Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Knoxville market averaged 2,645 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 7% from a year earlier and up 38% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

An average Knoxville listing earns $37K/year. High-performing listings earn $72K, while low-performing listings earn $16K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Median Knoxville home prices by size are 1-bedroom $196K, 2-bedroom $251K, 3-bedroom $351K, and 4+ bedroom $482K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Knoxville is 33%, producing RevPAR of $81 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Knoxville. Knoxville: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance, safety inspections. Enforcement varies by neighborhood with complaint-driven action.
Gatlinburg: Lenient. Business license and resort tax registration required. Minimal restrictions, tourism-friendly policies. Light enforcement focused on tax collection.
Pigeon Forge: Lenient. Business license and resort tax required. No occupancy restrictions. Tourism-oriented with minimal enforcement beyond tax compliance.
Sevierville: Lenient. Business license and resort tax registration needed. Tourism-focused area with light enforcement, primarily tax-related. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Knoxville Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Knoxville Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 12%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in June and July; it is lowest in February and January.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), Heating (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Lake Access (+61%), Washing Machine (+51%), Hot Tub (+47%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Knoxville is $267, up 19% year-over-year. Rates peak in June and are lowest in February.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Knoxville book an average of 36 days in advance, up 2% from last year. Booking windows range from 28 days for 1-bedroom listings to 48 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Knoxville?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 61% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.East Knoxville Area	$31.2K 39 listings	13.3% 39 listings
2.Northwest Knoxville	$27.7K 42 listings	13.2% 42 listings
3.North Knoxville	$31.3K 87 listings	12.9% 87 listings
4.Kodak Area	$45.1K 24 listings	11.9% 24 listings
5.South Knoxville Urban Area	$35.1K 101 listings	11.6% 101 listings
6.Deerfield & Cedar Creek Peninsula	$59.0K 20 listings	11.5% 20 listings
7.South Knox Countryside	$31.6K 43 listings	11.5% 43 listings
8.Outer Northwest Knox Suburbs	$45.2K 50 listings	11.1% 50 listings
9.Lenoir City Area	$42.4K 29 listings	10.8% 29 listings
10.Bearden & Rocky Hill Area	$38.1K 32 listings	10.6% 32 listings
11.Southwest Knox Suburbs	$42.0K 33 listings	10.5% 33 listings
12.Maryville & Alcoa Area	$33.6K 79 listings	10.5% 79 listings
13.Oak Ridge Area	$29.0K 43 listings	9.9% 43 listings
14.Fountain City & North Knox Area	$29.5K 34 listings	9.9% 34 listings
15.West Hills & Cedar Bluff Area	$39.5K 40 listings	9.1% 40 listings
16.Downtown Knoxville & Campus Area	$36.6K 120 listings	8.5% 120 listings
17.Southern Blount Countryside	$31.6K 24 listings	8.4% 24 listings