Whitesburg, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Whitesburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Whitesburg, KY is a micro-market tucked into the Appalachian region of southeastern Kentucky, offering an extremely small but emerging short-term rental footprint with just 13 active Airbnb listings. The average daily rate of $203 sits well below Kentucky's $333 state average, while the 29% occupancy rate slightly edges out the state benchmark of 28%. With average annual revenue of $15,204 per listing, this market appeals most to investors seeking low-cost entry points in a niche, nature-oriented destination rather than high-volume returns.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Whitesburg

Whitesburg's appeal lies in its extremely low competition, affordable property prices in eastern Kentucky, and seasonal outdoor tourism that supports summer revenue.

Expert Market Assessment

"Whitesburg represents a niche opportunity rather than a volume-driven investment. The 13-listing supply base means competition is minimal, but it also reflects limited traveler demand—annual revenue averaging $15,204 puts this market well below most Kentucky metros. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks at $1,852 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out at just $436, a more than 4x spread that requires careful budgeting. For investors with low acquisition costs and tolerance for seasonal swings, this market offers a quiet foothold in a region gaining traction with outdoor enthusiasts and heritage tourists."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Whitesburg

Average revenue by month in Whitesburg

Revenue in Whitesburg is highly seasonal, peaking in July at $1,852 and dropping to just $436 in January—a spread of over 4x. The strongest earning window runs from May through October, with revenue above $1,400 in most of those months, while the November-through-February stretch consistently underperforms.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Whitesburg

Only 2-bedroom properties have enough listings to report—5 out of 13 total—suggesting the remaining inventory is spread across other sizes in very small numbers. This limited data makes it difficult to compare across property types, but the concentration around 2-bedroom units signals that modestly sized homes are the market standard.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Whitesburg

Two-bedroom properties in Whitesburg command an average daily rate of $119, significantly below the market-wide ADR of $203. This gap suggests that larger or more unique properties in the market are pulling the overall ADR higher, potentially offering a premium pricing opportunity for investors with differentiated listings.

Average RevPAN by property size in Whitesburg

Two-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $39, reflecting the combined effect of a $119 ADR and 33% occupancy. While modest, this figure is useful as a baseline for cash-flow modeling in a market where acquisition costs are likely quite low.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Whitesburg

Two-bedroom properties maintain a 33% average occupancy rate, slightly above the market-wide 29% figure. This suggests smaller, more affordable units may attract a somewhat steadier stream of bookings compared to larger properties in the area.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Whitesburg

Two-bedroom listings average $1,351 per month, closely tracking the overall market average of $1,267. With limited size-segmented data available, this figure serves as the most reliable monthly revenue benchmark for investors evaluating Whitesburg.

Average annual revenue by property size in Whitesburg

At $16,220 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties slightly outpace the market-wide average of $15,204. For a low-cost Appalachian market, this annual figure could still deliver reasonable returns if property acquisition and operating costs remain proportionally low.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Whitesburg

Kitchen, parking, and self check-in each appear in 85% of Whitesburg listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations. Washer and dryer (77%) and a dedicated workspace (54%) are also common, signaling that guests expect home-like convenience—likely reflecting longer stays and remote-work appeal in this rural market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Whitesburg

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

Permit Requirements

Investors considering a short-term rental in Whitesburg should verify whether the city of Whitesburg or Letcher County requires a specific STR permit or business license. Kentucky does not impose a statewide STR registration requirement, so local rules are the primary concern—contacting the city clerk's office or county planning department is the best first step.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in small Kentucky municipalities include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. HOA or deed restrictions can also limit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so investors should review property covenants carefully before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky levies a 6% state sales tax and a 1% state transient room tax on short-term accommodations, and Letcher County or Whitesburg may impose additional local occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations are also being handled.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Whitesburg's STR market is likely to remain small-scale, with gradual interest driven by Appalachian tourism and outdoor recreation. Summer months—June and July—should continue to anchor revenue, and modest ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible if demand from remote workers and nature travelers grows. Occupancy may hover in the 28–32% range given the market's seasonal dynamics, so investors should plan for meaningful off-season dips when projecting cash flow. New supply is unlikely to flood the market given the town's size, which could work in favor of early entrants."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Whitesburg, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whitesburg?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whitesburg is currently 29%, which is roughly in line with the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies significantly by season, with stronger bookings during the summer months and softer demand through winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Whitesburg?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Whitesburg earn approximately $1,267 per month and $15,204 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with July being the top-earning month at around $1,852 and January the slowest at roughly $436.

Is Whitesburg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Whitesburg is best suited for investors looking for a low-competition, low-cost-of-entry market. With only 13 active listings and an average daily rate of $203, the revenue ceiling is modest but the minimal supply means well-managed properties can stand out. Investors should be comfortable with seasonal revenue fluctuations and plan for quieter winter months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Whitesburg is $203, which is notably lower than the Kentucky state average of $333. For 2-bedroom properties specifically, the ADR is $119, reflecting the smaller property sizes that dominate this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Whitesburg?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Kentucky, though local regulations in Whitesburg or Letcher County may require specific permits, business licenses, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should check with Whitesburg city officials and review any applicable HOA restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Whitesburg?

Peak season in Whitesburg runs from June through October, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $1,852. The shoulder months of May and September also perform well, while January and February are the slowest periods of the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Whitesburg?

As of April 2026, there are 13 active Airbnb listings in Whitesburg. This is a very small market, which means limited competition for hosts but also signals lower overall traveler demand compared to larger Kentucky destinations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Whitesburg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Whitesburg are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—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 results into 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 Whitesburg market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and aggregated for market-level insights

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.