Fort Payne, Alabama Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Fort Payne, Alabama? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $19,894 per year — at a $181 nightly rate, 35.7% occupancy, and a $68 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 73 active listings, Fort Payne is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 65.9% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Fort Payne?
In Fort Payne, the headline Airbnb metrics are $19,894 in average annual revenue,35.7% occupancy, $181 ADR, and $68 in RevPAR, and guests book about 40 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Fort Payne?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Fort Payne is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Fort Payne is typically November, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Fort Payne across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,470+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,042 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,822 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $925, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Fort Payne
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Fort Payne?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Fort Payne STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Novembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Fort Payne:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 53% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 36%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Fort Payne
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Fort Payne?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Fort Payne involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Fort Payne typically peaks in December and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $251+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $189 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $145 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $121 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Fort Payne
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Fort Payne?
RevPAR in Fort Payne is currently $68. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $30 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $52 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $90 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $122 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Fort Payne
RevPAR Insights for Fort Payne
- The average RevPAR in Fort Payne is $68. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($122) and bottom 25% ($30) is $92, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Nov and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Fort Payne benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $52, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $90+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Fort Payne?
Fort Payne's peak Airbnb season falls in November, October, June, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (November, October, June)
- Revenue averages $3,178 per month
- Occupancy rates average 48.3%
- Daily rates average $182
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,235 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 37.7%
- Daily rates hold near $173
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,888 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 30.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $194
Seasonality Insights for Fort Payne
- Airbnb seasonality in Fort Payne is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Fort Payne's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,656, occupancy reaching 52.9%, and ADRs peaking at $199.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,811, occupancy could drop to 28.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $157.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Fort Payne need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Fort Payne, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Fort Payne?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Fort Payne, Alabama, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Fort Payne to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Fort Payne?
Fort Payne is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Fort Payne | The heart of the city with local shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. Ideal for visitors looking to explore local attractions and enjoy small-town charm. | DeKalb County Cultural Arts Center, Fort Payne Depot Museum, Local dining options, Nearby hiking trails |
| Little River Canyon National Preserve | A stunning natural area that attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Perfect for those looking to stay close to hiking, waterfalls, and panoramic views. | Little River Falls, Hiking trails, Wildlife viewing, Canoeing and kayaking, Scenic overlook points |
| Ida Coon Loop Trail | A popular hiking area within Fort Payne that appeals to tourists interested in outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Attracts hikers and nature lovers. | Trail access, Scenic views, Photography opportunities, Wildlife sightings |
| Noble Park | A picturesque park with facilities for picnics and outdoor activities. Suitable for families and anyone looking to enjoy a day outdoors. | Playground, Picnic areas, Walking trails, Sports facilities |
| VFW Post 8600 | A local venue known for hosting events and gatherings. Attracts visitors attending local activities and looking for a sense of community. | Community events, Local gatherings, Social activities |
| Fort Payne Golf Course | A beautiful golf course attracting golfing enthusiasts. Ideal for visitors wanting a combination of leisure and scenic beauty. | Golfing, Clubhouse dining, Scenic views, Tournaments and events |
| Caves at Desoto | An attraction showcasing beautiful caves and nature. Ideal for adventure seekers and those interested in unique geological formations. | Cave tours, Nature trails, Educational programs |
| Local Farms | Visit local farms for a taste of the countryside. Ideal for tourists looking for agritourism experiences and fresh produce. | Farm tours, Fresh produce markets, Farmers' markets |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Fort Payne offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Fort Payne?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Fort Payne
- The Fort Payne Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 98.6% of the 73 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Fort Payne, Outdoor/Unique properties are the most common (54.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 24.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like unique stays, hotel/boutique, others (combined 6.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Fort Payne Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Fort Payne
- The dominant room capacity in Fort Payne is 1 bedroom listings, making up 41.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 78.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Fort Payne, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Fort Payne Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Fort Payne
- The most common guest capacity trend in Fort Payne vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (27.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Fort Payne STR market, accounting for 47.9% of listings.
