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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

63 / 100

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

Pikeville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pikeville, KY is a compact Appalachian market with just 23 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition entry point at an average home value of $245,893. The market's $134 average daily rate significantly undercuts the Kentucky state average of $333, yet its 45% occupancy rate handily outperforms the state's 28% average — a signal that demand is outpacing local supply. With average annual revenue of $19,595 per listing and year-over-year listing growth of 32%, this small eastern Kentucky city is attracting increasing investor attention.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 23
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $333 state avg. $134
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 28% state avg. 45%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $60
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,632
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $19,595

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

Why Investors Consider Pikeville

Pikeville's combination of affordable property prices, above-average occupancy, and limited competition makes it a compelling option for investors seeking higher yield in a small but active market.

Key investment factors

  • Only 23 active listings create a low-competition environment where new entrants can capture share quickly
  • Average home values of $245,893 keep acquisition costs well below many comparable STR markets
  • Occupancy at 45% exceeds the Kentucky state average by 17 percentage points, indicating strong underlying demand
  • Pronounced fall seasonality — with October revenue peaking at $2,694 — aligns with regional events and tourism patterns
  • Year-over-year listing growth of 32% signals rising investor confidence without yet saturating the market

Expert Market Assessment

"Pikeville presents an attractive but niche opportunity for STR investors willing to operate in a smaller market. Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc, with the strongest months running from July through November — October's $2,694 average represents nearly triple January's $955 — so investors should plan cash flow around a pronounced off-peak in winter and early summer. The market's 63 out of 100 ROI score reflects balanced fundamentals: the revenue-to-price ratio is reasonable, occupancy holds steady, and neither growth nor supply/demand dynamics flash warning signs. For investors targeting affordable entry with respectable returns, this eastern Kentucky market warrants a closer look."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Pikeville'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

Factor Pikeville Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Pikeville's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is reasonable and occupancy holds above state norms. All four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — register as average, meaning no single metric is dragging the score down but none is exceptionally strong either. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and on-the-ground property analysis to validate whether specific opportunities can outperform the market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pikeville

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

Permit Requirements

Investors considering short-term rentals in Pikeville, Kentucky should verify whether a business license or STR-specific permit is required through the City of Pikeville and Pike County offices. Kentucky does not currently impose a statewide STR registration mandate, but local requirements can vary, so confirming with local authorities before listing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in Pikeville include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Investors in HOA-governed properties should also review covenants for any prohibitions on short-term rental activity, as these can supersede local zoning allowances.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Kentucky are generally subject to state sales tax and local transient room taxes, which may apply to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should verify their specific obligations with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Pikeville

Financing an Airbnb investment in Pikeville 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 Pikeville Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pikeville's STR market should benefit from its strong fall demand cycle — October alone averaged $2,694 in revenue — while the 32% year-over-year growth in listings suggests new supply is entering but hasn't yet diluted occupancy. We estimate occupancy could stabilize in the 42–48% range as the market absorbs new inventory, with ADR likely holding steady or seeing modest 1–3% increases given the market's affordability relative to state averages. Investors who enter before supply catches up to demand are best positioned to capture the current revenue-to-price advantage."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pikeville, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pikeville?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pikeville is currently 45%, which is well above the Kentucky state average of 28%. This strong occupancy relative to the broader state suggests that demand for short-term rentals in Pikeville is robust given the current supply of just 23 active listings.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pikeville?
Airbnb hosts in Pikeville earn an average of $1,632 per month, which translates to approximately $19,595 in average annual revenue based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with October being the highest-earning month at $2,694 and January the slowest at $955.
Is Pikeville a good market for Airbnb investment?
Pikeville carries an ROI score of 63 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity' by Rabbu. The market benefits from low competition (only 23 active listings), affordable home prices averaging $245,893, and occupancy that significantly outperforms the state average. While annual revenue of $19,595 is modest in absolute terms, the low entry cost can yield competitive returns for investors who manage expenses carefully.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Pikeville?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Pikeville is $134, which is substantially below the Kentucky state average of $333. This lower ADR reflects the market's affordability positioning, but the higher-than-average occupancy rate of 45% helps compensate, resulting in a RevPAN (revenue per available night) of $60.
Are short-term rentals legal in Pikeville?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Pikeville, though investors should confirm current permit or business license requirements with the City of Pikeville and Pike County authorities. Local zoning regulations, HOA restrictions, and Kentucky state tax obligations may also apply, so it's important to do thorough due diligence before purchasing or listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Pikeville?
Peak season in Pikeville runs from roughly July through November, with October being the strongest month at an average of $2,694 in revenue. The fall months are particularly productive, likely driven by the region's scenic autumn foliage and local events. The slowest months are January ($955) and June ($967), so investors should budget for reduced income during winter and early summer.
How many Airbnbs are there in Pikeville?
There are currently 23 active Airbnb listings in Pikeville as of April 2026. The market has seen 32% year-over-year growth in listing count, indicating rising investor interest. The small supply base means new listings can capture meaningful market share, though it also means the market is more sensitive to supply changes.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pikeville?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Pikeville 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 aggregates the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like October's $2,694) and slower periods (like January's $955). 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 Pikeville, KY 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)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax obligations vary; investors should verify current requirements with municipal and state authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

Next Steps

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