Tellico Plains, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Tellico Plains Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Tellico Plains offers a niche short-term rental market tucked into the foothills of Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest, where outdoor recreation and scenic mountain getaways drive guest interest. With just 50 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,115, the market is small but growing—active listings surged 104% year over year. An average daily rate of $225 sits below the Tennessee state average of $309, while the 22% occupancy rate trails the state's 29%, signaling that selective deal sourcing and strong listing optimization will be critical for investors entering this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Tellico Plains 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 Tellico Plains

Investors are drawn to Tellico Plains for its affordable entry point relative to other Tennessee mountain markets, combined with the appeal of nature-based tourism that supports weekend and seasonal demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Tellico Plains presents a competitive but uneven opportunity for STR investors. The ROI score of 35 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and market growth, but below-average occupancy stability is the primary drag on overall performance. Seasonality is pronounced—October peaks at $3,032 in average monthly revenue while February dips to just $1,070—so investors should plan for meaningful cash-flow swings. Properties that can capture the strongest demand windows (summer through late fall) and differentiate through amenities or unique guest experiences will be best positioned to outperform market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Tellico Plains

Average revenue by month in Tellico Plains

Revenue in Tellico Plains follows a strong seasonal curve, peaking in October at $3,032 and hitting its lowest point in February at $1,070—a nearly 3x spread between the best and worst months. The June through November stretch consistently delivers above-average returns, making this window critical for annual cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Tellico Plains

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 19 of the market's 50 active properties, followed by 15 two-bedroom and just 10 three-bedroom units. Given that 3-bedroom properties deliver the strongest revenue and occupancy metrics, their relative scarcity could represent an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Tellico Plains

ADR does not scale linearly with size—2-bedroom listings actually have the lowest rate at $187, while 3-bedrooms lead at $227 and 1-bedrooms sit at $194. The premium jump to 3 bedrooms is modest in dollar terms but pairs with significantly better occupancy, making larger units the more compelling investment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Tellico Plains

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $83, nearly double the $44 earned by 1-bedroom units and far ahead of the $30 for 2-bedroom listings. This gap underscores that 3-bedroom configurations capture not just higher rates but meaningfully better occupancy-adjusted revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Tellico Plains

Occupancy rates vary dramatically by size: 3-bedroom properties lead at 37%, while 1-bedrooms average 23% and 2-bedrooms trail at just 16%. For investors prioritizing consistent cash flow, the larger property sizes offer substantially more reliable booking patterns in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Tellico Plains

Three-bedroom listings generate $3,144 per month on average, more than double the $1,485 earned by 1-bedroom properties and well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $1,993. The revenue gap between sizes is significant enough that investors should carefully weigh acquisition costs against the earning power of larger configurations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Tellico Plains

Annual revenue scales meaningfully with size, from $17,822 for 1-bedroom units to $23,926 for 2-bedrooms and $37,733 for 3-bedroom properties. A 3-bedroom listing earns more than twice its 1-bedroom counterpart, making it the configuration with the strongest gross return potential in Tellico Plains.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Tellico Plains

Kitchens and parking are near-universal at 96% of listings, while BBQ grills (82%) and patios or balconies (78%) signal that outdoor living is a baseline guest expectation in this mountain market. Hot tubs appear in only 34% of listings, suggesting an opportunity for differentiation given the area's nature-retreat positioning.

Understanding Tellico Plains's ROI Score: 35/100

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

Tellico Plains earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 35 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band where investor interest is real but returns require more deliberate strategy. The score reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and market growth alongside below-average occupancy stability, which is the main factor pulling the overall rating down. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and focus on 3-bedroom properties, which significantly outperform smaller units across every key metric.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Tellico Plains

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Tellico Plains, Tennessee may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local or county authorities. Investors should verify current requirements with Monroe County and the State of Tennessee before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Tennessee communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA-level restrictions that may prohibit or limit rentals. Potential investors should review any applicable zoning rules and homeowner association covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee imposes state and local sales and occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and hosts should expect to collect and remit these obligations. Many booking platforms like Airbnb handle tax collection automatically, but it's wise to confirm with a tax professional that all state and county obligations are being met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Tellico Plains is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest follows the rapid 104% year-over-year listing increase, which could put further pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain concentrated in the summer and fall months, with October and July leading the calendar. ADR may see modest upward movement in the 1–3% range as hosts differentiate with amenities like hot tubs and pet-friendly policies, though occupancy is estimated to hover in the 20–25% range market-wide without meaningful shifts in demand drivers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Tellico Plains, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tellico Plains?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tellico Plains is currently 22%, which falls below the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom listings achieving 37% while 2-bedroom properties average just 16%. Investors should factor in this below-average occupancy when projecting returns and consider strategies like dynamic pricing and strong amenity offerings to improve fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Tellico Plains?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Tellico Plains earn approximately $2,092 per month or $25,115 annually, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Larger properties significantly outperform smaller ones—3-bedroom listings average $3,144 per month ($37,733 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in around $1,485 per month ($17,822 annually). Revenue peaks in October at $3,032 and dips to $1,070 in February.

Is Tellico Plains a good market for Airbnb investment?

Tellico Plains carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 35 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market shows average revenue-to-price ratios and growth trends, but occupancy stability is below average. With active listings doubling year over year and occupancy at just 22%, success here depends on careful deal sourcing, targeting larger property sizes (3 bedrooms perform best), and optimizing for peak seasonal demand from summer through fall.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Tellico Plains is $225, which is below the Tennessee state average of $309. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $194, 2-bedrooms come in at $187, and 3-bedroom properties command the highest rates at $227. This relatively modest ADR combined with the area's lower home values can still present viable returns for well-managed properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Tellico Plains?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Tellico Plains area, though operators may need to obtain permits or register with local or county authorities. Tennessee has state-level tax requirements for STRs, and there may be additional local regulations regarding zoning, occupancy limits, or noise. Investors should verify all current rules with Monroe County and consult with a local real estate attorney before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Tellico Plains?

Peak season in Tellico Plains runs from June through November, with October leading the calendar at $3,032 in average monthly revenue—likely driven by fall foliage tourism. July is the second-strongest month at $2,919. The slowest period is January through April, with February bottoming out at $1,070. This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for leaner winter months and maximize pricing during the warmer and autumn months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Tellico Plains?

There are currently 50 active Airbnb listings in Tellico Plains as of April 2026. The market has experienced substantial growth, with active listings increasing 104% year over year. The supply breakdown shows 19 one-bedroom properties, 15 two-bedroom listings, and 10 three-bedroom units. Despite this growth, it remains a relatively small market, which can be an advantage for well-differentiated properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Tellico Plains?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Tellico Plains 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 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 Tellico Plains market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to guide property optimization
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 account for recent regulatory changes or shifts in local demand. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.