Airbnb started in 2008 and has skyrocketed in popularity as an alternative to hotels. The online hospitality service is a marketplace for authentic places to stay that connects travelers to local hosts. But how many people use it, and in what ways?

Take a deep dive into these Airbnb statistics and information to find out more about the company’s growth and impact.

How many hosts does Airbnb have worldwide in 2024?

  • There are 5.5 million hosts on Airbnb worldwide in 2024. (1)
  • There are over 7 million listings on Airbnb worldwide. (2)
  • There are 100,000 cities with active Airbnb listings.
  • There are 220 countries and regions with active Airbnb listings. (3)
  • On average, an Airbnb host in the United States brings in $14,000 per year. (28)

Airbnb History

  • The first Airbnb was listed in October 2007 by founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia. (4)
  • The iPhone app launched in the year 2010 with an instant book feature.
  • A year later, in 2011, Airbnb expanded internationally.
  • Airbnb hosted over 100,000 guests during the Rio World Cup.
  • In response to the COVID-10 pandemic, Airbnb stepped up in 2020 with Frontline Stays.
  • In May 2022, Airbnb unveiled their biggest update in ten years: the Airbnb 2022 Summer Release.

What Is Airbnb and How Does It Work?

Airbnb stands for Air Bed and Breakfast. In 2007, roommates Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky needed some cash, and they took advantage of a San Francisco design conference. Because people had booked all of the local hotels, they decided to buy three air mattresses and rent them out.

They started a website called AirBedandBreakfast.com and charged guests $80 per night to sleep on the air mattresses. They then took their idea to a bigger scale, eventually becoming the company we know today.

The Airbnb website operates as an online marketplace for people who are looking for accommodations. Airbnb connects travelers with Airbnb hosts who want to rent out their homes or other property. For guests, Airbnb gives affordable temporary housing options and sometimes fun activities. For hosts, Airbnb is a way to earn extra money.

After the 2008 launch, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia added Brian’s former roommate, Nathan Blecharczyk, to the operation. They shortened the name to Airbnb and, expanded their offerings to private rooms, houses, apartments, and more. (5)

To fund this venture, the three of them created special presidential-themed breakfast cereals. They sold 800 of these boxes at $40 each in two months. Afterward, they used their $30,000 in profits to start Airbnb. (6)

Airbnb isn’t too dissimilar to the way we operate our service. We match people looking for private jet charters with private jet owners.

When Did Airbnb Become Popular?

Airbnb quickly attracted the attention of other companies as well as investors.

Just one year after the operation began, it had over 2,500 listings and 10,000 Airbnb users. In 2011, Airbnb reached 1 million nights booked by users.

One year later, they reached 5 million nights booked in January 2012 and 10 million nights booked in June 2012. In 2019, Airbnb acquired HotelTonight for $400 million. (7)

Airbnb became especially popular when it expanded into Germany in 2011, which was the beginning of its world expansion. In 2015, Airbnb was the official supplier of alternative accommodation services for the Rio Olympic Games.

Is Airbnb losing popularity?

No. When the pandemic hit, travel restrictions reduced the number of guests booking stays at Airbnbs around the world. Thanks to a growing economy and a surge in domestic travel, Airbnb bookings are expected to jump 10.7% this year. (8)

Airbnb Growth Statistics and Facts

  • With over 265 million estimated users globally, Airbnb boasts a massive user base. (9)
  • In 2023, there were 448 million bookings made on Airbnb, reflecting a steady increase in user activity.
  • Airbnb’s revenue has continued to climb, reaching $9.9 billion in 2023. This marks a 19.2% year-on-year increase.
  • Having achieved profitability for the first time in 2022, Airbnb reported a net income of $4.7 billion in 2023, solidifying its financial health.

What Is Airbnb’s Current Valuation?

As of May 2024, Airbnb’s market capitalization is $92.89 billion, making it the 168th most-valuable company globally. (10)

Since the delay of the pandemic, Airbnb has experienced strong growth, with its first quarter of 2024 marking its most profitable ever. (11)

Has Airbnb Been Profitable?

