to its lowest point in September at $940.

Is Palatka a good market for Airbnb investment?

Palatka scores a 57 out of 100 on the Rabbu ROI Score, earning an Attractive Opportunity rating. The market's strongest asset is its affordable property values (averaging $339,705) relative to revenue potential, creating a favorable entry point compared to pricier Florida destinations. The main challenge is below-average occupancy stability, which means cash flow can be uneven — particularly between the March peak and the slower fall months. Investors who manage pricing dynamically and target the 2- or 3-bedroom segment are best positioned to succeed here.

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

The average daily rate in Palatka is $144, which is significantly lower than the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $80 per night, 2-bedroom units come in at $144, and 3-bedroom homes command $181 per night. The lower ADR reflects Palatka's positioning as an affordable, nature-oriented destination rather than a premium resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Palatka?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Florida, though operators must comply with state licensing requirements through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Local regulations in Palatka and Putnam County may impose additional requirements such as business tax receipts, zoning compliance, or registration. Investors should consult local authorities and review any applicable HOA restrictions before launching an STR operation.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Palatka?

Peak season in Palatka centers around March, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,191 — nearly 2.3 times the September low of $940. The broader high season runs roughly from February through March, with secondary strength in July ($1,425) and the holiday months of November through December. The slowest period is late summer through early fall, particularly August and September.

How many Airbnbs are there in Palatka?

Palatka currently has 40 active Airbnb listings, making it a relatively small and emerging STR market. The supply has grown significantly, with 111% year-over-year listing growth. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 16 listings, followed by 11 two-bedroom and 9 three-bedroom units.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Palatka?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Palatka 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 results 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 data. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.