Waleska, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Waleska Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waleska, GA is a small but emerging short-term rental market with just 22 active Airbnb listings and a notable 83% year-over-year growth in supply — a signal that investors are recognizing the area's potential. With an average daily rate of $316, above the Georgia state average of $299, and average annual revenue of $45,425, the market offers a compelling niche opportunity for hosts who can capture seasonal lake and outdoor recreation demand. The area's intimate supply base and above-average ADR suggest there's room for well-positioned properties to stand out.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waleska 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 Waleska

Waleska's combination of above-average nightly rates, growing investor activity, and proximity to lakeside recreation creates an appealing entry point for STR investors seeking a market with room to grow.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waleska presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to lean into its seasonal rhythm. Revenue swings sharply from a low of roughly $2,460 in January to a peak of $6,029 in July, making summer the clear income engine while fall and spring offer a solid secondary baseline around $3,300–$3,900. The 24% occupancy rate trails the Georgia average, which is common in recreation-oriented markets where listings command higher nightly rates but see fewer total booked nights. Investors who price competitively during shoulder months and invest in amenities like lake access and outdoor spaces should be well-positioned to outperform market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waleska

Average revenue by month in Waleska

Waleska shows pronounced seasonality, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $6,029 — nearly 2.5 times the January low of $2,460. The summer months (May through August) consistently outperform, while a secondary bump in October ($3,900) and November ($3,801) suggests fall foliage or holiday travel provides a modest lift.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waleska

The available data shows all reported listings concentrated in the 3-bedroom category, with 9 active listings. This narrow supply profile may indicate that other property sizes are either too few to report or that 3-bedroom homes dominate the local housing stock — investors exploring different configurations could find less competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waleska

Three-bedroom properties in Waleska average an ADR of $274, which is below the market-wide average of $316. This gap suggests that larger or more premium properties in the market may be pulling the overall ADR higher, and investors with unique or upscale offerings could command rates well above the 3-bedroom baseline.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waleska

Three-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $41, reflecting the combination of a $274 ADR and 15% occupancy. This relatively modest RevPAN highlights that revenue depends heavily on securing bookings during peak periods, making pricing strategy and amenity investment critical for this property size.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waleska

Three-bedroom properties average just 15% occupancy, well below both the market-wide 24% average and the 32% Georgia state average. This lower fill rate is common for vacation-oriented markets but underscores the importance of maximizing revenue per booking through competitive nightly rates and standout guest experiences.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waleska

At $3,078 per month, 3-bedroom listings earn slightly less than the overall market average of $3,785. Investors targeting this property size should focus on amenities like lake access and outdoor spaces to close that gap and capture a larger share of peak-season demand.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waleska

Three-bedroom properties generate approximately $36,944 in annual revenue, compared to the market-wide average of $45,425. While this still represents meaningful income, it suggests that properties with additional bedrooms or premium positioning may be the ones driving the market's top-line figures.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waleska

Every listed property in Waleska offers a washer, dryer, self check-in, and kitchen — these are table stakes for guests. Lake access (64%), pools (59%), and hot tubs (50%) emerge as key differentiators, signaling that guests expect a recreation-focused retreat experience and that properties without outdoor amenities may struggle to compete.

Understanding Waleska's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Waleska's ROI score of 69 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with healthy revenue relative to property values and an above-average growth trajectory. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the market growth trend scores above average — consistent with the 83% year-over-year supply increase signaling rising investor confidence. Pairing this score with thorough research on local Cherokee County regulations and seasonal cash-flow planning will help investors make a well-informed decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waleska

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Waleska, GA may need to obtain permits or register with Cherokee County or the relevant local authority before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with the City of Waleska or Cherokee County offices before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Georgia communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Georgia are generally subject to state sales tax and local occupancy or hotel-motel taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm with a tax professional that all obligations — including any Cherokee County-specific levies — are being met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Given the above-average market growth trend and the rapid 83% increase in active listings, Waleska is likely to see continued investor interest over the next 12–18 months. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest that summer months will continue to drive the bulk of income, with July potentially sustaining ADRs above $300 and monthly revenues near $6,000. Occupancy, currently at 24% versus the state average of 32%, could tighten as the market matures and hosts refine pricing strategies — we estimate occupancy may settle in the 25–30% range as demand catches up to the expanding supply. Investors should plan for softer winter months and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waleska, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waleska?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waleska is currently 24%, which is below the Georgia state average of 32%. This is typical for recreation-driven markets where higher nightly rates offset fewer total bookings. Occupancy tends to peak during summer months when lake and outdoor activities draw visitors to the area.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waleska?

Airbnb hosts in Waleska earn an average of $3,785 per month and approximately $45,425 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by season, with July reaching about $6,029 and January dipping to around $2,460. Properties with lake access, pools, and outdoor amenities tend to command higher rates and bookings.

Is Waleska a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waleska scores a 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average daily rates ($316 vs. $299 state average), above-average growth trends, and a small competitive set of just 22 listings. However, investors should factor in the seasonal nature of revenue and the current below-average occupancy rate when building their financial models.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb in Waleska is $316, which is $17 above the Georgia state average of $299. This premium reflects the area's appeal as a getaway destination with lake and outdoor recreation amenities. Three-bedroom properties specifically average an ADR of $274.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waleska?

Short-term rentals can generally be operated in Waleska, GA, but hosts may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and registration requirements. Regulations can vary at the county and municipal level, so investors should consult Cherokee County and any applicable city ordinances, as well as check for HOA restrictions, before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waleska?

Peak season in Waleska runs through the summer months, with July being the clear standout at an average monthly revenue of $6,029. May, June, and August also perform well, each generating between $4,253 and $4,400. The slowest months are January and February, when revenues average around $2,460–$2,480.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waleska?

As of April 2026, there are 22 active Airbnb listings in Waleska. This represents an 83% year-over-year increase in supply, indicating growing investor interest in the market. The relatively small inventory means there's less direct competition, but it also means the market is still establishing itself.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waleska?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Waleska 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 data. 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 Waleska, GA market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate (ADR) trends benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.