Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Tuscaloosa? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Tuscaloosa:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Tuscaloosa?
The short-term rental market in Tuscaloosa shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $2,631 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $5,570 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $9,615+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,259
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Tuscaloosa
The market in Tuscaloosa shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 21% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 40% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 68%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 11%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Tuscaloosa
Daily rates in Tuscaloosa vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $334 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $540 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $889+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $205
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Tuscaloosa
Peak Season (October, November, September)
- Revenue peaks at $5952.38 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 35.53%
- Daily rates average $562.91
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4266.56 per month
- Occupancy maintains 28.96%
- Daily rates hold at $455.21
Low Season (December, July, January)
- Revenue drops to $2548.06 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 23.30%
- Daily rates adjust to $408.55
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Tuscaloosa in 2025?
Yes! Tuscaloosa demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 29% and strong monthly revenue averaging $4267 and With 295 active listings, the market shows established demand while maintaining room for growth. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Tuscaloosa
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| University Boulevard | A vibrant area close to the University of Alabama, perfect for hosting students and visiting parents during football season and events. | University of Alabama, Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, Alabama Museum of Natural History, Children's Hands-On Museum |
| Downtown Tuscaloosa | The heart of Tuscaloosa with charming shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Ideal for visitors looking to explore local culture and events. | Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, The Bama Theatre, Capstone Village, Local restaurants and breweries |
| Lake Tuscaloosa | A beautiful lake area popular for outdoor activities. Great for families and travelers seeking recreational activities like fishing and boating. | Lake Tuscaloosa State Park, Fishing and boating opportunities, Picnic areas and trails |
| The Strip | Known for its lively bars and restaurants, this area is popular with college students and young adults looking for nightlife. | Bars and nightlife venues, Restaurants, Live music events |
| Northport | A charming neighboring city of Tuscaloosa, offering a quieter atmosphere with easy access to Tuscaloosa's attractions. | Lake Nicol, Municipal Park, Northport heritage |
| Rosedale | A picturesque residential area close to parks and recreational facilities, suitable for families and those looking for a relaxing stay. | Rosedale Park, Local cafes, Community events |
| The Sokol Park Area | A recreational area popular for its parks and sports facilities, attracting nature lovers and families. | Sokol Park, Walking trails, Picnic areas |
| Crestwood | A suburban neighborhood with easy access to downtown and the university, ideal for families and longer stays. | Green spaces, Local shops, Family-friendly atmosphere |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Tuscaloosa?
We recommend checking directly with Tuscaloosa's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (1% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Tuscaloosa
The Saban of Sherwood with a private pool
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
5 BR - Lake Tuscaloosa - 9 acres w/ pool
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Highend Stadium View Home, Pool & Game Room Garage
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Bama Farmhouse
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
The Cottage at Lakeside Pointe
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Family Gameday Retreat! Large 4BR. 3 bath plus...!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Tuscaloosa
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim | 57 | $1,508,994 | 366 | 2.77/5.0 |
| Tanner | 11 | $770,274 | 221 | 4.07/5.0 |
| Cindy | 8 | $276,263 | 67 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Michelle | 1 | $212,268 | 7 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Carla | 3 | $191,010 | 79 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Golden Stays | 3 | $185,042 | 30 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Scott | 1 | $168,188 | 10 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Barden | 8 | $142,764 | 625 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Minda | 1 | $127,016 | 13 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Sara | 1 | $125,399 | 12 | 4.92/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Tuscaloosa
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (89.2%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 88.8% of inventory
- Untapped potential in outdoor & mobile, unique stays, others segments (3.7% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 295 properties in Tuscaloosa shows that 3 bedrooms properties are most prevalent, making up 32.2% of the market. The market tends to favor larger properties, with 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms together representing 58.3% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 3 bedrooms (32.2%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (6.4%)
- Market concentration: 58.3% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors larger properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 295 properties in Tuscaloosa reveals that 8+ guests properties dominate the market, representing 33.6% of all listings. The average property accommodates 5.8 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 8+ guests and 6 guests make up 62.0% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 8+ guests (33.6% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.3% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 5.8 guests per property
- Market concentration: 62.0% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 295 properties in Tuscaloosa, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (63.7% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 31-90 days (42.7% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (63.7%)
- Most common booking duration: 31-90 days (42.7%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 84.4%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 16.3%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
74 listings
29.7% of total
2 Nights
139 listings
55.8% of total
3 Nights
9 listings
3.6% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
0.8% of total
30+ Nights
25 listings
10% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 85.5%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 0% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (10%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 89.1% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Super Strict 60 Days
13 listings
5.8% of total
Flexible
24 listings
10.7% of total
Moderate
35 listings
15.6% of total
Firm
65 listings
29% of total
Strict
87 listings
38.8% of total
Key Insights
- Strict is the preferred policy at 38.8% of listings
- Stricter policies (Firm & Strict) dominate at 67.8% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Strict policies
- Super Strict 60 Days policies are least common at 5.8% of listings
Recommendations
- The market supports stricter policies, with 67.8% using Firm or Strict terms
- Strong market preference for Strict policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in May, Nov, Oct, averaging 100 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Feb, Jan, Jul, averaging 39 days
- Fall shows the longest average booking window at 84 days, while Summer has the shortest at 45 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Fall bookings at least 84 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Summer to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Feb-Jul when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Tuscaloosa
Every property in Tuscaloosa comes standard with TV, Air conditioning, and Wifi. Below shows the distribution of other amenities:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 98% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: United Kingdom (0.5%) and DC (0.3%)
- English is the top language at 86.9%, followed by Spanish (8.9%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 4.7%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Birmingham and Atlanta markets
- Develop localized content for United Kingdom and DC
- Prioritize English and Spanish language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Tuscaloosa. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millbrook | 10 | $5,637 | $254.98 | 59% |
| Bremen | 23 | $4,710 | $560.97 | 33% |
| Arley | 42 | $4,618 | $449.46 | 41% |
| Shelby | 12 | $4,353 | $323.50 | 49% |
| Crane Hill | 100 | $3,636 | $410.07 | 37% |
| Houston | 13 | $3,507 | $477.01 | 37% |
| Northport | 176 | $3,490 | $422.64 | 35% |
| Pike Road | 11 | $3,162 | $300.38 | 32% |
| Town Creek | 13 | $2,883 | $258.07 | 38% |
| Grant | 21 | $2,741 | $185.14 | 43% |
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