  • In the twelve months ending March 31, 2024, Airbnb’s revenue reached $10.24 billion, reflecting a 17.6% year-over-year increase. (12)
  • Airbnb reported a net income of $4.7 billion for the same period, marking their second consecutive year of profitability.

Airbnb makes money by being the middleman between renters and Airbnb guests. Every time an Airbnb guest books the host’s property, the Airbnb host pays Airbnb a fee. Airbnb also adds service fees depending on the total cost of the guest’s stay. (13)

Four factors that affect Airbnb’s value number include:

  • The average number of guests per listing each year
  • The number of listings
  • The average rent per guest
  • Airbnb’s share of the profit

How Many Employees Does Airbnb Have?

Airbnb does not disclose the exact number of employees in 2024. However, estimates suggest there are around 6,132 to 6,907 employees. (12)

Airbnb Statistics by Region

  • The most popular cities on Airbnb in the world are Kuta Utara, Bali; Ksamil, Albania; and Barcelona, Spain. (13)
  • Airbnb has listings in more than 220 countries and regions.
  • As of 2024, Airbnb has homes in over 100,000 cities. (4)
  • The cities with the highest number of commercial Airbnb listings include Kissimmee, FL, Miami, FL, and Austin, TX. (14)
  • People traveling abroad can enjoy handcrafted experiences with Airbnb hosts.

How Many Airbnb’s Are There in the US?

Airbnb has a massive selection of places to stay, with over 7.7 million listings worldwide. Back in 2021, there were already more than 2 million listings just in North America. (1)

What Are The Most Popular Destinations On Airbnb?

In the United States (according to statistics from June 2023), the most popular cities for Airbnb were:

  • Louisville, Kentucky
  • Laconia, New Hampshire
  • Lexington, Kentucky
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Panama City, Florida
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Surf City, New Jersey
  • Bolivar Peninsula, Texas
  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • North Topsail Beach, North Carolina (13)

The top international destinations for U.S. travelers in 2024 are:

  1. Mykonos, Greece
  2. Niagara Falls, Canada
  3. Interlaken, Switzerland
  4. Amalfi, Italy
  5. Florence, Italy
  6. Bangkok, Thailand
  7. Sorrento, Italy
  8. Toronto, Canada
  9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  10. Banff, Canada

What Is Airbnb’s Economic Impact ?

Airbnb travel contributed significantly to the US economy in 2023, generating $85 billion in economic activity. This translates to supporting one million jobs and bringing in $24 billion in tax revenue.

Airbnb hosts also benefited, earning over $24 billion in supplemental income. The economic impact spreads across various sectors, including lodging, restaurants, transportation, and even the businesses that supply Airbnb itself. (15)

What Cities Have Banned Airbnb?

With Airbnb’s boom in popularity, some city and state governments foresee issues with tenant-landlord relations. They also fear the effect of travelers on residential neighborhoods. After some research on the impacts of Airbnb and analyzing information, some regions have created laws and regulations about short-term rentals. Some of the cities with strict policies regarding Airbnb due to Airbnb statistics are:

  • Paris. Paris official Ian Brossat criticized services like Airbnb for displacing city natives. In 2015, the government cracked down on people setting up second apartments as short-term rental units. In 2017, they required landlords to register their home before displaying an ad on Airbnb.
  • Barcelona. Barcelona requires hosts to have a license to list a home on Airbnb. They have fined Airbnb in both 2015 and 2016 for listing apartments without a license.
  • Berlin. German officials have banned short-term rentals unless they have permission from the senate. They place some blame on Airbnb for housing shortages and increased rents in Berlin. However, the law was overturned in 2018. Now, owners can rent out their primary homes after getting a permit from city officials.
  • Amsterdam. Amsterdam and Airbnb started working together in 2015 to collect tourist tax and inform hosts of regulations. In 2018, the city toughened the rules by cutting the rental limit in half to 30 days a year. Since 2021, hosts need permits and registrations, and face fines for breaking the stricter regulations.
  • New York. In New York City, it’s illegal to rent your whole apartment to visitors for less than 30 days. You can only share your place with a maximum of two guests if you’re also staying there. This law aimed to crack down on unregulated short-term rentals. Airbnb fought it in court but lost, and the city started enforcing it in September 2023. This could mean many Airbnb listings disappearing. (16)

What Cities Have the Highest Occupancy Rates in the U.S.?

