Tahlequah, OK Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Tahlequah Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Tahlequah, OK is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 40 active Airbnb listings and notable year-over-year listing growth of 98%. Average annual revenue comes in at $26,067 against an average home value of $295,244, producing an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that catches the eye despite a modest 19% occupancy rate. The market's strong seasonal swing — with summer months generating more than six times the revenue of winter — signals a destination-driven demand pattern likely tied to the area's outdoor recreation and Illinois River tourism.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah

Tahlequah attracts investor attention for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and growing demand driven by seasonal outdoor recreation, though the market requires careful deal selection due to low occupancy and strong competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Tahlequah presents a competitive but approachable opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its pronounced seasonality. Revenue peaks sharply from June through September, with August alone generating an average of $4,121 per listing, while the January-through-February window dips below $750. The ROI score of 48 out of 100 reflects a market where the revenue-to-price math is favorable but below-average occupancy stability and growing competition require more selective property sourcing. Investors targeting this market should focus on properties that can command premium nightly rates during peak months and consider strategies to drive shoulder-season bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Tahlequah

Average revenue by month in Tahlequah

Tahlequah's revenue cycle is highly seasonal, with August ($4,121) earning more than six times what January ($644) produces. The peak window from June through September accounts for the lion's share of annual income, making summer-centric revenue planning essential for investors in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Tahlequah

Supply is spread relatively evenly across 1-bedroom (11), 2-bedroom (13), and 3-bedroom (10) listings, with no single property size dominating the market. The balanced distribution suggests there may not be an obvious underserved niche by bedroom count, though the slightly lower count of 3-bedroom homes paired with their higher revenue could signal opportunity.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Tahlequah

ADR scales substantially with property size — 3-bedroom listings command $228 per night compared to $115 for 1-bedrooms, nearly doubling the rate. This steep premium suggests that larger properties capture significantly more value per booking, potentially justifying the higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Tahlequah

RevPAN increases modestly from $20 for 1-bedroom listings to $27 for 3-bedrooms, reflecting the higher nightly rates of larger properties partially offset by their lower occupancy. The relatively narrow spread indicates that per-night revenue efficiency is fairly consistent across sizes, with 3-bedrooms holding a slight edge.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Tahlequah

Smaller units fill more consistently, with 1-bedrooms at 18% occupancy and 2-bedrooms at 17%, while 3-bedroom listings trail at just 12%. Investors targeting larger properties should anticipate fewer booked nights and plan pricing strategies accordingly to protect cash flow during slower periods.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Tahlequah

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $2,040, followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,780 and 1-bedrooms at $1,394. The gap between sizes is meaningful but not dramatic, suggesting that even smaller units can generate reasonable monthly income at a lower entry cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Tahlequah

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties generate the most at $24,489, while 2-bedrooms earn $21,365 and 1-bedrooms bring in $16,729. Relative to the average home value of $295,244, investors should carefully underwrite whether the incremental revenue from larger homes justifies any additional purchase premium.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Tahlequah

Parking (100%) and a kitchen (98%) are virtually universal, while self check-in (88%) has become a near-standard guest expectation. Outdoor amenities like backyards (63%), BBQ grills (63%), and patios (58%) are common and clearly aligned with the market's outdoor recreation appeal — investors who lack these features may find it harder to compete.

Understanding Tahlequah's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Tahlequah's ROI score of 48 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning the fundamentals are promising but require disciplined deal selection. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the standout positive, while below-average occupancy stability — driven by the market's sharp seasonality — pulls the score down. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling that accounts for several very soft winter months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Tahlequah

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

Permit Requirements

Operators considering short-term rentals in Tahlequah, Oklahoma should check with the city of Tahlequah and Cherokee County for any permit or registration requirements, as local STR ordinances can vary and may be evolving alongside the market's rapid growth. Verifying compliance with both municipal and state-level regulations before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Investors should also review any HOA covenants or deed restrictions on prospective properties, as these can independently prohibit or limit short-term rental activity regardless of city regulations.

Tax Obligations

Oklahoma requires collection of state sales tax and applicable local lodging or occupancy taxes on short-term rentals. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and local authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Tahlequah's STR market is expected to continue expanding as listing supply has nearly doubled year over year, indicating rising investor interest. Summer months should remain the revenue engine, with peak monthly averages likely holding in the $3,500–$4,200 range, while winter will continue to be soft. ADR may face modest pressure as new supply enters, though the market's average growth trend and affordable price points could sustain returns for well-positioned properties. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget accordingly for the slower November-through-February stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Tahlequah, OK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tahlequah?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tahlequah is currently 19%, which falls below the Oklahoma state average of 28%. This lower rate reflects the market's strong seasonality, with occupancy concentrated heavily during the warmer months when outdoor recreation demand peaks. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their cash-flow projections and consider pricing strategies that maximize bookings during shoulder months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Tahlequah?

Airbnb hosts in Tahlequah earn an average of $2,172 per month or approximately $26,067 annually based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom listings averaging $24,489 per year and 1-bedroom units coming in around $16,729. Monthly earnings range from a low of roughly $644 in January to a high of about $4,121 in August, reflecting the market's strong summer seasonality.

Is Tahlequah a good market for Airbnb investment?

Tahlequah earns an ROI score of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and rapid listing growth are encouraging, but below-average occupancy stability means investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing. With average home values around $295,244 and annual revenue near $26,067, the numbers can work — particularly for properties that capitalize on summer tourism and outdoor recreation demand — but careful deal sourcing is essential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Tahlequah is $183, which is below the Oklahoma state average of $219. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $115 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $150, and 3-bedroom properties command $228. Larger properties can therefore capture a meaningful rate premium that may help offset the market's lower overall occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Tahlequah?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Tahlequah, as evidenced by the 40 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any registration obligations with the city of Tahlequah and relevant Cherokee County offices before purchasing a property. Local regulations can change, and HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to specific properties.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Tahlequah?

Peak season in Tahlequah runs from June through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,121 in revenue per listing. July ($3,848) and June ($3,056) are also strong performers. The off-peak period stretches from November through February, with January being the slowest month at just $644 in average revenue. This pattern aligns with summer recreation and river tourism in the region.

How many Airbnbs are there in Tahlequah?

There are currently 40 active Airbnb listings in Tahlequah as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with listing counts increasing by 98% year over year. Supply is distributed fairly evenly across property sizes, with 11 one-bedroom, 13 two-bedroom, and 10 three-bedroom listings making up the inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Tahlequah?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Tahlequah 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 Tahlequah market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and supply distribution across bedroom counts

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 averages and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements should be independently verified before making any investment decision.