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

Watkinsville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Watkinsville, GA is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 29 active Airbnb listings and a notable 121% year-over-year increase in supply. The market's average daily rate of $424 significantly exceeds the Georgia state average of $299, though occupancy sits at 18% — well below the 32% state benchmark. With average annual revenue of $20,225 and home values around $738,258, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, making careful deal sourcing essential for investors looking to enter this niche market near Athens.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Watkinsville 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 Watkinsville

Investors are drawn to Watkinsville for its proximity to Athens and the University of Georgia, which drives seasonal event-based demand and supports premium nightly rates.

Expert Market Assessment

"Watkinsville presents a competitive but selective opportunity for STR investors. The market's pronounced seasonality — with September revenue peaking at $4,322 and January dipping to just $788 — means cash flow is heavily concentrated around fall events, likely tied to University of Georgia football weekends. At a 53 out of 100 ROI score, the below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary headwind, driven by elevated home values relative to what typical listings earn. Investors who can acquire properties below the $738,258 market average or optimize for the lucrative September–November window stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Watkinsville

Average revenue by month in Watkinsville

Watkinsville exhibits extreme seasonality, with September generating the highest average revenue at $4,322 — more than five times the January low of $788. A secondary peak in May ($2,161) and sustained strength through October–November ($2,424–$2,760) suggest event-driven demand, likely connected to the University of Georgia's academic and football calendar.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Watkinsville

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 12 of 29 listings, followed by 6 three-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom properties. The relative scarcity of 2-bedroom listings — despite their stronger revenue and occupancy metrics — could signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Watkinsville

ADR scales sharply with size: 1-bedroom listings average $166 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $217, and 3-bedroom properties command $393. The jump to 3 bedrooms nearly doubles the rate, though investors should weigh this premium against the significantly lower occupancy those larger units experience.

Average RevPAN by property size in Watkinsville

Two-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $53 per available night, outperforming both 3-bedroom ($45) and 1-bedroom ($30) listings. This suggests 2-bedroom units strike the best balance between rate and occupancy, making them the most efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Watkinsville

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 25%, while 1-bedrooms sit at 18% and 3-bedrooms lag at just 12%. The notably low occupancy for larger properties indicates that while they can command high nightly rates, they book far less frequently — a consideration for investors prioritizing steady cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Watkinsville

Two-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $2,305, edging out 3-bedrooms at $2,154, while 1-bedroom units average $1,490. The modest gap between 2- and 3-bedroom revenue — despite a nearly $176 difference in ADR — underscores how the occupancy advantage of mid-sized units translates directly into income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Watkinsville

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom listings generate the most revenue at $27,669, followed by 3-bedrooms at $25,858 and 1-bedrooms at $17,889. For investors weighing acquisition cost against return potential, 2-bedroom configurations appear to offer the strongest revenue profile in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Watkinsville

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, followed closely by kitchen (97%) and backyard (83%), reflecting guest expectations for a private, home-like experience. Self check-in (76%) and outdoor living features like patios (66%) and outdoor furniture (72%) are also standard, while differentiators like hot tubs (14%) and lake access (7%) remain rare and could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Watkinsville's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Watkinsville's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but requires disciplined deal selection to generate attractive returns. The primary drag is a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — with homes averaging $738,258 and annual revenue around $20,225, the yield math is demanding unless you can acquire well below market. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, so pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on 2-bedroom properties can help tilt the odds in an investor's favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Watkinsville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Watkinsville, Georgia may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit from Oconee County or the City of Watkinsville. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar Georgia markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain subdivisions, so reviewing deed restrictions is an important step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Georgia are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel excise taxes on stays of fewer than 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but operators should confirm county-level obligations with Oconee County or a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Watkinsville's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest follows the 121% year-over-year listing increase. Seasonal demand spikes — particularly the September–November corridor — suggest event-driven bookings tied to the University of Georgia football season and fall activities, which could support ADR holding steady or rising modestly by 1–3%. Occupancy may face downward pressure as new listings absorb demand, so investors should anticipate market-wide rates staying in the 15–20% range unless demand catches up. Selective property positioning, especially 2-bedroom units with strong amenity packages, will be key to outperforming averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Watkinsville, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Watkinsville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Watkinsville is currently 18%, which falls below the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 25%, while 3-bedroom units sit at just 12%. This lower overall occupancy reflects the event-driven, seasonal nature of demand in the area rather than consistent year-round bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Watkinsville?

Airbnb hosts in Watkinsville earn an average of $1,685 per month and approximately $20,225 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary by property size: 2-bedroom listings average about $27,669 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in roughly $17,889. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with September alone averaging $4,322 compared to just $788 in January.

Is Watkinsville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Watkinsville carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers a premium ADR of $424 and strong fall-season demand, but average home values of $738,258 create a tight revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source deals below the area's average property price and capitalize on peak-season events are best positioned to see meaningful returns. Thorough due diligence on both deal pricing and local regulations is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Watkinsville is $424, which is substantially higher than the Georgia state average of $299. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $166 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $217, and 3-bedroom properties command $393 per night. These premium rates reflect the event-driven nature of demand in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Watkinsville?

Short-term rentals operate in Watkinsville, with 29 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permitting and zoning regulations may apply, and requirements can change. Investors should check with the City of Watkinsville and Oconee County for the latest rules regarding business licenses, STR permits, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Watkinsville?

Peak season in Watkinsville runs from September through November, with September averaging $4,322 in monthly revenue — more than five times the January low of $788. October ($2,424) and November ($2,760) also perform well above the annual average. May sees a secondary bump at $2,161. This pattern strongly suggests event-driven demand, likely tied to University of Georgia football season and fall tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Watkinsville?

There are currently 29 active Airbnb listings in Watkinsville as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 121% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 12 one-bedroom, 5 two-bedroom, and 6 three-bedroom listings make up the inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Watkinsville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Watkinsville are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like September's $4,322 average) and slower months (like January's $788). 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 Watkinsville, GA 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 supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue
• 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 market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as the market evolves. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.