Higher occupancy rates don’t always equal the most revenue. However, the statistics show that the top 20 cities for Airbnb based on occupancy data are:

  1. New York City, NY
  2. Los Angeles, CA
  3. Kissimmee, FL
  4. Atlanta, GA
  5. Houston, TX
  6. Las Vegas, NV
  7. Austin, TX
  8. San Diego, CA
  9. Miami, FL
  10. Washington, DC
  11. Philadelphia, PA
  12. Chicago, IL
  13. Davenport, FL
  14. Orlando, FL
  15. Dallas, TX
  16. Panama City Beach, Florida
  17. Seattle, WA
  18. San Francisco, CA
  19. Nashville, TN
  20. Paradise, NV

In the United States, the average Airbnb occupancy rate is 48%. Cities with the highest occupancy rates tend to be vacation destinations. Some amenities that can increase occupancy rates include kitchens, fireplaces, and high-speed WiFi. (17)

A person looking for a rental place on a tablet

User FAQS and Airbnb Statistics

Airbnb stays often cost less than hotel stays, but both hosts and guests have some considerations before booking. Here’s a breakdown of some key statistics (18):

  • Cost: While Airbnb stays can be cheaper than hotels on average, the nightly price varies depending on location and amenities. The average nightly rate is around $80.
  • Host risks: One concern for hosts is property damage by guests.
  • Guest risks: Guests may encounter a property that doesn’t meet their expectations, or even encounter scams (though Airbnb reports that only 15.4% of guest complaints involve scams).
  • Host income potential: In some cities, renting out a room in a larger apartment can cover a significant portion of the rent, with Miami, San Diego, Philadelphia, and Chicago being some examples.

User demographics: Interestingly, in 2016, Airbnb had a slightly higher percentage of female users than male users.

What is the Average Airbnb Booking Rate?

The average booking rate sits somewhere between 0.30% and 3%. (19) A host’s booking rate is a percentage of how many guests booked their place after viewing the listing. A good booking rate comes in around 2%.

What Types of Accommodation Are Listed on Airbnb?

Airbnb has a number of different options for hosting you on your stay. You can use classic Airbnb, Airbnb for Work, Airbnb Plus, and Airbnb Luxe. On the classic platform, guests can choose from a number of living options:

  • Entire place. If you select this option, you do not have to share your living space, common areas, or bathroom with other guests. Guests who book this type of stay expect privacy, though you may still have a shared outdoor space.
  • Private room. A private room means that you may live in a house with others but have your own bedroom. An Airbnb host renting out one room of their home should provide information about the house rules, the shared spaces, and the number of other home occupants.
  • Share room. Travelers on a budget can choose to share a room. This means that you may sleep in one room with two or three beds open to other travelers. (20)

While booking, you will see an instant book feature. This means that as a guest, you can book a host’s property without going through an approval process. Airbnb also offers unique stays, which means you can stay in a non-traditional space such as a yurt or boat.

Airbnb for Work is available to companies looking to plan trips for employees. Hosts with good reviews, quality WiFi, workstations, and other facilities are likely to show up on Airbnb for Work. You can access these properties by toggling to the “work trip” section of the Airbnb website. It also helps for these properties to be located near public transportation or city centers.

Airbnb Luxe status applies to homes that offer amazing experiences to guests. Hosts have to not only provide a number of high-quality accommodations, but the vacation rental has to have activities and amenities. These homes go through a rigorous verification process, and there are more than 2,000 Airbnb Luxe homes around the world.

Can You Get Scammed on Airbnb?

