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

Richmond Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Richmond, KY is a compact short-term rental market with just 34 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $20,943 per property. The market's ADR of $155 comes in well below the Kentucky state average of $333, which keeps the barrier to entry lower but also caps upside. With a 168% year-over-year increase in active listings, investor interest is clearly accelerating—though occupancy sits at 21%, below the 28% state average, signaling that supply growth is outpacing demand for now.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Richmond 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 Richmond

Investors look at Richmond for its affordable home prices relative to Kentucky metros and steady demand driven by Eastern Kentucky University and regional travel.

Expert Market Assessment

"Richmond earns a 'Competitive Opportunity' designation with an ROI score of 54 out of 100, reflecting a market where deals exist but require careful selection. The pronounced seasonality—with October peaking at $2,771 in average revenue and January dipping to just $694—means cash-flow planning needs to account for roughly a 4x swing between the best and worst months. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the clear performers, pulling in $44 RevPAN versus just $22 for 2-bedrooms, making property size selection especially impactful here. This is a market where operational discipline and smart property configuration matter more than riding a rising tide."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Richmond

Average revenue by month in Richmond

Richmond's revenue seasonality is dramatic, with October delivering the highest average at $2,771 and January bottoming out at just $694—a roughly 4x spread. The warm months from June through November form the revenue core, while the winter quarter (December through February) represents a significant lean period that investors need to budget for.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Richmond

Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of Richmond's 34 active listings with 11 units, followed by 1-bedrooms (9) and 2-bedrooms (8). The relatively even distribution across sizes suggests no single configuration dominates, though the absence of larger 4+ bedroom listings could represent an untested niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Richmond

ADR jumps meaningfully at the 3-bedroom tier, reaching $183 compared to $120 for 2-bedrooms and $113 for 1-bedrooms. The $63 premium from 2- to 3-bedrooms is proportionally much larger than the $7 step from 1- to 2-bedrooms, making the 3-bedroom size the clearest pricing sweet spot.

Average RevPAN by property size in Richmond

Three-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $44, nearly double the $22 earned by 2-bedroom listings, while 1-bedrooms hold a respectable $32. The 2-bedroom category underperforms on this metric due to its lower occupancy (19%), suggesting those units may be less competitive in Richmond's market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Richmond

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy in Richmond at 29%, while 2-bedrooms lag at just 19% and 3-bedrooms land in between at 24%. The 10-point gap between 1- and 2-bedroom occupancy is notable, and investors targeting 2-bedroom properties should anticipate more vacant nights and adjust their pricing strategy accordingly.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Richmond

Three-bedroom properties dominate monthly revenue at $2,368, roughly double the $1,237 earned by 2-bedrooms and more than twice the $1,068 for 1-bedrooms. This gap underscores how significantly property size impacts earning potential in Richmond's market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Richmond

At $28,417 per year, 3-bedroom listings generate more than double the $12,824 earned by 1-bedrooms and nearly twice the $14,853 from 2-bedrooms. For investors targeting the strongest return potential, 3-bedroom configurations clearly offer the best revenue profile in Richmond.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Richmond

Kitchen and parking top the amenity list at 97% prevalence each, signaling that guests in Richmond expect practical, home-like conveniences rather than resort-style extras. Washer/dryer access (82–88%) and self check-in (82%) are also near-universal, while premium features like hot tubs and pools appear in only about 6% of listings—potentially offering a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to add them.

Understanding Richmond's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Richmond's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the fundamentals are workable but investors need to be more selective about acquisitions. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the market growth trend scores below average—reflecting that rapid supply growth (168% YoY) hasn't been matched by proportional demand gains. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-performing property sizes like 3-bedrooms can help investors find viable deals in an otherwise crowded landscape.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Richmond

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Richmond, Kentucky may need to obtain a business license or STR permit through the city or Madison County. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements with local planning and zoning authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA-level prohibitions on short-term rentals. Some areas may also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued within certain zones, so checking with both the city and any homeowner association is recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Kentucky are generally subject to state sales tax, local transient room tax, and potentially a tourism tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Richmond's occupancy rates may face continued pressure as the listing count has grown aggressively at 168% year-over-year while demand appears to be catching up more slowly. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain concentrated in the summer-through-fall corridor, with October historically delivering the strongest returns. ADR could see modest upward movement in the 1–3% range if supply growth stabilizes, but investors should expect occupancy to hover around 20–25% market-wide in the near term. Selective deal sourcing—particularly in 3-bedroom properties—will likely separate profitable operators from those struggling to break even."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Richmond, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Richmond?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Richmond, KY is currently 21%, which falls below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average 29%, 2-bedrooms come in at 19%, and 3-bedrooms sit at 24%. These figures reflect the trailing 12-month average across active listings in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Richmond?

Airbnb hosts in Richmond, KY earn an average of $1,745 per month, which translates to roughly $20,943 per year based on historical trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average $12,824 annually, 2-bedrooms earn around $14,853, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $28,417 per year. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and seasonal management.

Is Richmond a good market for Airbnb investment?

Richmond, KY scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable entry with average home values of $436,925 and has seen rapid listing growth at 168% year-over-year. However, occupancy at 21% is below the state average, so investors will need to be strategic about property type and pricing. Three-bedroom properties offer the strongest revenue potential at $28,417 annually.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Richmond, KY is $155, which is considerably lower than the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $113, 2-bedrooms average $120, and 3-bedroom properties command $183 per night. This lower ADR reflects Richmond's positioning as a more affordable, smaller market compared to major Kentucky destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Richmond?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Richmond, KY, but operators may need to secure appropriate permits or business licenses through the city or Madison County. Regulations can include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and HOA rules. Since local STR policies can change, investors should always verify current requirements with Richmond's planning and zoning office before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Richmond?

Peak season for Airbnb in Richmond, KY is October, when average monthly revenue hits $2,771—the highest of any month. The broader high season runs from June through November, with revenue consistently above $1,900 during those months. The slowest period is January and February, when monthly revenue drops to $694 and $767 respectively, likely reflecting reduced travel to the area during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Richmond?

There are currently 34 active Airbnb listings in Richmond, KY as of April 2026. The market has seen dramatic growth with a 168% year-over-year increase in listing count. Supply breaks down to 9 one-bedroom listings, 8 two-bedroom listings, and 11 three-bedroom listings, making 3-bedrooms the most common property size in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Richmond?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Richmond are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Richmond, KY by property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with local authorities before investing.