Starkville, MS Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Starkville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Starkville's short-term rental market is shaped heavily by Mississippi State University and the event-driven demand that comes with it—football weekends and graduation season can push monthly revenues well above $3,500, while quieter months dip below $700. With 182 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $200, and an average annual revenue of $23,445, the market offers moderate income potential but requires strategic timing and property selection. Investors should note that occupancy sits at 25%, below the 29% Mississippi state average, making deal sourcing and pricing discipline especially important here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Starkville 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 Starkville

Starkville attracts STR investors primarily because of its concentrated, event-driven demand around Mississippi State University, which creates outsized revenue spikes that can offset quieter periods.

Expert Market Assessment

"Starkville presents a competitive but narrow opportunity window for STR investors. The market's extreme seasonality—September through November accounts for the highest-revenue months with figures exceeding $3,400 each, while January bottoms out at just $646—means cash-flow planning is critical. With an ROI score of 54 out of 100 and below-average occupancy stability, success here hinges on targeting the right property type and pricing aggressively during peak university event periods while managing costs during slower stretches."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Starkville

Average revenue by month in Starkville

Starkville's revenue pattern is strikingly seasonal: September peaks at $3,633 and the fall football stretch (September–November) accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while January bottoms out at just $646. The nearly 6x spread between peak and off-peak months underscores the importance of maximizing event-weekend pricing to sustain annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Starkville

Two-bedroom listings dominate Starkville's supply at 68 units, with 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties tied at 47 each. Larger properties are notably scarce—only 13 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom listings exist—which could represent an opportunity for investors willing to serve group-travel demand with less competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Starkville

ADR climbs steadily from $119 for 1-bedroom units to $265 for 3-bedrooms, with 5-bedroom properties commanding a standout $518 per night. The 4-bedroom segment at $254 actually dips slightly below 3-bedrooms, suggesting that the premium-to-cost trade-off is strongest at the 3-bedroom and 5-bedroom tiers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Starkville

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $80, outperforming even 5-bedrooms at $74 despite a much lower ADR, thanks to their market-leading 32% occupancy rate. One-bedroom units lag considerably at $28 RevPAN, indicating that smaller properties struggle to generate meaningful per-night revenue in this event-driven market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Starkville

Four-bedroom listings lead with 32% occupancy, well above the market average of 25%, while 5-bedroom properties trail at just 14% despite commanding the highest nightly rates. The 1- through 3-bedroom range clusters tightly between 23% and 26%, suggesting relatively consistent—if modest—demand across those sizes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Starkville

Monthly revenue scales with size, from $1,155 for 1-bedroom units to $5,480 for 5-bedroom properties. The jump from 3-bedroom ($2,527) to 4-bedroom ($2,866) is relatively modest, but the leap to 5-bedrooms nearly doubles revenue, reflecting how premium group accommodations capture outsized event-weekend income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Starkville

Five-bedroom properties stand out with $65,762 in average annual revenue—nearly double the $34,400 earned by 4-bedroom units and almost five times the $13,865 from 1-bedrooms. For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue, larger properties clearly deliver the strongest top-line potential, though they also carry higher acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Starkville

Kitchen (96%), washer (92%), and parking (92%) are near-universal in Starkville, establishing a high baseline for guest expectations. Differentiators like a pool (6%), lake access (6%), or gym (3%) remain rare, meaning investors who add premium outdoor amenities or pet-friendly policies (currently 27%) could stand out in a competitive and growing market.

Understanding Starkville's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Starkville's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand exists but margins require careful management. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance rate as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend both score below average—driven in part by 152% year-over-year listing growth that's outpacing demand. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific underwriting approach will be essential for investors looking to make this market work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Starkville

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Starkville and the State of Mississippi may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Starkville's planning and zoning department and the Mississippi Secretary of State's office.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in college-town STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants may also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Mississippi imposes a sales tax on short-term rental accommodations, and there may be additional local tourism or lodging taxes applicable in Starkville. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Starkville's STR performance will likely continue to track the university calendar closely, with September through November commanding the lion's share of annual revenue. Listing growth has been aggressive at 152% year-over-year, which could compress occupancy further unless demand keeps pace. Investors should expect ADRs to hold relatively steady in the $190–$210 range, with occupancy rates potentially fluctuating between 22% and 28% depending on the sports schedule and university events. Properties that can capture premium event-weekend pricing while maintaining midweek bookings through corporate or visiting-professor demand will fare best."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Starkville, MS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Starkville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Starkville is currently 25%, which falls slightly below the Mississippi state average of 29%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—4-bedroom listings lead at 32%, while 5-bedroom properties sit at just 14%. The lower overall rate reflects the heavily event-driven nature of this college-town market, where demand spikes around university events and quiets down during academic breaks.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Starkville?

Airbnb hosts in Starkville earn an average of $1,953 per month and approximately $23,445 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary substantially by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $13,865 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can generate around $65,762 per year. Seasonal swings are dramatic, with top months like September bringing in over $3,600 and January dropping to roughly $646.

Is Starkville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Starkville earns an ROI score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from concentrated demand around Mississippi State University events, particularly during football season when nightly rates and bookings surge. However, below-average occupancy stability and rapid supply growth (152% year-over-year) mean investors need to be selective about property type and pricing strategy. Larger properties—especially 3- and 4-bedroom homes—tend to deliver the best balance of occupancy and revenue.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Starkville is $200, which is below the Mississippi state average of $318. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $119 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $172, 3-bedrooms at $265, and 5-bedroom properties command a premium of $518 per night. The higher rates on larger properties reflect strong group-travel demand during university events.

Are short-term rentals legal in Starkville?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Starkville, but hosts may be required to obtain permits, business licenses, or registrations from local and state authorities. Regulations can vary and may include restrictions on occupancy, parking, or noise. Investors should consult the City of Starkville's planning department and review any applicable HOA covenants before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Starkville?

Peak season in Starkville runs from September through November, aligning closely with Mississippi State University's football season and fall events. September is the single highest-revenue month at $3,633 on average, followed by November at $3,577 and October at $3,467. By contrast, January is the softest month at just $646, making the fall-to-winter revenue swing one of the most dramatic of any market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Starkville?

There are currently 182 active Airbnb listings in Starkville as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in smaller configurations, with 2-bedroom properties making up the largest share at 68 listings, followed by 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units at 47 each. Larger properties (4- and 5-bedroom) are far less common, with only 13 and 6 listings respectively. Notably, active listing counts have grown 152% year-over-year, indicating significant new investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Starkville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Starkville 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 roll the remaining data 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 Starkville market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current active listings
• Monthly and annual revenue figures derived from trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property-size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.