Waynesville, MO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Waynesville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waynesville, MO presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors, combining above-average revenue-to-price ratios with relatively affordable property values averaging $315,734. With an ADR of $157 — well below Missouri's $240 state average — and an occupancy rate of 37% that outpaces the state's 28% average, the market demonstrates that guests are booking at a healthy clip despite modest nightly rates. The small supply of just 33 active listings and 80% year-over-year growth in listing count suggest this is a market still finding its stride, offering early-mover advantages for investors who act thoughtfully.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waynesville 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 Waynesville

Waynesville's combination of low property acquisition costs and solid revenue relative to those costs makes it a compelling consideration for investors seeking cash-flow-positive STR opportunities in smaller Missouri markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 71 out of 100, Waynesville falls into the "Attractive Opportunity" band — a market where the fundamentals line up well for investors willing to operate in a smaller, less saturated environment. Revenue peaks convincingly during summer, with August topping out at $2,709 in average monthly revenue, while January dips to $992, creating a clear but manageable seasonal spread. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest earners at nearly $30K annually, and the overall revenue-to-price ratio sits above average for the region. The main consideration is the market's modest scale — at 33 listings, performance data reflects a smaller sample, so individual property execution matters more here than in larger metros."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waynesville

Average revenue by month in Waynesville

Waynesville's revenue follows a clear summer-driven pattern, peaking in August at $2,709 and bottoming out in January at just $992 — a nearly 2.7x spread. The shoulder months from March through May and September through December cluster in the $1,800–$2,000 range, indicating that while summer dominates, the market doesn't fully dry up outside peak season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waynesville

One-bedroom listings make up the largest share of supply at 10 units, followed by 3-bedrooms (9) and 2-bedrooms (6). The relative scarcity of 2-bedroom properties could represent a niche opportunity, particularly since they deliver meaningfully higher revenue than 1-bedrooms without the higher acquisition cost of a 3-bedroom.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waynesville

ADR roughly doubles from 1-bedroom ($85) to 3-bedroom ($169), with 2-bedrooms sitting at $114. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms adds $55 per night, making larger properties the clear premium play — especially when paired with their higher occupancy rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waynesville

RevPAN scales sharply with size: 3-bedroom listings earn $79 per available night compared to just $28 for 1-bedrooms, nearly a 3x difference. Two-bedroom units land at $48, offering a solid middle ground for investors seeking better returns without the full commitment of a larger property.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waynesville

Larger properties fill up more consistently in Waynesville — 3-bedrooms lead at 47% occupancy, 2-bedrooms follow at 42%, and 1-bedrooms lag at 33%. This pattern suggests that guest demand skews toward group or family travel, which favors investors who can accommodate more guests.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waynesville

Three-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $2,499 per month, while 2-bedrooms bring in $1,683 and 1-bedrooms trail at $1,069. The $1,430 monthly gap between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units underscores how much property size influences revenue potential in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waynesville

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom listings generate approximately $29,993, compared to $20,201 for 2-bedrooms and $12,833 for 1-bedrooms. For investors targeting the strongest return potential in Waynesville, 3-bedroom properties deliver the most compelling top-line revenue, though acquisition costs and operating expenses should be weighed alongside.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waynesville

Kitchens and parking are near-universal at 97% of listings, reflecting practical guest expectations in a smaller Missouri market. Self check-in (91%), washer/dryer (73–76%), and backyard access (70%) round out the essentials, while premium differentiators like hot tubs and waterfront access appear in only 3% of listings — signaling a potential competitive edge for properties that offer them.

Understanding Waynesville's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Waynesville's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential stacks up well against local property costs. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance score in the average range, which is typical for a smaller, growing market, while the market growth trend registers above average, reflecting increasing investor and guest activity. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research will help investors determine whether Waynesville aligns with their return targets and risk tolerance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waynesville

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

Permit Requirements

Waynesville, Missouri may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Waynesville and Pulaski County, as rules in smaller Missouri municipalities can change with relatively little notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA-level prohibitions in certain subdivisions. Some Missouri communities also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the number of non-owner-occupied STR permits available in a given area.

Tax Obligations

Missouri typically requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable local transient occupancy taxes. Major booking platforms often handle state-level collection on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm whether Pulaski County or the City of Waynesville imposes additional local lodging taxes that require separate filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waynesville's STR market is likely to continue maturing as supply grows from its current base of 33 listings. Given the above-average market growth trend and favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, we estimate ADR could hold steady or tick up 1–3% as operators refine their pricing strategies. Occupancy should remain in the 35–40% range, with summer months continuing to anchor revenue. Investors should watch how quickly new supply enters, as the market's small size means even a handful of new listings can shift the competitive balance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waynesville, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waynesville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Waynesville is currently 37%, which comfortably exceeds Missouri's statewide average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead at 47%, while 1-bedrooms average around 33%. These figures reflect trailing performance across active listings and can fluctuate with seasonality and local demand patterns.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waynesville?

Airbnb hosts in Waynesville earn an average of $1,960 per month or roughly $23,523 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings average about $2,499 per month ($29,993 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in closer to $1,069 per month ($12,833 annually). Peak summer months can push monthly revenue above $2,700, so property management and pricing strategy play a big role in individual outcomes.

Is Waynesville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waynesville scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential relative to property acquisition costs is favorable compared to many Missouri markets. With average home values around $315,734 and annual revenue averaging $23,523, investors can achieve meaningful yield — particularly with larger properties. The market is still relatively small at 33 active listings, so individual execution and property quality carry significant weight.

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

The average daily rate across Waynesville's Airbnb market is $157, which is notably lower than Missouri's statewide average of $240. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $85 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $114, and 3-bedroom listings command $169. The lower ADR is offset by the market's stronger-than-average occupancy rate, resulting in competitive revenue per available night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waynesville?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Waynesville, MO, though operators may need to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city. Regulations can vary depending on zoning, HOA rules, and any county-level requirements in Pulaski County. We recommend contacting local authorities directly to confirm current permit requirements and any applicable restrictions before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waynesville?

Peak season in Waynesville runs from June through August, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,709. July ($2,639) and June ($2,369) follow closely behind. The slowest month is January at $992, creating a roughly 2.7x spread between peak and off-peak months. Shoulder seasons in spring and fall still produce respectable earnings in the $1,800–$2,000 range, helping smooth out annual cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waynesville?

As of April 2026, there are 33 active Airbnb listings in Waynesville. The supply breaks down to 10 one-bedroom listings, 6 two-bedroom listings, and 9 three-bedroom listings. Notably, the market has seen 80% year-over-year growth in active listings, suggesting increasing investor interest — though the total supply remains quite small relative to larger Missouri markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waynesville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Waynesville 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, since each month draws on 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 Waynesville, MO market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and year-over-year listing growth data
• Home value data 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 capture very recent shifts in supply, demand, or local regulations. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and operational management.