Pigeon Forge, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

61 / 100

Pigeon Forge offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Pigeon Forge Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pigeon Forge continues to rank among the Smoky Mountains' most recognizable short-term rental destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually to its theme parks, dinner theaters, and proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With an average annual revenue of $43,101 across 1,220 active listings and an ROI score of 61 out of 100, the market offers attractive investment potential anchored by strong leisure demand. Average daily rates sit at $214—below the Tennessee state average of $309—but the cabin-heavy inventory and diverse property sizes create multiple entry points for investors at different price levels.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Pigeon Forge short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 1,220
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $309 state avg. $214
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 29% state avg. 26%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $56
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $3,591
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $43,101

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge attracts STR investors because of its year-round tourism appeal, cabin-friendly zoning history, and scalable revenue potential across property sizes.

Key investment factors

  • Proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park drives consistent leisure travel demand throughout the year
  • Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) command RevPAN of $101–$175, creating strong revenue upside for group-oriented cabins
  • Above-average occupancy stability helps smooth cash flow despite a seasonal revenue curve
  • Hot tubs are present in 85% of listings, signaling a well-established guest expectation that can differentiate well-equipped properties
  • Average home values of $698,302 paired with $43,101 in annual revenue offer a workable revenue-to-price ratio for leveraged purchases

Expert Market Assessment

"Pigeon Forge earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with its ROI score of 61, supported by above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply-demand environment. Revenue follows a pronounced seasonal arc: July delivers the highest monthly income at $6,404, while February dips to around $1,771, creating a roughly 3.6× spread between peak and trough months. The market growth trend scores below average, reflecting the rapid expansion in active listings, which means investors should focus on differentiation—larger properties, superior amenities, and competitive pricing strategies—to capture outsized returns. Overall, the combination of reliable tourism-driven demand and meaningful revenue potential across multiple property configurations makes this a market worth serious evaluation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Pigeon Forge's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Factor Pigeon Forge Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Pigeon Forge's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is average but occupancy stability runs above average—a useful combination for investors prioritizing consistent bookings over speculative growth. The below-average market growth trend score flags the rapid expansion in competing listings, meaning differentiation through property size and amenities matters more than ever. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear understanding of seasonal cash-flow patterns will help investors build a realistic investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pigeon Forge

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, should expect to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors are encouraged to verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Pigeon Forge and the State of Tennessee, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Smoky Mountain resort communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking minimums per unit, and potential HOA covenants in cabin developments. Some areas may also enforce minimum-stay requirements or caps on new permits, so reviewing the specific rules for your property's location is essential before closing on a purchase.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee imposes state and local sales tax as well as an occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Sevier County may levy additional hotel/motel taxes. Most major booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with all state and county obligations.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Pigeon Forge

Financing an Airbnb investment in Pigeon Forge requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Pigeon Forge Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pigeon Forge's seasonal revenue pattern—peaking in July at roughly $6,404 per listing and staying elevated through the fall foliage season in October ($4,696)—should continue to drive reliable summer and autumn income. Occupancy stability scores above average for the region, suggesting existing demand can absorb current supply, though the 176% year-over-year growth in active listings warrants close monitoring. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or rise modestly by 1–3%, with occupancy rates likely hovering in the 24–28% range market-wide as new inventory enters. Properties with premium amenities like hot tubs and larger bedroom counts appear best positioned to outperform during shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pigeon Forge, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pigeon Forge?
The current average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Pigeon Forge is 26%, which sits slightly below the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies by property size: 1-bedroom units lead at 33%, while 2-bedroom properties see around 22%. Seasonal swings play a significant role, with summer and fall months driving the highest booking activity.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pigeon Forge?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Pigeon Forge earn approximately $3,591 per month or $43,101 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings scale meaningfully with property size—studios average about $2,357 monthly, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate around $9,971 per month. Peak months like July can push monthly income above $6,400 for the market overall.
Is Pigeon Forge a good market for Airbnb investment?
Pigeon Forge scores a 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a tourism base anchored by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, and year-round entertainment. However, listing growth has been substantial (176% year-over-year), so investors should focus on well-amenitized, larger properties that stand out in an increasingly competitive field. Average home values of $698,302 should be weighed against projected revenue when building your investment model.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Pigeon Forge?
The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Pigeon Forge is $214, which is below the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR increases significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $141 per night, 4-bedroom properties reach $262, and 6+ bedroom cabins command approximately $598 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can acquire and manage larger properties.
Are short-term rentals legal in Pigeon Forge?
Short-term rentals have historically operated in Pigeon Forge given the area's deep roots as a vacation destination. However, operators typically need a local business license or permit, and regulations can evolve. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Pigeon Forge and the State of Tennessee, and review any HOA or community-specific restrictions before purchasing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Pigeon Forge?
Peak season in Pigeon Forge centers on summer and fall. July is the top-earning month with average revenue reaching $6,404, followed by June at $4,769 and October at $4,696—the latter driven by fall foliage tourism. March also sees a notable bump to $4,069, likely tied to spring break travel. The slowest months are January ($1,846) and February ($1,771).
How many Airbnbs are there in Pigeon Forge?
As of April 2026, there are approximately 1,220 active Airbnb listings in Pigeon Forge. The market has seen 176% year-over-year growth in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 429 listings, followed by 1-bedroom units at 265 and 3-bedroom properties at 230.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pigeon Forge?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Pigeon Forge are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 with state-level benchmarks
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Property value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions

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 as of April 2026; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

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