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

Shelbyville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Shelbyville, KY is a compact short-term rental market with just 29 active Airbnb listings and an ROI score of 70 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and average annual revenue of $36,129 against home values around $448,410, investors benefit from relatively affordable entry compared to many Kentucky markets. The 119% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the small supply base means the market still has room for well-positioned properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville

Shelbyville's favorable revenue-to-property-price ratio, combined with a still-small competitive supply, makes it appealing for investors seeking affordable entry into Kentucky's STR landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Shelbyville presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its pronounced seasonality. Revenue peaks in May at $4,661 per month and dips sharply to $888 in January, creating a wide seasonal spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the market's standout strength, partially compensating for the 28% average occupancy rate that matches the Kentucky state average. Investors targeting 3- or 4-bedroom properties stand to capture the best returns, though the low occupancy on larger homes calls for realistic expense budgeting during off-peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Shelbyville

Average revenue by month in Shelbyville

Shelbyville exhibits strong seasonality, with May ($4,661) delivering more than five times the revenue of January ($888). A secondary peak in September ($3,806) and October ($3,604) suggests fall events and tourism provide meaningful demand, while winter months from December through February represent the clear trough that investors should budget around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Shelbyville

Supply in Shelbyville is concentrated among 3-bedroom homes (8 listings) and 1-bedroom units (7 listings), with 4-bedroom properties close behind at 6. Notably, 2-bedroom listings are absent from the active supply, which could signal either limited demand for that configuration or an underserved niche worth investigating.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Shelbyville

ADR scales dramatically with size in Shelbyville — 4-bedroom properties command $504 per night, nearly four times the $133 rate for 1-bedroom units, with 3-bedrooms at $233. The steep premium for 4-bedroom homes suggests guests are willing to pay significantly more for larger spaces, likely driven by group travel or event-related stays.

Average RevPAN by property size in Shelbyville

Revenue per available night is relatively close between 3-bedroom ($67) and 4-bedroom ($69) properties, despite the latter's much higher ADR, because 4-bedroom occupancy is considerably lower. One-bedroom units trail at $43 RevPAN, making mid-size and larger homes the stronger performers on a per-night revenue basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Shelbyville

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 33%, while 3-bedroom properties come in at 29% and 4-bedroom homes lag significantly at just 14%. Investors considering larger properties should weigh the higher nightly rates against considerably fewer booked nights, which affects cash-flow consistency throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Shelbyville

Four-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $4,329, followed by 3-bedrooms at $3,420 and 1-bedrooms at $1,741. While the revenue gap between 3- and 4-bedroom homes is meaningful, the substantially lower occupancy for 4-bedroom units means investors should evaluate whether the higher acquisition and operating costs justify the incremental income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Shelbyville

Annual revenue tops out at $51,957 for 4-bedroom listings, with 3-bedroom homes generating $41,051 and 1-bedroom units earning $20,897. For investors focused on return potential, the 3-bedroom configuration may offer the best balance of revenue and occupancy, especially if acquisition costs are meaningfully lower than 4-bedroom alternatives.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Shelbyville

Every listing in Shelbyville offers parking (100%), and kitchens (97%) and self check-in (93%) are near-universal — these are table stakes for competing in this market. Outdoor amenities like backyard access (66%), patios (62%), and BBQ grills (62%) are also common, while hot tubs (28%) and lake access (10%) could serve as differentiators for hosts looking to stand out.

Understanding Shelbyville's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Shelbyville's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that gives investors more income potential per dollar of property cost. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, meaning the market performs reliably but doesn't yet show standout momentum in those areas. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and on-the-ground due diligence to confirm whether specific properties align with their return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Shelbyville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Shelbyville, KY may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city or Shelby County. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with local government offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can also impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity, so investors should review any covenants or deed restrictions tied to prospective properties.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Kentucky are generally subject to state transient room tax, and local occupancy or tourism taxes may also apply in Shelbyville. Major booking platforms often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local tax obligations to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Shelbyville's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal revenue pattern, with peak earnings concentrated from April through October and softer winter months pulling averages down. Given average occupancy stability and steady market growth trends, investors can reasonably anticipate ADR holding near the current $291 range, with potential for modest 2–4% increases if listing quality and amenity standards continue to rise. The rapid supply growth (119% YoY) is worth monitoring — if new listings outpace demand, occupancy could face downward pressure, so investors should plan conservatively around 25–30% occupancy in their underwriting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Shelbyville, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shelbyville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Shelbyville is currently 28%, which is in line with the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units achieve around 33%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 14%. Seasonal demand swings also play a major role, with occupancy climbing during spring and fall months and tapering off in winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shelbyville?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Shelbyville earn approximately $3,010 per month or $36,129 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $20,897 annually, 3-bedroom properties bring in around $41,051, and 4-bedroom homes lead at roughly $51,957 per year. Individual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, property quality, and seasonal demand.

Is Shelbyville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Shelbyville scores 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its biggest draw, meaning the income potential relative to what you'll pay for a property is better than many comparable markets. Investors should be prepared for notable seasonality — revenue in peak months can be five times what January brings — and moderate occupancy, which is typical for smaller leisure-oriented markets.

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

The average daily rate across all Shelbyville Airbnb listings is currently $291, slightly below the Kentucky state average of $333. ADR varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom units average $133, 3-bedroom homes come in at $233, and 4-bedroom properties command a premium at $504 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Shelbyville?

Short-term rentals do operate in Shelbyville, KY, with 29 active listings currently on the market. However, specific regulations, permit requirements, and zoning restrictions may apply at the city or county level. Prospective hosts and investors should contact the City of Shelbyville or Shelby County planning offices to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Shelbyville?

Peak season in Shelbyville runs from April through October, with May delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,661. September ($3,806) and October ($3,604) also show strong performance, likely driven by fall tourism and equine-related events. The slowest months are January ($888) and February ($1,452), making winter the clear off-peak period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Shelbyville?

As of April 2026, there are 29 active Airbnb listings in Shelbyville. The supply is distributed across 1-bedroom (7 listings), 3-bedroom (8 listings), and 4-bedroom (6 listings) properties. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 119%, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Shelbyville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Shelbyville 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower months. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Shelbyville, KY market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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 current market snapshots; conditions may change as new listings enter the market. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.