Helena Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Alabama, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Helena in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Helena, Alabama, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Helena, based on AirROI data from September 2024 to August 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 18 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Helena, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Helena Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Helena Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Helena (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Helena 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 Helena is typically May, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Helena across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,967+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,793 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,874 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,779, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Helena
Helena Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Helena STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Octobersees 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 Helena:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 72%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 52% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 32%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Helena
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Helena (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Helena involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Helena typically peaks in June and dips lowest during February. 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 $383+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $302 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $232 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $188 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Helena
Get Live Helena Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Helena (2025)
Peak Season (May, October, August)
- Revenue averages $3,705 per month
- Occupancy rates average 46.1%
- Daily rates average $270
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,999 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 37.7%
- Daily rates hold near $258
Low Season (January, February, November)
- Revenue drops to average $2,134 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 30.3%
- Daily rates adjust to average $231
Seasonality Insights for Helena
- The Airbnb seasonality in Helena shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Helena's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,861, occupancy reaching a high of 59.3%, and ADRs peaking at $294.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,020, occupancy could drop to 28.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $227.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Helena.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Helena seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Helena (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Helena? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Hoover | Close to Helena, Hoover offers shopping, dining, and recreational parks. Attractive for those looking for a suburban experience with easy access to city amenities. | Riverchase Galleria, Aldridge Gardens, Hoover Met Complex, Hoover Parks, Local dining options |
| 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 |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Helena (2025)
While Helena, Alabama, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Helena to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Helena (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Helenabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
The Hillsboro House - Family Friendly with 4 BA
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Hillsboro Serenity
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Serenity & Spacious Living - Convenient & Comfy!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cahaba Cabana - Spacious 4BR Home w/ Fenced Yard
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Waterfront 3 Bedroom Executive Loft Suite
Private Room • 3 bedrooms
Waterfront Main Level - 3 Bedroom Suite
Private Room • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Helena (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Helena 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buck Creek | 8 | $195,277 | 31 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Game On Bnbs LLC | 2 | $86,985 | 111 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Ashley | 1 | $46,532 | 40 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Nathan And Dee | 1 | $42,283 | 52 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Hbh | 2 | $40,970 | 42 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Tara | 1 | $28,064 | 16 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Hope | 2 | $15,423 | 3 | Not Rated |
| Host #299597478 | 1 | $10,074 | 183 | 5.00/5.0 |
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 Helena.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Helena STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Helena. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsHelena Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Helena
- The Helena Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 55.6% of the 18 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 44.4% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Helena, House properties are the most common (50%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 50% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 44.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Helena Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Helena
- The dominant room capacity in Helena is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 44.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 72.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Helena, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 66.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Helena.
Helena Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Helena
- The most common guest capacity trend in Helena vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (38.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Helena STR market, accounting for 66.7% of listings.
- 66.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Helena.
- On average, properties in Helena are equipped to host 5.5 guests.
Helena Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Helena
- The most common availability pattern in Helena falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 61.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 94.4% 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 Helena (50%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 5.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Helena Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
12 listings
70.6% of total
2 Nights
2 listings
11.8% of total
30+ Nights
3 listings
17.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Helena is 1 Night, adopted by 70.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (82.4%) of the Helena Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (17.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Helena, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 70.6% of Helena hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 17.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Helena.
Helena Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
3 listings
17.6% of total
Moderate
1 listings
5.9% of total
Firm
11 listings
64.7% of total
Strict
2 listings
11.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Helena
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Helena is Firm, used by 64.7% of listings.
- A majority (76.5%) of hosts in Helena utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 64.7% market standard in Helena.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 11.8% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Helena.
Helena STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Helena
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Helena is 43 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 103 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 22 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (62 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (32 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (43 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Helena.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 103 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 62 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Helena averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Helena (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Helena
- Essential amenities in Helena that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, TV, Wifi, Carbon monoxide alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Washer, Fire extinguisher, Dryer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Helena: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, TV, Wifi, Carbon monoxide alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Washer or Fire extinguisher 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 Helena to stay competitive.
Helena Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Helena
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Helena consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Birmingham, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.6%) and United Kingdom (1.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (91.2%) followed by Spanish (8.8%).
- 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 Birmingham and Foley.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Helena 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bremen | 22 | $5,578 | $592.52 | 35% |
| Millbrook | 12 | $4,979 | $281.14 | 59% |
| Arley | 46 | $4,758 | $503.28 | 36% |
| Shelby | 12 | $4,345 | $296.87 | 49% |
| Houston | 13 | $4,108 | $543.95 | 35% |
| Cedar Bluff | 32 | $3,904 | $397.74 | 37% |
| Jacksons' Gap | 48 | $3,846 | $453.24 | 37% |
| Equality | 12 | $3,697 | $617.58 | 29% |
| Lookout Mountain | 75 | $3,681 | $322.89 | 49% |
| Crane Hill | 98 | $3,484 | $428.64 | 35% |