Yes, unfortunately, Airbnb scams still exist in 2024. While Airbnb has taken steps to improve security, scammers are constantly adapting their tactics. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Bait and switch.

Scammers might use high-quality, stolen, or edited photos to make a property look much nicer than it is. They might also persuade you to switch locations last minute due to a fake issue. Trust your gut – if something seems off about the listing or communication with the host, don’t book it.

Off-Platform Payments

Airbnb strictly prohibits hosts from requesting payments outside their platform. If a host asks you to pay a deposit or fee with a third-party app or directly to them, report them immediately to Airbnb.

Fake Reviews

Scammers may create fake profiles with glowing reviews to make their listing seem more trustworthy. Always check the reviewer’s profile and look for reviews mentioning specific details about the property.

Phishing Scams

Phishing emails or messages may appear to be from Airbnb, but they’re designed to steal your login credentials or payment information. Never click on links or provide personal details in unsolicited emails, even if they look official.

How Safe Are Airbnb Guests?

Traveling solo is on the rise! According to Airbnb, solo travel bookings jumped by 33% in 2022, with a significant portion (one-quarter) of nights booked globally being for solo adventurers. To address this trend and ensure solo travelers feel secure, Airbnb has expanded its Solo Traveler Safety feature. (21)

This feature, now available in over 50 languages, provides solo guests with helpful resources and tools. They can browse expert safety tips and, importantly, share their itinerary with loved ones easily directly through the app. This gives solo travelers peace of mind, knowing their trusted contacts have their travel plans in case of emergencies.

For an extra layer of security, Airbnb also conducts background checks on US-based users, which applies to both guests and hosts. (22)

What Should a Host Consider When Purchasing a Property to Use as an Airbnb?

When buying a property for uses on Airbnb, hosts should consider the following factors: (35)

  • Property type. Decide whether you want a house, apartment, or condo, as well as how large it should be. Bigger spaces can bring in more money, but they may require more upkeep and get less frequent bookings.
  • Potential for profit. Airbnb offers a pricing tool that will help you find a pricing strategy for your place. You can change your rates based on demand and surges.
  • Location. Think about location factors that would make someone want to come to your property. You want it to be in a safe community, accessible, and ideally have nearby events or hotspots. You should also make sure that short-term rentals are allowed in the area.
  • Upkeep. Consider the cost of maintenance, taxes, mortgage, and insurance. Remember that Airbnb also charges a booking fee.

How Does Airbnb Affect Property Values and Rent?

  • Reduced Long-Term Rentals: Some studies suggest Airbnb listings can decrease the number of available long-term rentals. This limited supply, coupled with high tourist demand, can lead to increases in both rent and property values. (23)
  • Location Matters: Research indicates a stronger influence in areas with fewer owner-occupiers, suggesting a shift from long-term to short-term rentals. (24)
  • Neighborhood Disruption: A high concentration of Airbnb rentals can disrupt the character of a neighborhood, potentially leading to decreased property values for those seeking a quieter environment. (25)

What Should I Research When Choosing an Airbnb?

Choosing an Airbnb can be challenging. In some cities, there are hundreds or thousands of places to choose from, and they all offer different amenities and locations. You can sort listings on your Airbnb dashboard by the following factors after you enter a location:

  • Dates of availability
  • Number of guests
  • Type of home
  • Price range
  • Type of trip
  • Other filters such as amenities, number of beds, or number of rooms

You can look at the Airbnb map to determine the location of the listing and the nearby city attractions. However, for safety reasons, you cannot get the exact address until you book. When you are planning a trip, it helps to make a list of everything you need in your living arrangement. For example, make sure they are pet-friendly if you plan to bring pets.

Look carefully at the sleeping arrangements. While the listing may say it “sleeps five,” that doesn’t mean there are five rooms. They may have an air mattress, pull out couch, or sofa. Lastly, carefully read the rules and interactions section so that you understand how to check in and out and where the host will be.

Many listings include host recommendations for food, entertainment, and attractions. You can use those to narrow down your options based on the reason for your trip. If you want to cook your own food, you can ask your host about the kitchen area to see if they provide dishware, pots, and pans.

