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

Salem Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Salem, MO is a micro-market with just 23 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition entry point in Missouri's Ozark region. With an average daily rate of $155—well below the $240 state average—and annual revenue averaging $18,136 per listing, the numbers favor investors who can acquire property affordably against the area's $321,322 average home value. A 177% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the 25% occupancy rate suggests demand hasn't fully caught up to expanding supply.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Salem 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 Salem

Salem appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry into a small, emerging Ozark-area STR market where limited competition and outdoor recreation demand offer niche upside.

Expert Market Assessment

"Salem represents a competitive but selective opportunity—its ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price fundamentals paired with below-average occupancy stability and growth trajectory. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($2,005) and January ($1,971), with softer months like February ($975) and April ($1,102) pulling the annual average down. The market rewards investors who target the two-bedroom segment, which commands 33% occupancy and $20,919 in annual revenue, meaningfully outperforming other property sizes. Success here will hinge on deal sourcing and operational efficiency rather than broad market tailwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Salem

Average revenue by month in Salem

Salem's revenue cycle shows notable peaks in July ($2,005) and August ($1,986), with a surprising January bump to $1,971—likely tied to winter recreation or holiday travel in the Ozarks. The weakest month is February at $975, creating roughly a 2:1 spread between peak and trough that investors should account for in cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Salem

Two-bedroom properties dominate Salem's supply at 11 listings (nearly half the market), followed by 6 one-bedrooms and 5 three-bedrooms. The absence of four-plus bedroom listings could represent an untested niche, though the market's modest demand levels warrant caution before investing in larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Salem

ADR jumps significantly from one-bedroom listings ($111) to two-bedrooms ($157), but three-bedroom properties actually command a slightly lower rate at $155. This suggests the premium for additional space plateaus quickly in Salem, making two-bedrooms the most efficient price-per-bedroom proposition.

Average RevPAN by property size in Salem

Two-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $52, more than double the $22 earned by one-bedrooms and well ahead of three-bedrooms at $28. This makes two-bedrooms the clear revenue-efficiency leader, driven by their combination of solid ADR and the highest occupancy in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Salem

Occupancy rates vary dramatically by size: two-bedroom properties lead at 33%, while one-bedrooms sit at 21% and three-bedrooms lag at just 18%. For cash-flow stability, two-bedrooms offer the most consistent booking activity, while three-bedroom investors should expect extended vacancy periods.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Salem

Two-bedroom listings top monthly revenue at $1,743, followed by three-bedrooms at $1,616 and one-bedrooms at $1,095. The $648 monthly gap between one- and two-bedroom properties underscores how much additional earning power that second bedroom delivers in Salem.

Average annual revenue by property size in Salem

At $20,919 annually, two-bedroom properties generate roughly 60% more revenue than one-bedrooms ($13,139) and modestly outpace three-bedrooms ($19,399). Given that two-bedrooms also carry the highest occupancy, they represent the strongest return potential per dollar of operating effort in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Salem

Every listing in Salem offers parking (100%), and kitchens (96%), BBQ grills (83%), and self check-in (83%) are near-universal—signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented stay. Investors should treat these as baseline requirements; differentiators like pet-friendliness (22%) and waterfront access (13%) could help listings stand out in this small market.

Understanding Salem's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Salem's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real potential but requires more intentional deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio grades as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend both fall below average—reflecting the challenges of a small, seasonal market that has seen rapid supply expansion. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and careful property-level underwriting will help investors separate viable deals from marginal ones.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Salem

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Salem, Missouri should verify whether a business license or STR-specific permit is required by contacting the City of Salem and Dent County offices. Missouri does not impose a statewide STR registration mandate, but local jurisdictions may have their own rules, so confirming requirements before listing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in small Missouri municipalities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and signage rules. HOA covenants—where applicable—may also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so investors should review any deed restrictions prior to purchase.

Tax Obligations

Missouri imposes a state sales tax and a transient guest tax that typically apply to short-term rental stays, and Dent County or the City of Salem may levy additional local lodging taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Salem's short-term rental market is likely to see continued supply growth given the sharp increase in new listings. Occupancy may stabilize in the 23–28% range as the market absorbs recent additions, with summer months (July and August) continuing to anchor revenue. ADR could see modest pressure—perhaps flat to a 1–3% increase—depending on how quickly new inventory differentiates itself. Investors entering now should budget conservatively and plan for meaningful seasonal revenue swings between peak and off-peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Salem, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salem?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salem, MO is currently 25%, which sits slightly below the Missouri state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—two-bedroom listings lead at 33%, while three-bedroom properties trail at just 18%. Seasonal demand patterns and the small total market size both contribute to these occupancy levels.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Salem?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Salem earn approximately $1,511 per month or $18,136 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Two-bedroom properties are the top earners, averaging $1,743 per month ($20,919 annually), while one-bedroom listings bring in roughly $1,095 per month. Actual income varies based on property quality, pricing strategy, amenities, and seasonal demand.

Is Salem a good market for Airbnb investment?

Salem scores a 51 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers low competition with only 23 active listings and affordable entry relative to many STR markets, but below-average occupancy stability and modest growth trends mean investors need to be selective in deal sourcing. Two-bedroom properties show the strongest performance metrics, and investors who price competitively and offer in-demand amenities are best positioned to succeed.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Salem is $155, which is significantly below the Missouri state average of $240. ADR varies by size: one-bedroom listings average $111, two-bedrooms average $157, and three-bedrooms average $155. The relatively modest rates reflect Salem's positioning as an affordable rural destination rather than a premium resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Salem?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Salem, MO, but investors should verify current local regulations with the City of Salem and Dent County authorities before listing a property. Requirements around business licenses, zoning, and any STR-specific permits can change, so it's wise to consult local government offices and review any HOA restrictions that may apply to your property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Salem?

Peak season in Salem runs through the summer months, with July ($2,005) and August ($1,986) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. Interestingly, January also shows strong performance at $1,971, suggesting winter holiday or hunting-season demand. The slowest months are February ($975) and April ($1,102), so investors should plan cash flow around these seasonal dips.

How many Airbnbs are there in Salem?

As of April 2026, there are 23 active Airbnb listings in Salem, MO. The market has seen dramatic growth with a 177% year-over-year increase in listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 11 listings, followed by one-bedrooms (6) and three-bedrooms (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Salem?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Salem 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. 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 while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively a host manages their 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 the Salem, MO market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change—always verify with municipal authorities before purchasing or listing a property.