Rolla, MO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Rolla Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Rolla, MO presents an interesting niche opportunity for short-term rental investors, with an average occupancy rate of 35% that outpaces the Missouri state average of 28%. The market is compact — just 41 active Airbnb listings — which limits direct competition while still generating an average annual revenue of $18,373 per listing. An ADR of $139 sits well below the state average of $240, reflecting the market's affordability-driven positioning, but above-average occupancy helps compensate and keeps revenue flowing steadily.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Rolla 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 Rolla

Rolla's combination of below-average property costs, above-average occupancy, and limited but growing supply makes it a market worth evaluating for investors seeking affordable entry points with steady cash-flow potential.

Expert Market Assessment

"Rolla earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 57 out of 100, reflecting a market that balances reasonable revenue potential against moderate property costs. Seasonality is a clear factor — monthly revenue swings from a low of $738 in February to a peak of $2,179 in July, creating a nearly 3x spread that investors need to budget around. The strongest cash-flow prospects appear in larger properties, with 4-bedroom units pulling in roughly $3,305 per month, substantially outperforming smaller configurations. While the market is small and growing rapidly in supply, occupancy stability remains a bright spot that helps offset the pricing limitations of a smaller Midwestern market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Rolla

Average revenue by month in Rolla

Revenue in Rolla follows a strong seasonal curve, peaking at $2,179 in July and bottoming at $738 in February — a nearly 3x spread. The May-through-August window is clearly the high-earning season, while winter months require careful budgeting to cover carrying costs.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Rolla

Two-bedroom properties dominate Rolla's supply with 17 of the 41 active listings, while 4-bedroom homes represent just 5 listings. The limited supply of larger properties, combined with their significantly higher revenue, suggests an underserved niche that could reward investors willing to acquire or convert bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Rolla

ADR jumps dramatically at the 4-bedroom tier, commanding $262 per night compared to $105–$128 for smaller units. The relatively flat pricing across 1- to 3-bedroom listings means the real rate premium kicks in only with larger, group-oriented properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Rolla

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $85, more than double the next-best category (2-bedrooms at $44). Three-bedroom units lag at just $30 RevPAN despite a higher ADR than 2-bedrooms, indicating their lower 24% occupancy significantly drags down effective per-night earnings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Rolla

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 42%, well above the market average, making them the most reliably booked property size. Three-bedroom units trail at 24%, suggesting either pricing misalignment or lower demand for that configuration in Rolla's market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Rolla

Four-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $3,305 per month, more than double what 1-bedroom units generate at $1,345. The jump from 3-bedroom ($1,570) to 4-bedroom revenue is particularly striking and reflects both the ADR premium and consistent group-booking demand.

Average annual revenue by property size in Rolla

At $39,666 per year, 4-bedroom properties generate more than twice the annual revenue of any other size in Rolla. Two- and 3-bedroom listings cluster around $18,000–$19,000 annually, suggesting that investors seeking the strongest gross returns should target the larger end of the property spectrum.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Rolla

Every active listing in Rolla offers parking (100%), and kitchens are nearly universal at 98%, reflecting guest expectations for self-contained, drive-to accommodations. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (68%) and backyards (66%) are common differentiators, while premium features such as hot tubs (2%) and pools (15%) remain rare — potentially offering a competitive edge for listings that include them.

Understanding Rolla'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

Rolla's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio relative to home values of $369,720. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, meaning the market is functional but not exceptional on those fronts — the rapid 112% supply growth warrants monitoring. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a focus on high-performing property sizes (especially 4-bedrooms) to maximize returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Rolla

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Rolla, Missouri may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Rolla and Phelps County authorities, as local regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar Missouri markets include occupancy limits per bedroom, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA restrictions that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the number of active permits, so confirming the local rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Missouri generally requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and potentially local lodging or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms like Airbnb handle tax collection automatically in Missouri, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Rolla's STR market is expected to maintain its above-average occupancy stability, with rates likely hovering around 33–37% depending on seasonal shifts. Summer months historically drive the strongest performance — July revenue averages roughly $2,179 — so investors should plan pricing strategies around that peak window. With listing growth at 112% year-over-year, supply is expanding quickly, which could temper revenue growth estimates to the 1–3% range unless demand keeps pace. Investors entering now should focus on differentiated properties that can capture premium nightly rates as competition increases."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Rolla, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rolla?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rolla is currently 35%, which is notably higher than the Missouri state average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 42%, while 3-bedroom units see the lowest occupancy at 24%. This above-average occupancy helps offset Rolla's lower nightly rates compared to larger Missouri markets.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Rolla?

Airbnb hosts in Rolla earn an average of $1,531 per month or approximately $18,373 per year, based on the trailing 12-month performance of active listings. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 4-bedroom properties generate the most at around $3,305 per month ($39,666 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,345 per month ($16,145 annually). Peak earnings occur during summer months, with July averaging $2,179 per listing.

Is Rolla a good market for Airbnb investment?

Rolla carries an ROI score of 57 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity' by Rabbu's analysis. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio relative to average home values of $369,720. With only 41 active listings, competition remains manageable, though supply has grown 112% year-over-year. Investors considering Rolla should focus on larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom homes — which deliver substantially higher returns and factor in seasonal revenue fluctuations when modeling cash flow.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Rolla is $139, which is significantly lower than the Missouri state average of $240. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $109, 2-bedrooms come in at $105, 3-bedrooms at $128, and 4-bedroom properties command a premium at $262 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects Rolla's positioning as an affordable, smaller market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Rolla?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Rolla, MO, as evidenced by the 41 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and local regulations may apply. Investors should check with the City of Rolla and Phelps County for the latest rules on STR licensing, occupancy limits, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Rolla?

Peak season for Airbnb in Rolla runs from May through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,179 per listing. August follows closely at $2,132. The slowest months are January ($782) and February ($738), creating a pronounced seasonal pattern. October also sees a modest uptick to $1,707, likely driven by fall events and university-related activity.

How many Airbnbs are there in Rolla?

There are currently 41 active Airbnb listings in Rolla as of April 2026. The market has seen substantial growth, with listing counts increasing 112% year-over-year. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 17 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (9), 1-bedrooms (8), and 4-bedrooms (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Rolla?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Rolla 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 how effectively you manage your 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 for Rolla and surrounding zip codes
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and property size distribution across active listings

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Rolla and Missouri authorities before purchasing.