Steelville, MO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Steelville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Steelville, MO is a small, highly seasonal short-term rental market that draws visitors to Missouri's Ozark countryside — likely outdoor recreation enthusiasts seeking cabin-style getaways along the Meramec River corridor. With just 16 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $249 (slightly above the $240 state average), the market offers a favorable revenue-to-price ratio relative to average home values of $348,553. However, occupancy sits at just 18% versus the 28% state average, making deal selection and seasonal pricing strategy critical for investors looking to generate meaningful returns here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Steelville 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 Steelville

Steelville attracts investor attention due to its strong revenue-to-price ratio and rural Ozark appeal, though below-average occupancy demands careful property selection and pricing discipline.

Expert Market Assessment

"Steelville represents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited to investors comfortable with sharp seasonality. July is the standout month at $7,058 in average revenue — roughly eight times what listings earn in January ($873) — highlighting just how concentrated demand is during the summer float and camping season. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a genuine strength, but occupancy stability scores below average, meaning cash-flow consistency through winter will be a challenge. Investors who can secure well-located, amenity-rich properties and optimize pricing for the May–September corridor stand the best chance of solid returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Steelville

Average revenue by month in Steelville

Steelville's revenue is sharply seasonal: July leads at $7,058, roughly 8x the January low of $873. The strong earning window runs May through August, with a steep drop-off from November through February — investors should budget for lean winter months and build reserves during peak season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Steelville

All reported active listings in Steelville are concentrated in the 3-bedroom category, with 5 listings tracked at that size. This narrow supply profile suggests that investors exploring alternative configurations — such as 2-bedroom or 4+ bedroom properties — could find less direct competition, though demand validation would be needed.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Steelville

Three-bedroom properties in Steelville command an average daily rate of $228, which is the only size segment with enough data to report. This is slightly below the overall market ADR of $249, suggesting some larger or specialty properties may be pulling the market average higher.

Average RevPAN by property size in Steelville

Revenue per available night for 3-bedroom listings sits at $30, reflecting the combination of a $228 ADR and 13% occupancy. This relatively modest RevPAN underscores the importance of maximizing bookings during the high-demand summer months to generate meaningful annual returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Steelville

Three-bedroom properties average just 13% occupancy, which is notably below both the market-wide 18% and the 28% state average. This low fill rate highlights the seasonal demand pattern and suggests that aggressive pricing, minimum-stay optimization, and shoulder-season marketing are critical for cash-flow stability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Steelville

Three-bedroom listings generate an average of $2,736 per month, slightly below the market-wide average of $3,037. This gap suggests that other property types or premium listings in the market are outperforming the standard 3-bedroom configuration on a per-month basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Steelville

A 3-bedroom property in Steelville earns roughly $32,842 annually, representing about a 9.4% gross yield against the $348,553 average home value. While this figure is modest in absolute terms, the favorable acquisition costs in this rural market can still produce workable returns for investors who manage expenses tightly.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Steelville

Parking (100%), BBQ grills (94%), and full kitchens (94%) are table stakes for Steelville listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient outdoor getaway properties. Pet-friendliness is also widespread at 81%, signaling that allowing pets is practically a requirement to stay competitive, while hot tubs (38%) offer a potential differentiator for listings looking to command premium rates.

Understanding Steelville's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Steelville's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with genuine upside tempered by meaningful risk factors. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive market growth trend work in investors' favor, but below-average occupancy stability signals that consistent year-round cash flow will be difficult to achieve. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative underwriting model — one that accounts for the seasonal revenue swings — will help investors determine whether a specific deal pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Steelville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Steelville, Missouri should verify whether the city or Crawford County requires any STR permits, business licenses, or registration. Regulations in smaller Missouri municipalities can vary, so investors are advised to check directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. Properties within HOA-governed communities may face additional covenants restricting or prohibiting short-term rentals, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Missouri imposes state sales tax and transient guest taxes on short-term lodging, and local jurisdictions may layer on additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Steelville's STR market is likely to remain heavily summer-driven, with peak revenues concentrated from May through August. The 238% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rapidly rising investor interest, which could compress occupancy further if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering in the 15–22% range annually, with ADR potentially holding steady or edging up 2–4% as new entrants compete on amenity quality. Revenue performance will hinge on maximizing the June–August window and building shoulder-season bookings in spring and fall."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Steelville, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Steelville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Steelville is currently 18%, which falls below the Missouri state average of 28%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal nature — occupancy spikes during the warmer months and drops significantly in winter. Investors should plan their financial models around this lower annualized figure while recognizing that summer months will see much higher booking rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Steelville?

Airbnb hosts in Steelville earn an average of $3,037 per month, or approximately $36,445 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings are heavily weighted toward summer, with July generating an average of $7,058 per listing. Winter months like January average just $873, so annual revenue depends heavily on capturing peak-season demand.

Is Steelville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Steelville scores 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive growth trends, but below-average occupancy stability means returns are less predictable year-round. It can work well for investors who acquire properties at the right price point and excel at seasonal pricing and marketing, particularly targeting the summer outdoor recreation crowd.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Steelville is $249, which edges above the Missouri state average of $240. For 3-bedroom properties specifically — the predominant listing size in this market — the ADR averages $228. These rates reflect the rural cabin and retreat-style accommodations typical of the area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Steelville?

Short-term rentals can generally operate in Steelville, MO, but investors should verify current local regulations, permits, and zoning requirements with the city or Crawford County before purchasing. Missouri does not have a statewide ban on STRs, though individual municipalities may impose their own rules. Checking for any HOA restrictions is also recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Steelville?

Peak season in Steelville runs from May through August, with July being the highest-revenue month at an average of $7,058 per listing. June ($4,603) and August ($4,820) are also strong performers. This aligns with the summer outdoor recreation season in the Ozarks, when floating, hiking, and camping draw visitors to the region.

How many Airbnbs are there in Steelville?

As of April 2026, there are 16 active Airbnb listings in Steelville. The market has seen significant growth with a 238% year-over-year increase in active listings, indicating rising investor interest. Despite this growth, the total supply remains small, which can create opportunity for well-positioned properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Steelville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Steelville 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 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 Steelville, MO market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.