Airbnb market data · 202512 months to September 2025
Helena, AL Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Helena brought in $26,163 over the 12 months through September 2025, across just 18 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
AirROI's latest figures for Helena run through September 2025.
The short answer
Helena Airbnb Market at a Glance
Listings averaged $274 a night and were booked on 41% of available nights.
October, the best month, brought in about 84% more per listing than January, the slowest. With only 18 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 18 active listings, Helena is the 86th-largest of 87 Alabama markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live Helena Airbnb market See Every Helena ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Helena?
Gross bookings per Helena listing averaged $26,163 over the 12 months to September 2025 (Alabama average: $34,976), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average Helena listing brought in $3,840 in October, its best month, and $2,090 in January, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 32% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
Across Helena's 18 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $5,050+ a month, about 1.9 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $3,760 or more, roughly $1,100 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $2,680 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $1,650 or less, about 62% of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
October earned about 1.8 times what January did
Average revenue per active listing, by month
Dashed: September left out, as the latest month's data looks incomplete.
Helena Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the September 2025 data.
October led on revenue and bookings; nightly rates peaked in June.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2024 | $3,843 | 59.3% | $240 | 45 days |
| Nov 2024 | $2,316 | 32.0% | $242 | 30 days |
| Dec 2024 | $3,253 | 38.7% | $244 | 50 days |
| Jan 2025 | $2,091 | 28.8% | $235 | 22 days |
| Feb 2025 | $2,228 | 30.9% | $231 | 24 days |
| Mar 2025 | $3,443 | 38.5% | $234 | 32 days |
| Apr 2025 | $3,149 | 39.0% | $234 | 57 days |
| May 2025 | $3,780 | 41.0% | $286 | 97 days |
| Jun 2025 | $2,993 | 34.3% | $290 | 103 days |
| Jul 2025 | $2,522 | 28.8% | $284 | 50 days |
| Aug 2025 | $3,172 | 36.0% | $280 | 37 days |
| Sep 2025* | $2,015 | 23.1% | $283 | 41 days |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in for stays in that month. *Sep 2025 is the latest month and looks incomplete: its occupancy sits well below the calendar months either side of it, as the latest month often does before late bookings are recorded. It may be revised and is not counted as a best or worst month.
These are market-wide figures. To see what one particular Helena home could earn, enter its address, bedrooms and guests in the Airbnb profit calculator; it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Helena Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Helena Airbnb took in $26,163 in the 12 months to September 2025, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $1,590 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money. A listing in the top quarter leaves about $2,250 a month.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any HOA or condo fees.
Helena Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Gross bookings | $26,163 | $36,680 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's fee15.5% of bookings, Airbnb's standard host-only fee | −$4,060 | −$5,690 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −$1,310 | −$1,830 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −$520 | −$730 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −$780 | −$1,100 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −$260 | −$260 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −$130 | −$130 |
| Management$0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | $0 | $0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | $0 | $0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | $0 | $0 |
| Total running costsAbout 27% of bookings | −$7,060 | −$9,740 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | $19,103about $1,590 a month | $26,940about $2,250 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Helena Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Helena's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Helena home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb income calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Helena's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Helena listings are booked on 48% or more of their nights, against 30% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $230 adds about $2,310 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $315 a night or more, against a median of $230. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about $2,620 a year.
- Open for the busy months. October brought the average listing about $3,840, against $2,090 in January, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about $3,060 a month, against $2,180 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Helena?
Helena listings were booked on 41% of the nights they were open over the past year, 4 percentage points above the Alabama average (37%) and in line with the U.S. average. Occupancy swings from 29% in July to 59% in October.
Across Helena's 18 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 70%+ of open nights, 40 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 48% or more, roughly three nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 30% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 18% or less, under two nights a week.
October was the busiest month in Helena, July the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month
Dashed: September data incomplete. The 12-month rate of 41% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Helena?
The average nightly rate in Helena, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $274 over the past year, about 22% below the Alabama average of $350 and about 14% below the U.S. average of $320. Rates peak in May and June at about $290 and bottom out in February and April at about $230.
Across Helena's 18 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $395+ a night, about 1.7 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge $315 or more, about $85 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about $230 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $190 or less, about 19% below the median.
June rates ran 25% above February's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month
Dashed: September data incomplete. The 12-month ADR of $274 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Helena
With only 18 active listings, the monthly pattern in Helena is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue peaked in October and bottomed out in January.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Helena?
Guests book Helena stays 44 days ahead on average (about six weeks). June stays are booked furthest out, about 103 days ahead, and January stays closest to arrival, about 22 days. A typical June booking is made in early March.
June stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay
Dashed: September data incomplete. The 12-month figure of 44 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Helena
None of the 18 active listings in Helena display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and occupancy-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the city or county before buying or listing in Helena.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Helena
AirROI's area guide picks seven Helena neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Downtown Helena, Lake Helena and Alabaster. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Helena | The heart of Helena with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. This area attracts visitors for its lively atmosphere and local events throughout the year. | Helena Amphitheater, Old Town Helena, Briarwood Cup Golf Course, Helena Performing Arts, Events at Helena City Hall |
| Lake Helena | A serene location by the lake, perfect for families and nature lovers. It offers outdoor activities and a relaxing environment, making it popular for weekend getaways. | Lake Helena Park, Fishing and boating activities, Nature trails, Picnic areas, Scenic views |
| Alabaster | A growing suburb nearby that offers shopping, dining, and family-friendly parks. It’s close enough to Helena while providing additional attractions for visitors. | Alabaster City Park, Brooklyn Park, Shopping at Alabama Adventure, Dining options, Local festivals |
| Pelham | Nearby Pelham features various recreational activities and is close to the Oak Mountain State Park. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to explore nature. | Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham Town Park, Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain Golf Course, Local dining spots |
| Greystone | A beautiful upscale neighborhood known for its stunning homes and golf course. Attracts visitors looking for a luxurious stay close to Helena. | Greystone Golf & Country Club, Shopping at The Summit, Nearby hiking trails, Gastronomic experiences, Exclusive community events |
| Mountain Brook | An affluent and family-friendly area known for its scenic parks and close-knit community vibe. It draws visitors seeking a cozy and upscale stay. | Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Mountain Brook Village, Local boutique shops, Dining experiences |
| Calera | A growing area south of Helena, known for its friendly community and access to attractions like the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, ideal for history buffs and families. | Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera City Park, Shopping options, Local restaurants, Cultural events |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Nearby markets
Helena vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 85 km, Crane Hill (85 km away) earned the most per listing, about 56% more than Helena.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoover 12 km | 44 | $19,349 | $154 | 39% |
| Bessemer 13 km | 38 | $26,873 | $213 | 39% |
| Tuscaloosa 63 km | 477 | $26,115 | $465 | 24% |
| Northport 66 km | 262 | $29,683 | $447 | 29% |
| Talladega 69 km | 69 | $16,583 | $191 | 28% |
| Lincoln 75 km | 32 | $21,215 | $246 | 30% |
| Jasper 82 km | 49 | $25,113 | $342 | 30% |
| Crane Hill 85 km | 108 | $40,745 | $445 | 34% |
Other Airbnb Markets in Alabama
- Gulf Shores Airbnb data 5,280 listings
- Orange Beach Airbnb data 4,378 listings
- Birmingham Airbnb data 1,064 listings
- Dauphin Island Airbnb data 623 listings
- Mobile Airbnb data 539 listings
- Huntsville Airbnb data 519 listings
- Montgomery Airbnb data 499 listings
- Auburn Airbnb data 494 listings
See all 87 Alabama Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Helena
Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Helena:
- Townsend Airbnb data TN · $269/night · 41.2%
- Mesquite Airbnb data NV · $279/night · 40.6%
- Manistee Airbnb data MI · $269/night · 41.4%
- Rincón Airbnb data PR · $276/night · 41.7%
- Branson West Airbnb data MO · $270/night · 40.5%
- Monterey Airbnb data CA · $279/night · 41.5%
FAQ
Helena Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Helena?
An active Helena Airbnb grossed $26,163 on average in the 12 months to September 2025, according to AirROI's tracking of 18 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $3,760 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Helena?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Helena listings earn between $1,650 and $3,760 in a typical month, and the top tenth $5,050 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Helena?
Listings in Helena were booked on 41% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 37% for the Alabama average. October was the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Helena?
The average booked night in Helena cost $274 before fees. Half of listings charge between $190 and $315, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Helena?
None of the active Helena listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and occupancy-tax rules with the city or county before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Helena?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Helena Airbnb grossed $26,163 in the 12 months to September 2025, 25% below the Alabama average of $34,976, though with only 18 active listings a single property can move that figure. Run by its owner, with everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, $19,103 a year (about $1,590 a month) is left before the mortgage or rent. A home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit, and a listing at the top-quarter mark leaves about $2,250 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Helena?
October paid best over the past year, at $3,840 per active listing, and January paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Helena?
Helena stays were booked 44 days (about six weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Helena?
Downtown Helena, Lake Helena and Alabaster draw the most short-term rental interest in Helena. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Helena?
AirROI counted 18 active Airbnb listings in Helena as of September 2025. The closest tracked market is Hoover, 12 km away.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 18 active Airbnb listings in Helena from October 2024 to September 2025 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. Money figures are in U.S. dollars. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.