Royal, AR Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Royal Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Royal, AR is a small but emerging short-term rental market with just 33 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $276—well above the Arkansas state average of $192. While the market's 18% occupancy rate trails the state benchmark, an above-average revenue-to-price ratio suggests that property acquisition costs remain favorable relative to earning potential. Listing growth of 187% year-over-year signals rising investor interest, likely fueled by the area's lakeside appeal and outdoor recreation amenities.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Royal 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 Royal

Investors are drawn to Royal for its strong revenue-to-price ratio and lakeside recreational appeal, which support premium nightly rates even in a compact market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Royal presents a moderate-opportunity market where favorable property valuations and strong nightly rates offset below-average occupancy. The seasonal revenue pattern is pronounced—July leads at $4,902 average monthly revenue while January bottoms out near $1,107—so investors should underwrite conservatively for a roughly 4:1 peak-to-trough swing. The ROI score of 56 out of 100 reflects this duality: healthy revenue relative to home prices, tempered by occupancy instability and softening growth signals. For investors willing to optimize pricing strategy and target summer demand, Royal offers a compelling entry point into Arkansas's lakeside STR niche."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Royal

Average revenue by month in Royal

Revenue in Royal follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking in July at $4,902 and bottoming in January at just $1,107—a spread of nearly $3,800. The summer months of June through August are clearly the primary earning window, while a secondary bump in March ($3,858) suggests early-season demand that savvy operators can capitalize on.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Royal

One-bedroom units make up the largest share of Royal's 33 listings at 10 properties, followed by 3-bedrooms (7) and 2-bedrooms (5). The relatively thin supply across all sizes means there may be room for well-positioned larger properties to enter the market with limited direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Royal

Three-bedroom listings command the highest ADR at $256, a significant jump from 1-bedrooms ($179) and 2-bedrooms ($160). The premium for 3-bedroom properties likely reflects group and family bookings, making them an attractive configuration for investors seeking higher nightly revenue.

Average RevPAN by property size in Royal

One-bedroom units deliver the strongest RevPAN at $37, edging out 3-bedrooms at $33, while 2-bedroom properties lag considerably at just $15. This suggests 1-bedrooms offer the best balance of rate and fill, though their lower absolute revenue means investors should weigh total return alongside per-night efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Royal

Occupancy rates across all property sizes remain modest, with 1-bedrooms leading at 21%, 3-bedrooms at 13%, and 2-bedrooms trailing at just 10%. The low occupancy for 2-bedroom units is notable and may indicate pricing misalignment or oversaturation relative to demand for that configuration.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Royal

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $2,356, followed by 1-bedrooms at $1,973 and 2-bedrooms at $1,306. The gap between 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom earnings underscores how strongly guest preference leans toward larger accommodations in this lakeside market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Royal

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom listings lead at $28,273, with 1-bedrooms at $23,676 and 2-bedrooms at $15,682. While no configuration reaches a level that supports high acquisition costs on its own, the 3-bedroom segment offers the best absolute return potential relative to average home values in the area.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Royal

Kitchens (100%), BBQ grills (97%), and parking (94%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented stays. Hot tubs appear in 58% of listings and lake access in 39%, suggesting these higher-investment amenities could be differentiators for properties that don't yet offer them.

Understanding Royal's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Royal's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes entry costs favorable compared to earning potential. However, below-average occupancy stability and market growth trends temper the overall score, indicating that consistent cash flow will require active management and seasonal pricing optimization. Investors should pair these data insights with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to account for the pronounced off-season.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Royal

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Royal, Arkansas may need to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements with Garland County and the city of Royal before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Arkansas communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may also apply in certain developments, so reviewing deed restrictions and any local zoning overlays is advisable before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Arkansas typically requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local tourism or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Royal's STR market is expected to continue attracting new supply as investor awareness grows, though occupancy will need to firm up to sustain profitability across more listings. Summer months—particularly June through August—should remain the primary revenue drivers, with monthly earnings potentially reaching $3,700–$4,900 during peak season. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the 1–3% range given the area's premium positioning, but investors should plan conservatively around the softer winter months when revenue can dip below $1,500. Overall demand estimates hinge on continued recreational tourism interest in the area, so monitoring booking trends through shoulder seasons will be critical."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Royal, AR

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Royal?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Royal is currently 18%, which falls below the Arkansas state average of 26%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom units performing best at 21%, while 2-bedroom properties average just 10%. Seasonal demand plays a major role, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Royal?

Airbnb hosts in Royal earn an average of $2,649 per month and approximately $31,793 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead with about $2,356 monthly ($28,273 annually), while 1-bedrooms average $1,973 per month ($23,676 annually). Peak summer months like July can push monthly earnings above $4,900.

Is Royal a good market for Airbnb investment?

Royal carries an ROI score of 56 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning property costs are reasonable relative to potential STR income. However, below-average occupancy stability and softer growth trends mean investors should plan for seasonal revenue swings and budget accordingly. It's best suited for investors targeting lakeside vacation demand and willing to optimize their pricing through slower months.

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

The average daily rate in Royal is $276, which is significantly higher than the Arkansas state average of $192. ADR varies by property size: 3-bedroom listings command the highest rates at $256, 1-bedrooms average $179, and 2-bedrooms come in at $160. The elevated ADR reflects the area's appeal as a premium lakeside destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Royal?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Royal, AR, with 33 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may be subject to permitting, zoning, or registration requirements at the county or municipal level. Investors should verify current rules with Garland County and relevant local authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Royal?

Peak season in Royal runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,902 per listing. March also shows strong performance at $3,858, likely driven by early-season outdoor activity. The slowest months are January ($1,107) and February ($1,545), so investors should prepare for a significant seasonal drop-off during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Royal?

Royal currently has 33 active Airbnb listings. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (10 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (7 listings) and 2-bedrooms (5 listings). Year-over-year listing growth is 187%, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Royal?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Royal 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, drop 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 the Royal, AR market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.