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

Shelbyville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Shelbyville, TN is a compact short-term rental market with just 20 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition entry point in Middle Tennessee. Average annual revenue sits at $21,345, with an ADR of $164 — roughly half the state average — while occupancy runs at 15%, well below the Tennessee benchmark of 29%. The favorable supply/demand balance and modest listing count suggest room for well-positioned properties to capture share, though the below-average occupancy signals that operators will need sharp pricing and marketing to generate consistent cash flow.

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 Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Shelbyville

Investors look at Shelbyville for its small, still-forming STR market with favorable supply/demand dynamics and proximity to Middle Tennessee's broader tourism and equestrian event appeal.

Expert Market Assessment

"Shelbyville presents a competitive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. The market's above-average supply/demand balance is encouraging, yet below-average occupancy at 15% means revenue hinges on capturing a meaningful share of a relatively thin demand pool. Seasonality is pronounced — August leads at $2,551 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out near $948, creating a roughly 2.7x swing that investors must plan for. Selective deal sourcing and a focus on larger properties, particularly 3-bedroom configurations, will be key to making the numbers work here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Shelbyville

Average revenue by month in Shelbyville

Shelbyville's revenue cycle peaks in August at $2,551 and bottoms out in January at $948, creating a roughly 2.7x spread that underscores meaningful seasonality. The strongest corridor runs from May through September, with a secondary dip in the winter months that investors should plan around with adjusted pricing and minimum-stay strategies.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Shelbyville

The market's 20 listings are concentrated in just two sizes: 1-bedroom units dominate with 11 listings, while 3-bedroom properties account for 6. The complete absence of 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and larger configurations could represent an underserved niche for investors willing to differentiate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Shelbyville

ADR climbs from $150 for 1-bedroom listings to $185 for 3-bedroom properties, a 23% premium that reflects the added space and guest capacity. Given that 3-bedroom units also outperform on revenue, the incremental nightly rate appears well worth the step-up in property size.

Average RevPAN by property size in Shelbyville

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $30 compared to $18 for 1-bedroom units, making them the clear leaders on a per-available-night basis. This 67% advantage stems from both higher ADR and somewhat better occupancy, reinforcing that larger homes generate more efficient revenue in Shelbyville.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Shelbyville

Occupancy runs at 17% for 3-bedroom properties and 13% for 1-bedroom units — both well below the state average of 29%. The modest gap between sizes suggests that demand constraints are market-wide rather than size-specific, though 3-bedroom listings do maintain a slight edge in booking consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Shelbyville

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $2,801, nearly three times the $939 earned by 1-bedroom properties. This stark gap means investors targeting meaningful monthly cash flow in Shelbyville should strongly consider larger configurations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Shelbyville

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties generate approximately $33,613, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $11,270. Against average home values of $481,687, investors will want to evaluate whether smaller, lower-cost acquisition targets or larger revenue-generating properties offer a more favorable return profile.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Shelbyville

Parking tops the amenity list at 95%, followed by a kitchen at 85% and self check-in at 75% — reflecting guest expectations for convenience and independence in a rural Tennessee market. Outdoor amenities like patios (70%), backyards (65%), and outdoor furniture (60%) are also prevalent, signaling that properties with appealing outdoor space align well with what travelers in Shelbyville are looking for.

Understanding Shelbyville's ROI Score: 53/100

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 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market holds potential but demands careful deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both rate as average, while the above-average supply/demand balance is partially offset by below-average occupancy stability — a combination that rewards operators who can drive bookings above the market norm. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model will help investors determine whether a specific Shelbyville property pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Shelbyville

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

Permit Requirements

Shelbyville, Tennessee may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Shelbyville and Bedford County offices, as local ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA or deed restrictions can also limit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing any covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee levies state and local sales tax on short-term accommodations, and Bedford County may impose additional occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Tennessee Department of Revenue 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 likely to remain a selective play. Listing growth has been brisk at 59% year-over-year, so occupancy rates could face additional pressure unless demand keeps pace — expect occupancy to hover in the 14–18% range market-wide. Seasonal revenue data shows a clear summer-to-early-fall peak, so investors should budget for softer winter months when revenue can dip below $1,000. ADR may see modest increases of 2–5% as newer, higher-quality listings enter the market, but meaningful revenue gains will depend on improving occupancy through better guest targeting and amenity upgrades."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Shelbyville, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shelbyville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shelbyville is currently 15%, which is below the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings averaging 17% and 1-bedroom listings averaging 13%. These figures reflect the market's small scale and seasonal demand patterns, meaning well-optimized listings with competitive pricing and strong amenities may outperform these averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shelbyville?

Airbnb hosts in Shelbyville earn an average of $1,778 per month and approximately $21,345 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings average about $2,801 monthly ($33,613 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $939 monthly ($11,270 annually). Peak earning months like August can push monthly revenue above $2,500.

Is Shelbyville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Shelbyville carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and only 20 active listings, but occupancy is below average at 15% and the revenue-to-price ratio is moderate given average home values near $481,687. Investors who source deals selectively and target 3-bedroom properties — the top revenue earners — may find the market workable, especially as a complement to a broader portfolio.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Shelbyville is $164, compared to the Tennessee state average of $309. One-bedroom properties average $150 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $185 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Shelbyville's positioning as a smaller, more affordable market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Shelbyville?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Shelbyville, TN, though operators may need to obtain local permits or business licenses. Regulations can include occupancy limits, parking rules, and noise restrictions. We recommend checking with the City of Shelbyville and Bedford County for the most current ordinances before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Shelbyville?

Peak season for Airbnb in Shelbyville runs from May through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $2,551 in monthly revenue. The shoulder months of April and October also perform reasonably well at $1,873 and $1,993 respectively. The slowest months are January ($948) and December ($1,055), creating meaningful seasonal variation that investors should factor into their cash-flow projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Shelbyville?

As of April 2026, there are 20 active Airbnb listings in Shelbyville. The market has seen significant growth with a 59% year-over-year increase in listings. The inventory is concentrated in two property sizes: 1-bedroom units (11 listings) and 3-bedroom units (6 listings), leaving potential gaps in other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Shelbyville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This methodology 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 data. 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 Shelbyville, TN
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and supply distribution across bedroom configurations

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 the most recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.