Williston, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

46 / 100

Williston presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Williston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Williston, FL is a small, rural market in north-central Florida with just 34 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $18,036 per property. With an ADR of $157—well below the $498 state average—and occupancy sitting at 35% compared to 54% statewide, the market offers affordability but demands careful deal selection. Notably, the listing count surged 181% year over year, signaling growing investor interest that could intensify competition for a limited guest base.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 34
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $498 state avg. $157
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 54% state avg. 35%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $55
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,503
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $18,036

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Williston

Williston appeals to investors seeking affordable Florida property with low competition counts, though modest occupancy and revenue require disciplined underwriting.

Key investment factors

  • Low entry costs relative to Florida's broader market, with average home values around $517K and ADR at $157
  • Rapid supply growth of 181% YoY indicates rising investor and guest interest in the area
  • Larger properties (3 bedrooms) generate nearly $30K annually, outperforming smaller units substantially
  • Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios, backyards, and BBQ grills signal nature and recreation-driven demand
  • Small listing pool of 34 properties means individual operators can still differentiate and capture share

Expert Market Assessment

"Williston presents a competitive but challenging opportunity for STR investors. The market's 35% occupancy rate and $55 RevPAN lag well behind Florida averages, and three of the four ROI calculation factors score below average. However, the rapid growth in listings points to emerging demand, and 3-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $110—double the market average—suggesting that properly sized and equipped properties can meaningfully outperform. Seasonality is pronounced, with March standing out at $2,666 in average revenue while the September–October trough dips below $1,050, so investors need cash reserves to weather quieter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Williston's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Factor Williston Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Williston's ROI score of 46 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, indicating that while investor interest exists, the fundamentals require careful scrutiny. Revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend all scored below average, with only the supply/demand balance rated at an average level—reflecting the still-small listing pool relative to demand. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on higher-performing property types like 3-bedroom homes to improve their return outlook.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Williston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Williston, FL may be required to obtain a business tax receipt from Levy County and register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for a vacation rental license. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Williston's city administration and state authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to specific properties, so reviewing community covenants is essential before committing to a purchase.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rentals, which hosts are required to collect and remit. Platforms like Airbnb often handle state sales tax collection automatically, but investors should confirm county-level obligations with the Levy County Tax Collector.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Williston

Financing an Airbnb investment in Williston requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Williston Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Williston's short-term rental landscape is likely to see continued supply growth given the 181% year-over-year increase in active listings, which may put downward pressure on occupancy and rates unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in the February–April window, with monthly earnings potentially ranging from roughly $1,000 to $2,700 depending on the time of year. Investors should anticipate occupancy remaining in the 33–38% range market-wide and plan for meaningful off-season softness from August through November. Targeting larger 3-bedroom properties, which currently command the strongest RevPAN, could help offset some of the market's below-average performance metrics."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Williston, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Williston?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Williston is currently 35%, which trails the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average 26%, 2-bedrooms hit 42%, and 3-bedroom properties lead at 50%. Investors targeting larger properties will generally see more consistent bookings.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Williston?
Airbnb hosts in Williston earn an average of $1,503 per month and approximately $18,036 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary considerably by property size—1-bedroom listings average about $11,914 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in around $16,915, and 3-bedroom properties lead at roughly $29,880 per year.
Is Williston a good market for Airbnb investment?
Williston carries an ROI score of 46 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and growth trend all sit below average, meaning investors need to be selective with deal sourcing. That said, 3-bedroom properties show strong relative performance, and the small supply of just 34 listings leaves room for well-managed properties to capture outsized share. Pairing market data with on-the-ground regulatory and demand research is highly recommended.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Williston?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Williston is $157, substantially below the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $119, 2-bedrooms come in at $135, and 3-bedroom properties command $223 per night.
Are short-term rentals legal in Williston?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Florida, but operators in Williston should verify local requirements including any city or Levy County permits, business tax receipts, and state-level vacation rental licensing through the Florida DBPR. Zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and neighborhood covenants may also affect eligibility, so consulting local authorities and reviewing property-specific restrictions is an important step before investing.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Williston?
Peak season in Williston centers on late winter and early spring, with March delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,666. February ($1,748) and July ($1,891) also perform above the annual average. The slowest months are September and October, when revenue drops to around $1,037–$1,039, representing roughly a 60% decline from the March peak.
How many Airbnbs are there in Williston?
As of April 2026, there are 34 active Airbnb listings in Williston. The supply has grown dramatically, with a 181% year-over-year increase in active listings. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (15 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (10) and 3-bedrooms (7).
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Williston?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Williston 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 aggregate the remaining data into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower months like Williston's strong March and softer September. 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 Williston and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Williston's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

Browse Airbnbs for Sale

Explore active Airbnbs and STR-ready homes in Charlotte with verified income data.

View Properties

Connect with an Agent

Work with specialized agents who've helped investors acquire over $650M in STR properties.

Find an Agent

Connect with a Lender

Qualify for as low as 15% down on a DSCR loan using the rental property's projected income.

Find a Lender
Browse Airbnbs for Sale