Shell Knob, MO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Shell Knob Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Shell Knob, Missouri sits on the shores of Table Rock Lake, drawing seasonal vacationers who fuel a small but growing short-term rental market. With just 33 active Airbnb listings and a 293% year-over-year growth in supply, investor interest is clearly accelerating — though the current 14% average occupancy rate signals that demand hasn't fully caught up. Average annual revenue of $18,277 against average home values of $477,329 means investors need to be selective about property type and pricing strategy to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Shell Knob 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 Shell Knob

Shell Knob appeals to investors seeking lakefront vacation rental exposure in a small, rapidly growing market where early movers can establish position before the supply landscape matures.

Expert Market Assessment

"Shell Knob presents a competitive but uneven opportunity — strong summer months carry the market while the off-season remains quite soft. July stands out as the clear revenue leader at $4,110, roughly 12 times what hosts earn in the slowest months, which underscores how concentrated the earning window is. With occupancy averaging just 14% against a 28% state average, investors will need well-positioned lakefront properties and sharp seasonal pricing to generate attractive returns. The 47-out-of-100 ROI score reflects this tension: growth momentum is real, but tighter competition and below-average occupancy stability mean careful deal sourcing is essential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Shell Knob

Average revenue by month in Shell Knob

Shell Knob exhibits extreme seasonality, with July generating $4,110 in average revenue — more than 23 times the January low of $310. The core earning season runs June through August, while a secondary shoulder period in March ($1,389) and October–November ($1,416–$1,690) provides modest supplementary income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Shell Knob

The 33 active listings are concentrated among 3-bedroom (11 listings), 1-bedroom (9), and 4-bedroom (8) properties, with no 2-bedroom supply reported. The absence of 2-bedroom listings could represent either low demand for that configuration or a potential gap for investors to test.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Shell Knob

ADR climbs steadily with size: 1-bedroom units average $142, 3-bedrooms command $221, and 4-bedrooms reach $254. The jump from 1 to 3 bedrooms represents a 56% ADR premium, suggesting mid-size properties offer an efficient price-per-bedroom proposition for guests.

Average RevPAN by property size in Shell Knob

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $43, outperforming 4-bedrooms ($36) and significantly exceeding 1-bedrooms ($11). This indicates that 3-bedroom units strike the best balance between nightly rate and occupancy, making them a particularly efficient earner on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Shell Knob

Occupancy rates are modest across all sizes but vary significantly: 3-bedroom properties lead at 20%, 4-bedrooms sit at 14%, and 1-bedrooms trail at just 8%. The low occupancy for smaller units suggests limited demand for studio-style lake stays, while 3-bedroom properties appear to match the typical family or group traveler profile best.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Shell Knob

Four-bedroom properties earn the highest monthly average at $2,770, followed by 3-bedrooms at $2,136 and 1-bedrooms at $814. The gap between 1-bedroom and larger units is substantial, reinforcing that group-friendly lakefront properties are where the revenue opportunity concentrates in Shell Knob.

Average annual revenue by property size in Shell Knob

Annual revenue ranges from $9,771 for 1-bedroom properties to $33,241 for 4-bedroom units, with 3-bedrooms generating $25,634. Given average home values of $477,329, the 4-bedroom configuration offers the most compelling gross revenue potential, though investors should weigh acquisition cost differences between property sizes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Shell Knob

Parking and kitchens top the list at 94% prevalence each, followed by self check-in (85%) and BBQ grills (82%), reflecting the outdoor-recreation, self-service expectations of lake vacationers. Lake access appears in 64% of listings and waterfront in 39%, signaling that proximity to the water is a meaningful differentiator — while hot tubs (15%) remain an underutilized amenity that could help listings stand out.

Understanding Shell Knob's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Shell Knob's ROI Score of 47 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine potential but requires discerning investment decisions. The average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average occupancy stability are the primary constraints, while an above-average market growth trend provides a positive counterbalance that suggests the market is still maturing. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger, well-amenitized lakefront properties to maximize their odds of strong returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Shell Knob

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

Permit Requirements

Shell Knob falls within Barry County, Missouri, and investors should verify whether local permit or registration requirements apply for short-term rentals by contacting the county and relevant municipal authorities. Missouri does not impose a statewide STR permit framework, so requirements can vary at the local level.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking capacity mandates, and any HOA covenants that could restrict rental activity. Investors should review all applicable rules before purchasing, as lakefront communities sometimes impose additional standards to preserve neighborhood character.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Missouri are generally subject to state sales tax, local lodging or tourism taxes, and potentially county-level transient guest taxes. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Shell Knob's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as more investors discover the lakefront opportunity, but occupancy rates may remain under pressure until demand catches pace. Seasonal peaks centered on June and July should continue driving the bulk of annual revenue, with monthly earnings potentially reaching $2,800–$4,100 during those months. The above-average market growth trend is encouraging, suggesting that visitor awareness is building — we estimate ADR could hold steady or edge up 1–3% as hosts refine their offerings and amenity packages. Investors entering now should plan for meaningful off-season softness, particularly January through February, when revenue can dip below $350."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Shell Knob, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shell Knob?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Shell Knob is currently 14%, which is below the Missouri state average of 28%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 3-bedroom units lead at 20%, while 1-bedroom properties average just 8%. The pronounced seasonality of this lakefront market contributes to the lower annual average, as winter months see minimal booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shell Knob?

Airbnb hosts in Shell Knob earn an average of $1,523 per month and approximately $18,277 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 4-bedroom properties lead with an average annual revenue of $33,241, followed by 3-bedroom units at $25,634, and 1-bedroom listings at $9,771. Peak summer months like July can generate over $4,100, while January and February may yield under $350.

Is Shell Knob a good market for Airbnb investment?

Shell Knob earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 47 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market shows above-average growth trends and strong summer demand driven by Table Rock Lake tourism, but below-average occupancy stability and average revenue-to-price ratios mean investors need to be strategic. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) with lake access and outdoor amenities tend to perform best. Careful deal sourcing and realistic expectations about off-season softness are key to success here.

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

The average daily rate in Shell Knob is $212, which is slightly below Missouri's $240 state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $142, 3-bedroom properties command $221, and 4-bedroom listings reach $254. These rates reflect the vacation-oriented, lakefront nature of the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Shell Knob?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Shell Knob, Missouri, though specific permit or registration requirements may apply at the county or local level. Missouri does not have a blanket statewide ban or universal licensing framework for STRs, so investors should check with Barry County and any applicable HOA or community association before purchasing a property for rental purposes.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Shell Knob?

Peak season in Shell Knob runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average of $4,110 in revenue. June follows at $2,805 and August at $2,299. The shoulder months of March, May, October, and November still generate $1,200–$1,700, while January and February are the slowest periods with revenue dropping below $350. This pattern aligns with the lake recreation season on Table Rock Lake.

How many Airbnbs are there in Shell Knob?

As of April 2026, there are 33 active Airbnb listings in Shell Knob. The market has seen dramatic growth, with a 293% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is distributed across 1-bedroom (9 listings), 3-bedroom (11 listings), and 4-bedroom (8 listings) properties, with no 2-bedroom listings currently reported.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Shell Knob?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Shell Knob 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. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's strong performance) and slower periods (like January). Individual results will vary based on property quality, location, 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 Shell Knob market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings

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 historical averages and may not account for recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenity offerings, pricing strategy, and management quality.