- 34.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Fort Payne.
- On average, properties in Fort Payne are equipped to host 4.5 guests.
How Do Listings in Fort Payne Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Fort Payne can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Fort Payne
- At 33.2 photos per listing on average, Fort Payne hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 32.9% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Fort Payne averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Fort Payne?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Fort Payne
- Essential amenities in Fort Payne that guests expect include: Heating, Air conditioning, Dishes and silverware, Coffee maker, Wifi, Hot water, TV, Smoke alarm, Bed linens. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Microwave are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Fort Payne: Heating, Air conditioning, Dishes and silverware, Coffee maker, Wifi, Hot water, TV, Smoke alarm, Bed linens.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Heating, Air conditioning, Coffee maker, Wifi, Hot water, TV, Smoke alarm, Bed linens.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Microwave to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Fort Payne to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Fort Payne?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Fort Payne, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SafeHigh opportunity | 6.8% | $64,244 | $16,633 | 286.3% |
Fireplace guardsHigh opportunity | 8.2% | $61,948 | $16,128 | 284.1% |
Indoor fireplace | 45.2% | $32,558 | $9,446 | 244.7% |
Ceiling fan | 63.0% | $25,539 | $10,276 | 148.5% |
Backyard | 56.2% | $26,912 | $10,902 | 146.9% |
Outdoor dining area | 61.6% | $25,475 | $10,924 | 133.2% |
Hammock | 13.7% | $38,559 | $16,931 | 127.7% |
Oven | 68.5% | $24,028 | $10,907 | 120.3% |
Patio or balcony | 69.9% | $23,684 | $11,109 | 113.2% |
Kitchen | 89.0% | $21,104 | $10,060 | 109.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Fort Payne
- Safe tops the revenue impact list with a 286.3% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $64,244 vs. $16,633 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Safe, Fireplace guards — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Kitchen — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Safe — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Fort Payne.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Fort Payne STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Fort Payne. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsFort Payne Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Fort Payne
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Fort Payne consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Huntsville, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 99.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (99.1%) and Brazil (0.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (86.6%) followed by Spanish (6.2%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Huntsville and Birmingham.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Fort Payne?
Listings in Fort Payne average 4.91 out of 5 overall, with about 70.2 reviews per active listing and 52.1% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Fort Payne
- With an overall rating of 4.91, Fort Payne listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.96), while Value (4.88) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 52.1% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Fort Payne Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Fort Payne
- The most common availability pattern in Fort Payne falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 57.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 84.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Fort Payne (31.5%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 17.8% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Fort Payne?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Fort Payne
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Fort Payne is 40 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 47 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 23 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (45 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (31 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (40 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Fort Payne.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 45 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Fort Payne averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Fort Payne?
Guests in Fort Payne stay about 3.4 nights on average, generating roughly 1,936 reservations and 26.5 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Fort Payne
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Fort Payne
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 26.5 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (5 nights) and shorten in Feb (2.7 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Fort Payne Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
21 listings
28.8% of total
2 Nights
31 listings
42.5% of total
30+ Nights
21 listings
28.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Fort Payne is 2 Nights, adopted by 42.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (71.3%) of the Fort Payne Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (28.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Fort Payne, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 42.5% of Fort Payne hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 28.8% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 28.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Fort Payne.
Fort Payne Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
1.4% of total
Limited
13 listings
17.8% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
9 listings
12.3% of total
Flexible
11 listings
15.1% of total
Moderate
9 listings
12.3% of total
Firm
17 listings
23.3% of total
Strict
13 listings
17.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Fort Payne
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Fort Payne is Firm, used by 23.3% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (27.4%) and stricter (41.1%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 23.3% market standard in Fort Payne.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Fort Payne.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Fort Payne?
