Alton, IL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Alton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Alton, IL stands out as a compelling short-term rental market where affordable home prices meet above-average returns. With an average home value of just $166,301 and annual STR revenue averaging $26,141, the revenue-to-price ratio is notably strong — earning the market an ROI score of 84 out of 100. At 36% occupancy, Alton outpaces the Illinois state average of 33%, and its $167 ADR comes in at roughly half the state average, keeping the barrier to entry low while still generating meaningful cash flow.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Alton short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Alton

Alton's combination of low acquisition costs, above-average occupancy, and a strong revenue-to-price ratio makes it an attractive entry point for STR investors seeking cash-flow-positive properties without major capital outlay.

Expert Market Assessment

"Alton earns a "Standout Opportunity" designation with a score of 84 out of 100, driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and solid occupancy stability. The market's seasonality is relatively gentle — March is the peak month at $2,966 in average revenue, while November dips to $1,519, creating a roughly 2:1 spread rather than the dramatic swings seen in resort markets. This flatter curve supports more predictable year-round cash flow, though investors should budget for softer months in late fall and winter. With only 23 active listings and a 40% year-over-year growth rate, the market is still emerging, which presents both upside and the need to watch for supply saturation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Alton

Average revenue by month in Alton

March is Alton's strongest month at $2,966 in average revenue, while November marks the low point at $1,519 — a roughly $1,450 spread that reflects moderate rather than extreme seasonality. The warm-weather months from May through September cluster tightly between $2,259 and $2,649, giving investors a broad window of solid performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Alton

The market's 23 listings are concentrated in 1-bedroom (8 listings) and 2-bedroom (10 listings) properties, with the remaining 5 listings unspecified or in other configurations. The absence of larger properties (3+ bedrooms) in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer more space.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Alton

Two-bedroom properties command an ADR of $185 compared to $107 for 1-bedrooms — a 73% premium that reflects meaningful pricing power for the extra room. Given the relatively modest step-up in acquisition cost between these sizes in a market like Alton, the 2-bedroom configuration likely offers the stronger return on investment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Alton

RevPAN doubles from $31 for 1-bedroom units to $62 for 2-bedrooms, indicating that the larger properties not only charge more but convert bookings more efficiently relative to their available nights. This makes 2-bedroom properties the clear winner on a per-night revenue basis after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Alton

Two-bedroom listings edge out 1-bedrooms with a 34% occupancy rate versus 30%, suggesting that guests in Alton prefer a bit more space. While neither figure is exceptionally high, the relatively small gap between the two sizes means cash-flow stability is comparable, with the ADR premium driving the real difference in returns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Alton

Two-bedroom properties generate $2,611 per month on average — nearly double the $1,394 earned by 1-bedroom listings. This significant gap underscores how the combination of higher ADR and slightly better occupancy compounds into substantially more monthly cash flow for the larger configuration.

Average annual revenue by property size in Alton

At $31,335 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties represent the strongest earning potential in Alton, outpacing 1-bedrooms ($16,731) by roughly 87%. When measured against Alton's average home value of $166,301, even a 1-bedroom can produce a respectable gross yield, but the 2-bedroom format is where the math gets most compelling.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Alton

Parking is universal across Alton's listings (100%), and nearly all offer a kitchen (96%) and self check-in (91%), reflecting a guest base that expects convenience and self-sufficiency. Workspace availability at 78% suggests some remote-work or extended-stay demand, while premium amenities like hot tubs and pools remain rare (4% each), representing potential differentiators for new listings.

Understanding Alton's ROI Score: 84/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Alton's ROI score of 84 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the single most heavily weighted factor — along with above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance. Market growth trend scores as average, which is reasonable given the market's small size and emerging nature. Investors should pair these encouraging numbers with local regulatory research and on-the-ground property analysis to validate the opportunity before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Alton

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Alton. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Alton, IL may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Alton and the State of Illinois, as local regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Illinois municipalities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-level prohibitions that override local zoning. Investors should also check whether any permit caps or density restrictions apply in their target neighborhood.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Illinois are generally subject to state sales tax and may owe local occupancy or tourism taxes as well. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Alton can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Alton's STR market should continue benefiting from its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics and above-average occupancy stability. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue could remain elevated from March through September, with monthly averages in that window ranging from roughly $2,200 to $2,950. Listing growth of 40% year-over-year signals rising investor interest, so new entrants should monitor supply closely — though the supply/demand balance currently remains above average. ADR may see modest gains of 1–3% as the market matures, though individual results will depend heavily on property quality and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Alton, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Alton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Alton is currently 36%, which is above the Illinois state average of 33%. This suggests consistent demand in the market relative to its peers, and the rate has remained stable enough to earn an "above average" occupancy stability rating.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Alton?

Airbnb hosts in Alton earn an average of $2,178 per month and approximately $26,141 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies by property size — 2-bedroom listings average $31,335 annually, while 1-bedroom properties bring in about $16,731 per year.

Is Alton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Alton scores 84 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a "Standout Opportunity" designation. The market benefits from a strong revenue-to-price ratio thanks to average home values of just $166,301, above-average occupancy stability, and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 23 active listings. Low entry costs and steady demand make it appealing for investors focused on cash flow, though individual performance will depend on property quality and management.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Alton?

The average daily rate in Alton is $167, which is significantly below the Illinois state average of $319. While the lower ADR reflects the market's affordability, it's paired with above-average occupancy, resulting in a RevPAN (revenue per available night) of $60 that still generates meaningful returns given the low property acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Alton?

Short-term rentals do operate in Alton, IL, with 23 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can evolve, and hosts may need permits or licenses from the City of Alton. Investors should verify current rules, zoning requirements, and any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Alton?

Peak season in Alton is March, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,966. The warm months from May through September also perform well, with revenues consistently above $2,300. The slowest months are November ($1,519) and February ($1,587), though even off-peak performance remains moderate enough to avoid severe revenue gaps.

How many Airbnbs are there in Alton?

There are currently 23 active Airbnb listings in Alton as of April 2026. The market has seen 40% year-over-year growth in listing count, indicating rising investor interest. The supply is split primarily between 1-bedroom (8 listings) and 2-bedroom (10 listings) properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Alton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Alton are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy rate, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment yield context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location within the market, property condition, management approach, and pricing strategy.