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

Spencer Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Spencer, TN is a small but intriguing short-term rental market with just 18 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $30,182 per property. The area's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance suggest room for new entrants, particularly investors drawn to rural Tennessee's outdoor appeal. With an average daily rate of $198 — well below the $309 state average — Spencer positions itself as an affordable getaway destination that can still generate meaningful returns relative to property costs averaging $385,241.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Spencer 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 Spencer

Spencer's combination of favorable property-price-to-revenue ratios and limited supply makes it a compelling niche opportunity for investors comfortable with seasonal demand patterns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Spencer presents a moderate-to-attractive investment opportunity driven by its strong revenue-to-price dynamics and limited competitive supply. Seasonality is pronounced — July leads with $4,079 in average revenue while January dips to just $957 — so investors should plan for meaningful cash flow variation throughout the year. The 26% average occupancy rate sits slightly below the Tennessee state average of 29%, reflecting the market's nature as a leisure-focused, weekend-heavy destination rather than a year-round workhorse. For investors willing to optimize pricing around peak windows and accept quieter winter months, Spencer offers a compelling entry point at relatively modest property costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Spencer

Average revenue by month in Spencer

Spencer's revenue cycle swings dramatically from a winter low of $957 in January to a summer high of $4,079 in July, with October also delivering a strong $3,577 — likely fueled by fall tourism. The roughly 4:1 spread between peak and trough months signals a highly seasonal market where strategic pricing and minimum-stay adjustments can significantly impact annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Spencer

The only property size with reported listing data is 2-bedroom units, which account for 5 of the market's active listings. This extremely concentrated supply profile suggests potential opportunity for investors willing to introduce larger or smaller property configurations to capture unmet demand segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Spencer

Two-bedroom properties command an ADR of $124, which is well below the overall market average of $198, indicating that larger or more premium properties in the market are pulling the average up significantly. Investors targeting the 2-bedroom segment should factor in this lower nightly rate when modeling returns.

Average RevPAN by property size in Spencer

Two-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of just $19, reflecting the combination of a modest $124 ADR and 16% occupancy. This lower RevPAN compared to the market-wide $51 average suggests that larger or more unique properties in Spencer are capturing a disproportionate share of booking revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Spencer

Two-bedroom properties average only 16% occupancy, falling well below the market-wide average of 26%. This gap suggests that 2-bedroom units face stiffer competition or less demand relative to other property types, and investors in this segment should plan conservatively for cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Spencer

Two-bedroom units bring in an average of $1,815 per month, roughly $700 less than the market-wide average of $2,515. This differential reinforces that larger or more distinctive property types in Spencer are significantly outperforming the smaller units on a revenue basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Spencer

At $21,791 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties trail the overall market average of $30,182 by more than $8,000. Investors seeking stronger annual returns in Spencer may want to explore larger property configurations, which appear to command a substantial revenue premium.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Spencer

Kitchens appear in 100% of Spencer listings, with parking (94%), washer/dryer (83–89%), and self check-in (83%) forming the baseline guest expectation. Outdoor amenities like backyards, BBQ grills, and patios (each at 67%) underscore the market's nature-retreat positioning, while hot tubs at 33% present a potential differentiator for listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Spencer's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Spencer's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, primarily driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance that keeps competition manageable. The below-average occupancy stability score is the main drag, reflecting the pronounced seasonality that investors will need to plan around. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative off-season budgeting will help investors make the most of Spencer's yield potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Spencer

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Spencer, Tennessee may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Van Buren County and the City of Spencer before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Tennessee markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. Additionally, HOA covenants may impose their own limitations on short-term rentals, so it's important to review any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee imposes state and local sales tax as well as occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit a portion of these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional to ensure compliance with both state and county requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Spencer's STR market is expected to maintain steady seasonal patterns, with summer months and October driving the bulk of annual revenue. ADR could see modest gains in the 2–4% range as the small supply base keeps pricing pressure low, though occupancy — currently at 26% — may remain in the 24–30% range given the market's nature as a weekend and seasonal destination. Average market growth trends and strong supply/demand dynamics suggest the market won't become oversaturated quickly, but investors should plan conservatively around off-season cash flow dips in January and February."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Spencer, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Spencer?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Spencer is currently 26%, which sits slightly below the Tennessee state average of 29%. This reflects Spencer's profile as a leisure and weekend-oriented destination with stronger seasonal peaks and quieter off-season months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Spencer?

Airbnb hosts in Spencer earn an average of $2,515 per month, or approximately $30,182 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, ranging from around $957 in January to over $4,079 in July.

Is Spencer a good market for Airbnb investment?

Spencer scores a 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. Its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance are key strengths, though below-average occupancy stability means investors should budget for seasonal dips. With only 18 active listings and average home values around $385,241, the market offers a relatively low barrier to entry with solid yield potential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Spencer is $198, which is notably below the Tennessee state average of $309. This lower ADR reflects the market's positioning as an affordable rural retreat, which can attract a broad base of budget-conscious travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Are short-term rentals legal in Spencer?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Spencer, TN, but operators may be required to obtain local permits or register their property. Regulations can vary, so prospective hosts should check with Van Buren County and local authorities for the most current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Spencer?

Peak season in Spencer runs primarily from May through October, with July being the top-performing month at an average revenue of $4,079. October also stands out at $3,577, likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The off-season runs from November through February, with January and February averaging under $1,000.

How many Airbnbs are there in Spencer?

There are currently 18 active Airbnb listings in Spencer as of April 2026. This small supply base means competition is limited, which can be advantageous for hosts who offer well-equipped, differentiated properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Spencer?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Spencer 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 results 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 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 Spencer, TN market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates broken down by property size
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context

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. Market data reflects trailing performance and may not capture recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.