What Is Airbnb Plus?

Airbnb Plus homes offer guests everything they need for a comfortable stay. Locations that get an Airbnb Plus badge typically have:

  • Exceptional hosts
  • Stocked kitchens and bathrooms
  • Quality maintenance
  • Positive reviews
  • Working appliances
  • Immaculate upkeep

Airbnb must inspect Airbnb plus homes, and a host can only apply after receiving exceptional reviews from guests. Hosts hoping to reach this status should expect to put a bit more effort into their offering than just a bed and blanket. These homes have to pass a detailed review process before getting a badge. (26)

What Is the Telephone Number for Airbnb Customer Service?

The customer service number Airbnb is 1 (855) 424-7262. If you need to contact Airbnb, you can use the Airbnb number, send an email, or message @airbnbhelp on Twitter.

The customer service team responds quickly to all inquiries, whether you have a problem with your account, booking, or onsite concerns. You can also navigate the FAQ section on the Airbnb website to find answers to common questions.

Does Airbnb Use Cookies?

Airbnb does use cookies on their website for a number of reasons, including tailored advertising, customer support, and fraud prevention.

Airbnb User Demographic Information and Statistics

  • There are over 150 million global users with over 1.5 billion total stays booked. (27)
  • No recent data pinpoints a specific age group, but Airbnb caters to a diverse range, with solo female travelers, families, and digital nomads being popular demographics.
  • Women make up a slight majority of guests at 54%. (1)

How Many Guests Have Stayed With Airbnb?

The number of guests around the world that have used Airbnb since its creation is over 1.5 billion.

Who Uses Airbnb the Most?

According to Airbnb statistics by age, those that use Airbnb the most include:

  • 15 % between ages 18 to 24
  • 36% between ages 25 and 34
  • 23% between 35 and 44
  • 14% between 45 and 54
  • 7% between 55 and 64
  • 5% age 65 and older

Although it may seem the platform gears towards Millennial and Gen Z users, Airbnb has celebrated the growth of its senior citizen population as both guests and hosts. (1)

Sources:

  1. https://www.searchlogistics.com/learn/statistics/airbnb-statistics/
  2. https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-2024-spring-update/
  3. https://techreport.com/statistics/airbnb-statistics/
  4. https://news.airbnb.com/about-us/
  5. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/021815/how-make-money-airbnb-risks-rewards.asp
  6. https://medium.com/international-school-of-ai-data-science/airbnbs-unconventional-recipe-for-attracting-investors-breakfast-cereals-5b78e7827c04
  7. https://expandedramblings.com/index.php/airbnb-statistics/
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  10. https://companiesmarketcap.com/airbnb/marketcap/
  11. https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-q1-2024-financial-results/
  12. https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/ABNB/airbnb/revenue
  13. https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/top-trending-travel-destinations-right-now-on-airbnb-607
  14. https://hospitable.com/airbnb-statistics-by-city/
  15. https://news.airbnb.com/travel-on-airbnb-generated-85b-in-economic-activity-in-the-us/
  16. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/083115/top-cities-where-airbnb-legal-or-illegal.asp
  17. https://www.alltherooms.com/resources/articles/average-airbnb-occupancy-rates-by-city/
  18. https://muchneeded.com/airbnb-statistics/
  19. https://focus-digital.co/airbnb-conversion-rates-by-location-price/
  20. https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/317
  21. https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-expands-safety-product-to-help-solo-travelers-as-solo-travel-surges/
  22. https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1308
  23. https://firstequityfundingllc.com/3-ways-airbnb-affecting-real-estate-investments/
  24. https://www.airdna.co/blog/17-short-term-rental-trends-to-watch-in-2024
  25. https://marketscale.com/industries/architecture-and-design/the-airbnb-effect-on-americas-housing-market/
  26. https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3493
  27. https://photoaid.com/blog/airbnb-statistics/
  28. https://www.rubyhome.com/blog/airbnb-stats/