Cleaning fees in Fort Payne are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Fort Payne
- 87.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Fort Payne. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($120) and median ($85) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 15.5% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Fort Payne median of $85. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Fort Payne Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Fort Paynebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Little River Retreat (Sleeps 32)
Entire Place • 10 bedrooms
Little River Lodge w/ Hot Tub (Sleeps 12)
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Hiking;Little River Canyon;Mentone;DeSoto Falls
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Crest View Lodge on Brow | Movie Theater | Wi-Fi
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Little River Lodge
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Wilson House with Hot tub (sleeps 10 )
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Fort Payne?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Fort Payne based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mentone Rental Cabin | 9 | $473,977 | 907 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Misti @ Peaceful Retreats | 8 | $216,774 | 98 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Elvis | 2 | $76,994 | 372 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Matt Hamilton | 3 | $67,431 | 295 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Delightful Retreats | 9 | $64,306 | 54 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Tracy | 2 | $63,585 | 152 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Natalie | 1 | $60,985 | 97 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Caleb | 1 | $50,204 | 47 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Emmye | 1 | $43,660 | 74 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Claire & Bryan | 10 | $40,844 | 1023 | 4.78/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Fort Payne.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Fort Payne?
Fort Payne is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Fort Payne
- With 89.0% Superhosts, Fort Payne has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 19.2% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 15.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 61.6% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 20.5% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Fort Payne averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Fort Payne
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Fort Payne, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misti @ Peaceful Retreats | 8 | $216,774 | $318 | 29.9% | 4.99/5 |
| Delightful Retreats | 9 | $64,306 | $217 | 21.0% | 4.82/5 |
| Claire & Bryan | 10 | $40,844 | $89 | 29.5% | 4.78/5 |
| Evolve | 2 | $11,724 | $174 | 19.6% | 4.96/5 |
Management Company Insights for Fort Payne
- The leading management company, Misti @ Peaceful Retreats, operates 8 listings with $216,774 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Fort Payne.
- Top managers average 7 properties each, suggesting professional management in Fort Payne still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.88/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 19.2% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Fort Payne's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Fort Payne Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Franklin, Fort Payne has 12 percentage points lower occupancy and about $126 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilmer County | 26 | $5,823 | $483.16 | 40% |
| Brentwood | 14 | $4,775 | $615.93 | 47% |
| Epworth | 77 | $4,680 | $425.77 | 39% |
| Fannin County | 44 | $4,507 | $464.80 | 36% |
| East Ellijay | 15 | $4,390 | $375.64 | 41% |
| Shelby | 13 | $4,243 | $336.88 | 45% |
| Waleska | 45 | $4,050 | $387.31 | 42% |
| Blue Ridge | 1,317 | $3,993 | $365.73 | 40% |
| Franklin | 399 | $3,827 | $307.47 | 48% |
| Thompson's Station | 33 | $3,768 | $332.54 | 42% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Fort Payne
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Fort Payne.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fort Payne?
Fort Payne hosts earn about $19,894 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $181 and RevPAR of $68. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Fort Payne, Alabama, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Fort Payne market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Payne?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Payne is 35.7%. November is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Fort Payne?
Listings in Fort Payne average $181 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Fort Payne?
Fort Payne currently has about 73 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Fort Payne?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Fort Payne as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Fort Payne?
RevPAR in Fort Payne is about $68. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Fort Payne?
Occupancy of 35.7% means Fort Payne is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $19,894, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Fort Payne?
The average booking lead time in Fort Payne is about 40 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Fort Payne?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Fort Payne include Downtown Fort Payne, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Ida Coon Loop Trail. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Fort Payne?
entire_home listings make up 98.6% of the active supply in Fort Payne. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Fort Payne compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Gilmer County posts $69,875 in average annual revenue with 39.7% occupancy, compared to Fort Payne's $19,894 and 35.7%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Fort Payne?
The average Airbnb stay length in Fort Payne is about 3.4 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Fort Payne?
Airbnb listings in Fort Payne average 4.91 out of 5 overall. About 52.1% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Fort Payne?
Safe and Fireplace guards are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Fort Payne. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Fort Payne?
Yes. About 87.7% of active Airbnb listings in Fort Payne charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $120. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Fort Payne?
A 89.0% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.