Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Fort Walton Beach? 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 Fort Walton Beach:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Fort Walton Beach?
The short-term rental market in Fort Walton Beach 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 $2,987 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $5,171 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $7,902+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,491
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Fort Walton Beach
The market in Fort Walton Beach 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 37% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 62% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 80%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 17%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Fort Walton Beach
Daily rates in Fort Walton Beach 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 $248 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $335 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $435+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $175
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Fort Walton Beach
Peak Season (June, July, May)
- Revenue peaks at $6409.45 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 57.76%
- Daily rates average $350.67
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3811.13 per month
- Occupancy maintains 40.67%
- Daily rates hold at $271.50
Low Season (November, January, December)
- Revenue drops to $1629.30 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 26.36%
- Daily rates adjust to $209.20
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Fort Walton Beach in 2025?
Yes! Fort Walton Beach demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 41% and strong monthly revenue averaging $3811 and As a mature market with 2184 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. 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 Fort Walton Beach
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Okaloosa Island | A beautiful barrier island with stunning white-sand beaches, perfect for families and beach lovers. Its laid-back atmosphere and proximity to Fort Walton Beach make it a desirable destination for vacationers. | Okaloosa Island Pier, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Santa Rosa Island, John Beasley Park, Beach Access Points |
| Downtown Fort Walton Beach | A vibrant area with a mix of local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Its charm and community events attract both residents and visitors looking for a unique experience. | Fort Walton Beach Landing Park, Emerald Coast Science Center, local dining options, festivals and events, Historic downtown shops |
| Destin | Famous for its emerald green waters and sugar-white beaches, Destin is a top vacation destination. Its proximity to Fort Walton Beach and plethora of tourist activities make it an ideal spot for Airbnb hosting. | Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park, Destin Commons, Fishing and boating activities |
| Santa Rosa Beach | Part of South Walton, this area offers a charming coastal community vibe with upscale shopping and dining. It is popular among beachgoers and those seeking a serene escape. | Grayton Beach State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, fishing in Western Lake, local artisans and shops, beach access |
| Hurlburt Field | Home to the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, this area attracts military personnel and their families, creating a steady demand for short-term rentals. | Hurlburt Field Base, local dining options, proximity to beaches, community parks |
| Miramar Beach | Just east of Destin, Miramar Beach offers beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities, making it a popular rental location for vacationers. | Miramar Beach, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Gulf Coast eateries, beachfront activities, golf courses |
| Fort Walton Beach Community Park | Located in a central area and hosting various community events and festivals, this park area attracts both locals and tourists, creating a demand for nearby rentals. | Fort Walton Beach Community Park, local events and festivals, nearby shopping, play areas |
| Norriego Point | This scenic area at the entrance to the Destin Harbor is known for its incredible views and beach access, attracting those looking for picturesque vacation spots. | Norriego Point Beach, Destin Harbor, boating activities, fishing spots, scenic views |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Fort Walton Beach?
We recommend checking directly with Fort Walton Beach's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Fort Walton Beach
Gulf Front, 8 Rooms, Pool & Hot Tub, Pickleball
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Gulf Front, 8 Rooms, Pool and Hot Tub, Pickleball
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Newest Condo @ FWB - Direct Walk Out to Beach/Pool
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Gulf Front, 8 Rooms, Pool and Hot Tub, Pickleball
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Sea Turtle House-On Beach-Townhome-Kayaks/SUP
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Blu 207 ~ 4BR w/ Oceanfront Views ~ Beach Service
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Fort Walton Beach
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Vibe Vacations | 139 | $6,213,901 | 1796 | 4.12/5.0 |
| Vacasa Fort Walton Beach | 84 | $3,119,107 | 1279 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Easy Vacation Services | 55 | $2,565,105 | 1829 | 4.40/5.0 |
| Brooks And Shorey Resorts | 129 | $2,561,571 | 588 | 2.83/5.0 |
| Legacy | 84 | $2,472,459 | 983 | 3.57/5.0 |
| RealJoy | 49 | $2,394,027 | 893 | 4.51/5.0 |
| Team SD | 52 | $2,189,679 | 4572 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Vacasa Florida | 186 | $2,065,140 | 4557 | 4.50/5.0 |
| Bobby | 14 | $1,775,899 | 439 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Sugar Sands | 45 | $1,418,884 | 1000 | 4.47/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Fort Walton Beach
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 (97.6%), with apartment & condo and house properties comprising 98.8% of inventory
- Untapped potential in boutique & hotels, outdoor & mobile, others segments (1.1% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 2,184 properties in Fort Walton Beach shows that 2 bedrooms properties are most prevalent, making up 39.8% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom together representing 63.6% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 2 bedrooms (39.8%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (0.9%)
- Market concentration: 63.6% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 2,184 properties in Fort Walton Beach reveals that 8+ guests properties dominate the market, representing 38.4% of all listings. The average property accommodates 6.2 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 8+ guests and 6 guests make up 71.7% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 8+ guests (38.4% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 6.2 guests per property
- Market concentration: 71.7% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 2,184 properties in Fort Walton Beach, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (45.9% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 91-180 days (32.1% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (45.9%)
- Most common booking duration: 91-180 days (32.1%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 77.4%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 24.0%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
406 listings
20.4% of total
2 Nights
532 listings
26.8% of total
3 Nights
713 listings
35.9% of total
4-6 Nights
70 listings
3.5% of total
7-29 Nights
37 listings
1.9% of total
30+ Nights
229 listings
11.5% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 47.2%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 3.5% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (11.5%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 83.1% 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 30 Days
406 listings
21.3% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
110 listings
5.8% of total
Flexible
93 listings
4.9% of total
Moderate
529 listings
27.8% of total
Firm
400 listings
21% of total
Strict
365 listings
19.2% of total
Key Insights
- Moderate is the preferred policy at 27.8% of listings
- The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (32.7%) and strict (40.2%) policies
- Strong market consensus around Moderate policies
- Flexible policies are least common at 4.9% of listings
Recommendations
- Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
- Strong market preference for Moderate policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jun, May, Feb, averaging 89 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Sep, Aug, Dec, averaging 58 days
- Spring shows the longest average booking window at 81 days, while Winter has the shortest at 68 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Spring bookings at least 81 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Sep-Dec when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Fort Walton Beach
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Fort Walton Beach:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 98.5% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Canada (0.4%) and United Kingdom (0.2%)
- English is the top language at 82.3%, followed by Spanish (14.6%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 5.5%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Atlanta and Houston markets
- Develop localized content for Canada and United Kingdom
- 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 Fort Walton Beach. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet Beach | 73 | $5,404 | $458.66 | 41% |
| Alys Beach | 445 | $5,320 | $605.90 | 39% |
| Seaside | 597 | $5,193 | $701.47 | 35% |
| Seacrest Beach | 354 | $5,170 | $527.64 | 40% |
| Watersound | 83 | $4,738 | $411.58 | 40% |
| Rosemary Beach | 520 | $4,704 | $565.99 | 37% |
| Gulf County | 11 | $4,340 | $412.00 | 35% |
| Santa Rosa Beach | 2,768 | $4,183 | $453.34 | 39% |
| Port St. Joe | 568 | $4,122 | $450.38 | 38% |
| Cape San Blas | 87 | $4,014 | $464.72 | 37% |
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