Waveland, MS Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Waveland Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waveland, MS presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity on Mississippi's Gulf Coast, with an ROI score of 66 out of 100 — placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio stands out, with average home values of $357,758 and annual revenue averaging $28,846 across just 42 active listings. A 33% average occupancy rate that beats the state average of 29%, combined with an ADR of $226, suggests healthy demand in a market that isn't yet oversaturated.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waveland 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 Waveland

Waveland's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and proximity to Mississippi's Gulf Coast beaches make it a compelling option for investors seeking affordable entry into a beach-adjacent STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"With a score of 66 out of 100, Waveland represents a solid opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its pronounced seasonality. July is the clear revenue peak at $4,013 per month, while January bottoms out at $1,271 — a roughly 3:1 spread that investors need to plan around from a cash-flow perspective. The market's strength lies in its affordable entry point and above-average revenue-to-price dynamics, which help offset the moderate occupancy levels. Investors who optimize for summer demand and manage expenses through quieter months can build a viable portfolio here, particularly with 3-bedroom properties that balance supply availability, occupancy, and RevPAN."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waveland

Average revenue by month in Waveland

Waveland's revenue cycle peaks sharply in July at $4,013 and dips to a low of $1,271 in January, creating a roughly 3:1 seasonal spread. A secondary spring bump in March ($3,297) and June ($3,451) reinforces that the warmer months drive the bulk of annual earnings, making summer optimization critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waveland

Three-bedroom properties dominate Waveland's supply with 16 of the 42 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 11. Four-bedroom homes are notably underrepresented with just 5 listings, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target that segment — especially given their high revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waveland

ADR in Waveland nearly triples from $111 for 1-bedroom units to $322 for 4-bedroom properties, reflecting strong group and family travel demand along the Gulf Coast. The jump from 2-bedroom ($192) to 3-bedroom ($238) is meaningful but moderate, while the leap to 4-bedrooms commands the steepest premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waveland

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $79, edging out 2-bedrooms at $70, because they balance solid daily rates with reasonable occupancy. Notably, 4-bedroom listings drop to just $47 in RevPAN despite their high ADR, as their 15% occupancy rate significantly undercuts their per-night earning power.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waveland

Smaller units fill up much more consistently — 1-bedroom properties lead with 46% occupancy, while 4-bedrooms lag at just 15%. This steep drop-off suggests that larger homes in Waveland are used primarily for peak-season or event-based stays, making cash-flow planning particularly important for investors in the 4-bedroom segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waveland

Four-bedroom properties earn the most at $3,718 per month despite their low occupancy, driven by their premium nightly rates when they are booked. Three-bedroom listings follow at $2,618 monthly, offering a more balanced profile, while 1-bedrooms bring in $1,104 — roughly a third of what the largest units generate.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waveland

Annual revenue ranges from $13,252 for 1-bedroom listings up to $44,617 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms landing at $31,418. Given Waveland's average home values of $357,758, the 3-bedroom segment likely offers the best blend of acquisition cost, occupancy reliability, and annual revenue for most investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waveland

Kitchens (100%) and parking (98%) are essentially table stakes in Waveland, while outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (88%), backyards (76%), and BBQ grills (74%) reflect the coastal lifestyle guests expect. Beach access appears on 45% of listings, and adding a pool (26%) or hot tub (10%) could help differentiate a property in this market where outdoor living is clearly a priority.

Understanding Waveland's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Waveland's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the earning potential relative to acquisition costs is stronger here than in many comparable markets. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all register at average levels, suggesting a healthy but not exceptional foundation. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow plan to determine whether Waveland aligns with their investment goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waveland

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Waveland, Mississippi may be required to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with the City of Waveland and Hancock County offices.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Gulf Coast communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions or community rules before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Mississippi typically requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable local tourism or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Mississippi Department of Revenue and local taxing authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waveland's STR market is expected to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with summer months (June–July) continuing to drive peak revenue and winter representing the softer stretch. The 63% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the market's small base of 42 listings means it still has room before supply becomes a concern. Occupancy rates should hold in the low-to-mid 30% range market-wide, with ADR potentially seeing modest increases of 2–4% if demand from Gulf Coast beach tourism remains steady. Investors entering now may benefit from positioning before the supply side catches up to growing traveler awareness of this stretch of coastline."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waveland, MS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waveland?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waveland is currently 33%, which is above the Mississippi state average of 29%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 46%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 15%. Seasonality also plays a major role, with summer months seeing the strongest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waveland?

Airbnb hosts in Waveland earn an average of $2,403 per month, or approximately $28,846 per year, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $13,252 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate around $44,617 per year. Peak months like July can bring in over $4,000 in monthly revenue.

Is Waveland a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waveland scores 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its standout feature — average home values of $357,758 paired with nearly $29K in annual revenue offer a favorable entry point compared to many coastal markets. Investors should factor in the seasonal nature of demand and verify local regulations before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Waveland is $226, which is below the Mississippi state average of $318. ADR scales significantly with property size, ranging from $111 for 1-bedroom units up to $322 for 4-bedroom properties. This pricing structure reflects the beach-market dynamics where larger homes command a premium for group and family stays.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waveland?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Waveland, MS, though operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can change, so it's important to check with the City of Waveland and Hancock County for the most current rules regarding STR licensing, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waveland?

Peak season for Airbnb in Waveland runs from June through July, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,013 per listing. March also performs well at $3,297, likely driven by spring break travel. The slowest months are January ($1,271) and December ($1,638), so investors should plan for reduced cash flow during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waveland?

There are currently 42 active Airbnb listings in Waveland as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 63% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties (16 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (11), 1-bedrooms (7), and 4-bedrooms (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waveland?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Waveland 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 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 Waveland market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market

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 performance through April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.