Van Buren, AR Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Van Buren Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Van Buren, AR is a micro-market with just 13 active Airbnb listings, offering an early-mover opportunity for investors comfortable with lower occupancy levels. The market's average daily rate of $132 sits below the Arkansas state average of $192, but acquisition costs in this western Arkansas city tend to be considerably lower as well. Annual revenue averages around $11,843, with 2-bedroom properties pulling roughly $18,855 — making them the clear performer in a market still finding its footing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Van Buren short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Van Buren

Low competition and affordable entry points make Van Buren worth evaluating for investors seeking early-stage STR markets in western Arkansas.

Expert Market Assessment

"Van Buren presents a limited-but-emerging opportunity for STR investors. The 23% average occupancy rate sits below the state average, and overall revenue remains modest, which means this isn't a market where passive hosting will generate strong cash flow. However, the extremely thin supply of just 13 listings creates room for a well-positioned property — particularly a 2-bedroom — to outperform the average significantly. Seasonality is moderate: March is the revenue peak at $1,436, while August dips to $671, so investors should plan for meaningful fluctuation between stronger and softer months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Van Buren

Average revenue by month in Van Buren

March stands out as the peak revenue month at $1,436, while August is the softest at just $671 — a spread of roughly $765 that highlights moderate seasonality. A secondary bump in November ($1,070) and a stronger February ($1,166) suggest that demand isn't purely summer-driven, giving hosts multiple windows to capture higher earnings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Van Buren

Supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties, with 5 listings each accounting for the majority of the market's 13 total listings. The absence of larger property types (3+ bedrooms) could signal an untested niche, though demand data would need to support any move into that segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Van Buren

Two-bedroom properties command $128 per night compared to $107 for 1-bedrooms, a 20% premium that reflects the additional space. Given the relatively modest gap, the real differentiator between these sizes is occupancy rather than nightly rate.

Average RevPAN by property size in Van Buren

RevPAN tells a dramatic story: 2-bedroom listings earn $54 per available night versus just $10 for 1-bedrooms, more than a 5x difference. This gap underscores that 2-bedroom properties are far more efficient revenue generators in Van Buren when accounting for both rate and occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Van Buren

Two-bedroom properties achieve 43% occupancy, significantly outpacing 1-bedroom units at just 10%. For cash-flow stability, 2-bedroom configurations are clearly the safer bet in this market, while 1-bedrooms may struggle to fill enough nights to cover operating costs.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Van Buren

Two-bedroom listings generate an average of $1,571 per month — roughly 2.5 times the $634 that 1-bedroom properties earn. This gap makes 2-bedrooms the obvious revenue driver and suggests investors should prioritize that configuration for any new acquisitions in Van Buren.

Average annual revenue by property size in Van Buren

At $18,855 annually, 2-bedroom properties earn nearly $11,000 more per year than their 1-bedroom counterparts ($7,613). For investors targeting cash-flow-positive operations, the 2-bedroom tier offers substantially better return potential relative to the modest incremental cost of a larger unit.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Van Buren

Parking is universal at 100%, and self check-in (92%) is nearly as standard — both reflecting a market where guests expect a convenient, independent experience. Pet-friendly policies (62%), washer/dryer access (62%), and a dedicated workspace (54%) round out the top amenities, signaling that travelers to Van Buren often bring pets and may be mixing work with leisure.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Van Buren

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Van Buren, Arkansas may need to register or obtain a permit through the city before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Van Buren city hall and the state of Arkansas, as regulations in smaller markets can change with limited public notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants in certain neighborhoods could also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Arkansas imposes state and local taxes on short-term accommodations, including sales tax and potentially a local tourism or lodging tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Van Buren's STR market is likely to remain small and niche, with occupancy hovering in the low-to-mid 20% range market-wide. Seasonal data suggests that late winter through early spring (February–March) drives the strongest bookings, so investors who optimize pricing during those windows could see modest revenue improvements of 3–5%. As the nearby Fort Smith metro area continues to develop, spillover demand may gradually lift Van Buren's visibility among travelers, though any growth projections should be treated as estimates rather than certainties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Van Buren, AR

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Van Buren?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Van Buren is currently 23%, which is slightly below the Arkansas state average of 26%. However, property size matters significantly here — 2-bedroom listings achieve a much stronger 43% occupancy rate, while 1-bedroom units average just 10%. Choosing the right property configuration can make a substantial difference in how often your listing is booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Van Buren?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Van Buren earn approximately $986 per month, or about $11,843 annually, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Two-bedroom properties significantly outperform, bringing in around $1,571 per month ($18,855 per year), while 1-bedroom units average about $634 per month. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and operational management.

Is Van Buren a good market for Airbnb investment?

Van Buren is best suited for investors looking for a low-competition entry point in western Arkansas. With only 13 active listings, there's meaningful room to differentiate a well-managed property. Revenue levels are modest compared to larger tourism markets, but the low acquisition costs typical of this area can produce reasonable returns relative to investment. Two-bedroom properties are the clear sweet spot, earning more than double what 1-bedroom units generate.

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

The average daily rate in Van Buren is $132, compared to the Arkansas state average of $192. When broken down by size, 1-bedroom listings average $107 per night while 2-bedroom properties command about $128 per night. The relatively modest ADR reflects the market's positioning as an affordable, smaller-city destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Van Buren?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Van Buren, as evidenced by active Airbnb listings in the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning rules, and tax obligations may apply at both the city and state level. Investors should contact Van Buren city officials and review Arkansas state regulations before purchasing a property for STR use to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Van Buren?

Peak season in Van Buren runs from February through March, with March being the highest-earning month at an average of $1,436 in revenue. A secondary stronger period occurs from June through July (around $1,032–$1,033). August tends to be the softest month at roughly $671, so hosts should plan pricing and availability strategies around these seasonal swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Van Buren?

As of April 2026, there are 13 active Airbnb listings in Van Buren. The supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties (5 each), with a few additional listings in other configurations. This limited supply means new entrants face relatively little direct competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Van Buren?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Van Buren 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 because 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 Van Buren market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings from multiple provider sources

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics 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 seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, zoning rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decision.