Russell Springs, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Russell Springs Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Russell Springs, KY is a small but emerging short-term rental market situated near Lake Cumberland — one of Kentucky's premier recreation destinations. With just 11 active Airbnb listings and a 136% year-over-year growth in supply, the market is clearly attracting investor attention, though its 19% average occupancy rate and $23,345 average annual revenue signal a highly seasonal demand pattern that requires careful deal selection. An average daily rate of $211 undercuts the Kentucky state average of $333, but home values averaging $277,895 help maintain a favorable revenue-to-price ratio for investors who can optimize for peak summer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Russell Springs 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 Russell Springs

Investors are drawn to Russell Springs for its lake-driven tourism demand, relatively affordable home prices, and a revenue-to-price ratio that sits above the state average despite softer occupancy figures.

Expert Market Assessment

"Russell Springs represents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. July is the clear revenue peak at $3,897 per month, while winter months like January ($606) and February ($692) drop sharply — a spread that underscores how dependent this market is on warm-weather lake tourism. The ROI score of 46 out of 100 reflects this tension: the revenue-to-price ratio is above average, but below-average occupancy stability means cash flow will be uneven across the calendar year. Investors who can secure lakefront or lake-access properties and manage costs through the off-season stand the best chance of achieving solid returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Russell Springs

Average revenue by month in Russell Springs

Russell Springs shows extreme seasonality, with July ($3,897) and August ($3,407) generating roughly six times the revenue of January ($606) and February ($692). This pronounced summer peak — driven by Lake Cumberland tourism — means investors should budget for lean winter months and target aggressive occupancy and pricing strategies during the June–August window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Russell Springs

The market's active inventory is concentrated entirely in 4-bedroom properties, which account for 7 of the 11 total listings. This narrow supply mix could signal opportunity for investors willing to offer smaller or larger configurations, though it also suggests that 4-bedroom homes align best with the group and family traveler profile typical of lake vacation markets.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Russell Springs

Four-bedroom properties — the only size category with reportable data — command an average daily rate of $241, modestly above the market-wide ADR of $211. This premium reflects the larger group accommodations these homes provide, which are well-suited to families and vacation parties visiting the lake.

Average RevPAN by property size in Russell Springs

Four-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $44, which aligns closely with the market-wide average of $40 and reflects the impact of the 19% occupancy rate on per-night revenue realization. Improving occupancy through competitive pricing or extended shoulder-season availability could meaningfully lift this metric.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Russell Springs

Four-bedroom properties average a 19% occupancy rate, mirroring the market-wide figure and highlighting the seasonal demand challenge in Russell Springs. Investors should expect rooms filled primarily during summer and plan for significant vacancy during the colder months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Russell Springs

Four-bedroom listings generate an average of $2,168 per month, slightly above the market-wide average of $1,945. As the dominant property type, these larger homes capture the lion's share of family and group bookings during the Lake Cumberland vacation season.

Average annual revenue by property size in Russell Springs

At $26,026 in average annual revenue, 4-bedroom properties outpace the overall market average of $23,345, making them the clear configuration of choice for investors in this area. Against an average home value of $277,895, this translates to a gross yield of approximately 9.4%, which is notable for a market with such concentrated seasonality.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Russell Springs

Every active listing in Russell Springs offers a BBQ grill, kitchen, parking, and self check-in — these are table-stakes amenities rather than differentiators. Lake access (55%) and waterfront location (36%) are the most impactful competitive advantages, signaling that proximity to the water is a key booking driver, while hot tubs (18%) and pet-friendliness (18%) represent potential ways to stand out in a small market.

Understanding Russell Springs's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Russell Springs earns an ROI Score of 46 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band — meaning the fundamentals are there, but success hinges on selective deal sourcing. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the market's strongest factor, while below-average occupancy stability reflects the deep seasonality tied to Lake Cumberland tourism. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for significant winter vacancy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Russell Springs

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Russell Springs, Kentucky may need to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements with Russell County and the City of Russell Springs before listing, as regulations in smaller Kentucky markets can change with little notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. Properties within homeowners associations or planned communities may face additional HOA-level restrictions on short-term rentals, so reviewing covenants and deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes a state transient room tax, and Russell Springs may have additional local occupancy or tourism taxes applicable to short-term rentals. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations are also covered to remain compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Russell Springs is likely to see continued supply growth given recent listing increases of 136% year-over-year, which could put additional pressure on an already modest occupancy rate. Summer months — particularly June through August — should remain the primary revenue engine, with monthly earnings potentially reaching $2,900–$3,900 during peak season. Investors who time their entry well and price competitively during shoulder months (March–May, September–October) may be able to push annual occupancy into the low-to-mid 20% range. ADR could see modest increases of 2–5% as the market matures and amenity-rich lakefront properties differentiate themselves from the competition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Russell Springs, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Russell Springs?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Russell Springs is currently 19%, which falls below the Kentucky state average of 28%. This reflects the highly seasonal nature of demand in this lake-driven market, where summer months see significantly higher booking activity than winter. Investors should plan their pricing and expense management around this seasonal pattern.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Russell Springs?

Airbnb hosts in Russell Springs earn an average of $1,945 per month and approximately $23,345 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies dramatically by season — July tops out at roughly $3,897 per month, while January dips to around $606. Four-bedroom properties, which dominate the market, average about $2,168 per month and $26,026 annually.

Is Russell Springs a good market for Airbnb investment?

Russell Springs carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 46 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and manageable home values around $277,895, but below-average occupancy stability means returns depend heavily on peak summer performance. It can work well for investors who source deals selectively and optimize for the Lake Cumberland vacation season.

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

The average daily rate in Russell Springs is $211, which is below the Kentucky state average of $333. Four-bedroom properties — the predominant listing type — command slightly higher rates at $241 per night. The relatively lower ADR reflects the market's rural, vacation-oriented character and the price expectations of lake-bound leisure travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Russell Springs?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Russell Springs, but investors should verify current local regulations, permit requirements, and any zoning restrictions with Russell County and city officials before purchasing or listing a property. Regulations in smaller Kentucky markets can evolve, so staying in touch with local authorities is important for ongoing compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Russell Springs?

Peak season in Russell Springs runs from June through August, coinciding with summer recreation on Lake Cumberland. July is the strongest month, with average revenue reaching $3,897. The shoulder months of March through May and September through October also produce moderate revenue in the $1,767–$1,982 range, while January and February are the slowest months of the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Russell Springs?

As of April 2026, there are 11 active Airbnb listings in Russell Springs. This represents a 136% increase year-over-year, indicating that investor interest in the area is growing rapidly. The small inventory is dominated by 4-bedroom properties, which account for 7 of the 11 total listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Russell Springs?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Russell Springs 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 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 by market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, 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)
• Data from multiple providers combined for consistency and accuracy

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 or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.