Whitwell, TN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Whitwell Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Whitwell, TN earns an ROI score of 79 out of 100—flagged as a standout opportunity—driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics. With just 27 active Airbnb listings, a 37% occupancy rate that tops the Tennessee state average of 29%, and an average annual revenue of $35,567, this small market offers investors an intriguing entry point. The average home value of $388,594 paired with strong ADR-to-price fundamentals makes Whitwell worth a closer look for those seeking less competitive, nature-driven STR markets.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Whitwell 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 Whitwell

Investors are drawn to Whitwell for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio, low competition, and nature-tourism demand that outperforms broader Tennessee averages.

Expert Market Assessment

"Whitwell presents a compelling opportunity for investors comfortable with a smaller, seasonal market. October stands out as the clear revenue peak at $4,593 per month, while February marks the trough at just $1,344—a spread that reflects meaningful seasonality tied to outdoor recreation and fall foliage. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are the market's strongest pillars, though average occupancy stability warrants attention as new listings enter. Overall, the combination of affordable entry prices and performance that exceeds Tennessee state benchmarks places Whitwell in strong territory for investors who optimize for seasonal demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Whitwell

Average revenue by month in Whitwell

October is the standout month in Whitwell at $4,593 in average revenue, while February bottoms out at $1,344—a roughly 3.4x spread that underscores significant seasonality. The summer-to-fall corridor from June through November consistently exceeds $3,300 per month, making it the core earning window for hosts in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Whitwell

Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of Whitwell's 27 active listings with 8 units, followed closely by 7 three-bedroom properties and 5 studios. The absence of 1-bedroom and 4+ bedroom listings could represent a supply gap worth exploring for investors looking to differentiate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Whitwell

ADR scales dramatically with size in Whitwell: studios average just $56 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $334—nearly six times more. The jump from 2-bedroom ($143) to 3-bedroom pricing suggests that larger properties capture a premium that may justify the additional acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Whitwell

Three-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $99 per available night, followed by 2-bedrooms at $77 and studios at just $13. The gap between studios and the larger configurations is stark, indicating that smaller units struggle to generate meaningful per-night revenue even when factoring in their lower price points.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Whitwell

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy in Whitwell at 54%, well above 3-bedrooms at 30% and studios at 23%. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow predictability, the 2-bedroom segment offers the most reliable demand, though 3-bedrooms compensate with significantly higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Whitwell

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $3,613, followed by 2-bedrooms at $2,463, while studios trail far behind at just $196 per month. The revenue differential between 2- and 3-bedroom units—roughly $1,150 per month—highlights the earning potential of larger configurations in this outdoor-recreation market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Whitwell

At $43,360 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties deliver the strongest top-line returns in Whitwell, outpacing 2-bedrooms ($29,562) by nearly $14,000 per year. Studios at $2,356 annually are unlikely to pencil out as standalone investments, reinforcing that this market rewards larger, amenity-rich properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Whitwell

Parking is universal across Whitwell's listings (100%), while kitchens (82%), pet-friendliness (78%), and washer/dryer combos (74%) round out the top tier—signaling that guests expect a cabin-style, self-sufficient experience. Outdoor amenities like backyards (70%), patios (67%), BBQ grills (63%), and lake access (41%) are also prevalent, reflecting the nature-driven appeal of this market and setting a high bar for new listings to compete.

Understanding Whitwell's ROI Score: 79/100

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

Whitwell's ROI score of 79 out of 100 places it in the 'Standout Opportunity' band, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio (weighted at 40% of the score) and favorable supply/demand balance. Occupancy stability scores as average—consistent with the seasonal revenue pattern—while the market growth trend rates above average, reflecting rising but still manageable listing competition. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and on-the-ground property evaluation to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Whitwell

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Whitwell, Tennessee may need to register or obtain a permit from local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Whitwell and Marion County, as well as the Tennessee Department of Revenue, before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Tennessee STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Investors should review any applicable zoning rules and homeowner association agreements specific to the property they're considering.

Tax Obligations

Tennessee imposes state and local sales tax as well as an occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and hosts should confirm whether their specific county or municipality levies additional tourism-related taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators are responsible for ensuring full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Whitwell's STR market is expected to continue benefiting from steady outdoor-recreation demand, with occupancy likely hovering in the 35–40% range and ADR potentially edging up 2–5% as supply remains tight. The 91% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, but with only 27 listings currently, the market still has room before saturation becomes a concern. Peak-season months like October could push monthly revenue above $4,500, while winter months may dip closer to $1,300–$1,800. These estimates reflect current trajectory rather than guaranteed outcomes, and investors should monitor listing growth closely."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Whitwell, TN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whitwell?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whitwell is currently 37%, which is notably higher than the Tennessee state average of 29%. Occupancy does vary by property size—2-bedroom listings lead at 54%, while studios average 23% and 3-bedrooms come in at 30%. This suggests that mid-sized properties tend to stay fullest in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Whitwell?

Airbnb hosts in Whitwell earn an average of $2,964 per month and approximately $35,567 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $43,360 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $29,562, and studios average around $2,356 per year.

Is Whitwell a good market for Airbnb investment?

Whitwell scores 79 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, favorable supply/demand balance, and occupancy rates that exceed state averages. With only 27 active listings, competition remains limited, though investors should account for seasonal revenue swings and verify local regulations before purchasing.

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

The average daily rate in Whitwell is $228, which is below the Tennessee state average of $309. However, ADR scales significantly with property size—studios average $56 per night, 2-bedrooms command $143, and 3-bedroom listings reach $334 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects the market's mix of smaller properties rather than a weakness in pricing power.

Are short-term rentals legal in Whitwell?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Tennessee, but specific regulations can vary by city and county. Operators in Whitwell should check with local authorities in Marion County and the City of Whitwell for any permit, zoning, or registration requirements. Tennessee also requires STR hosts to collect and remit applicable sales and occupancy taxes.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Whitwell?

October is the clear peak month in Whitwell, with average revenue reaching $4,593 per listing. The broader high season runs from June through November, with monthly revenue consistently above $3,300 during this stretch. February is the slowest month at $1,344, making winter the off-peak period for this market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Whitwell?

There are currently 27 active Airbnb listings in Whitwell as of April 2026. The supply breaks down to 5 studios, 8 two-bedroom properties, and 7 three-bedroom properties. Notably, the market has seen 91% year-over-year growth in active listings, signaling increasing investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Whitwell?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Whitwell 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Whitwell, TN market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks sourced from 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 performance and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.