Huntsville

As of May 2026, Huntsville, Birmingham, Chattanooga have 1,609 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Huntsville generates $26K per year. High-performing properties earn $47K/year, while low-performing properties earn $10K/year. The substantial $37K revenue delta suggests that earnings are heavily polarized, likely driven by property-specific appeal rather than broad market demand, as aggregate revenue experiences downward pressure.

Average home prices in Huntsville vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $112K, 2-bedroom homes average $170K, 3-bedroom properties are around $264K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $381K. These prices reflect median home values across the Huntsville, Birmingham, Chattanooga area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Huntsville, with an average gross yield of 10% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 19%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide spread in yield potential indicates that efficiency and revenue management are currently the primary drivers of investment performance in a tightening market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Huntsville is 35%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $182, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $51 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Huntsville, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $15K. These properties balance purchase price ($112K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Huntsville market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Huntsville area. Huntsville: Lenient. Business license required, zoning compliance needed. Minimal active enforcement, many operate informally. Birmingham: Lenient. Business license and sales tax registration required. Light enforcement, hosts commonly operate without full compliance. Chattanooga: Moderate. Business license, sales tax permit, zoning rules apply. Complaint-driven enforcement, some unpermitted operations exist. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Huntsville Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 18%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue despite stable supply levels suggests that existing inventory is struggling to maintain historical pricing power against shifting consumer demand.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak spring season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 32% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Huntsville listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (93%), Tv (90%), Washing Machine (89%), Heating (70%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Lake Access, Hot Tub, Bbq, with Lake Access properties earning approximately 36% more ($47K/year vs $34K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Huntsville over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $980, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Huntsville is $182, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $123/night, 2-bedroom properties average $151/night, 3-bedroom properties average $192/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $282/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Huntsville book an average of 28 days in advance, down 10% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 25 days, 3-bedroom: 28 days, 4+ bedroom: 37 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Huntsville Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 18%, occupancy fell 15%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 10%. These metrics reveal a market attempting to offset lower occupancy through higher rates, though this strategy is currently resulting in overall revenue attrition.

In Huntsville, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 44% higher occupancy than weekdays.