Bloomington, IN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bloomington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bloomington, IN presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity shaped heavily by Indiana University and the seasonal rhythms of a college town. With 346 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $25,057, the market rewards investors who understand its demand patterns — particularly the surge around fall move-in, football weekends, and graduation season. An ROI score of 59 out of 100 reflects solid revenue potential relative to property values, though occupancy at 21% sits below the Indiana state average of 32%, signaling event-driven demand rather than steady year-round bookings.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Bloomington

Bloomington's university-driven demand cycle, moderate property values, and above-average market growth make it an appealing option for investors who can optimize around seasonal peaks.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bloomington earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven by its balance of demand fundamentals and accessible property costs. Seasonality is pronounced — August leads with $3,225 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out at $1,056, a roughly 3:1 spread that underscores the importance of event-driven pricing. The market's strength lies in larger properties, where 5-bedroom units generate $57,320 annually compared to just $14,287 for 1-bedroom listings. Investors who target multi-bedroom homes near campus and optimize for peak university weekends will find the most compelling returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bloomington

Average revenue by month in Bloomington

Bloomington's revenue cycle peaks sharply in August at $3,225 and dips to $1,056 in January — a 3:1 seasonal spread that reflects the university calendar. The May–October stretch consistently delivers above-average monthly revenue, making this the critical earning window for STR investors in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bloomington

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 116 of 346 listings, followed closely by 2-bedroom (84) and 3-bedroom (83) properties. Larger homes with 5+ bedrooms remain scarce at just 14 total listings, which could represent an underserved niche given their outsized revenue potential in a university market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bloomington

ADR scales meaningfully with size, jumping from $124 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $342 for 3-bedroom properties and peaking at $454 for 5-bedroom homes. Interestingly, 4-bedroom units ($304) and 6+ bedrooms ($333) command lower ADR than 3- and 5-bedroom listings respectively, suggesting that the premium-to-cost trade-off is strongest at the 3- and 5-bedroom tiers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bloomington

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $82, well above the market average of $49 and roughly triple the $27 earned by 1-bedroom listings. The 2-bedroom through 4-bedroom range clusters between $56–$64, offering a more moderate but consistent revenue-per-night profile for investors seeking a middle ground.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bloomington

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 25%, while 1-bedrooms follow at 22% — both above the market-wide 21% average. Larger properties (3+ bedrooms) settle around 18–19% occupancy, which is lower but compensated by significantly higher nightly rates that drive superior total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bloomington

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $809 for studios to $4,776 for 5-bedroom homes — nearly a 6x difference. The jump from 1-bedroom ($1,190) to 2-bedroom ($2,019) represents the most accessible step-up for investors looking to meaningfully boost monthly cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bloomington

Five-bedroom properties lead with $57,320 in annual revenue, offering the strongest return potential in Bloomington and more than double the $24,235 generated by 2-bedroom listings. Four-bedroom homes at $40,354 annually also represent a compelling configuration, particularly for investors targeting group bookings during university events.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bloomington

Parking (99%) and kitchen access (91%) are near-universal in Bloomington listings, reflecting the expectations of guests visiting a car-dependent college town. Self check-in (75%) and workspace (62%) prevalence suggests a meaningful segment of guests who value flexibility and remote work capability, while premium amenities like hot tubs and pools remain rare at just 7% each — potentially a differentiator for listings that offer them.

Understanding Bloomington's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Bloomington's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics balanced by above-average market growth. The near-doubling of listings year over year signals growing investor confidence, while supply and demand remain in equilibrium. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and a clear strategy around Bloomington's pronounced seasonal demand patterns to maximize returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bloomington

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Bloomington, Indiana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Bloomington's planning or code enforcement department, as local STR regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Bloomington can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. Additionally, HOA covenants or neighborhood-specific overlays may impose further limitations, so it's important to review all applicable restrictions before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Indiana are generally subject to state sales tax and county innkeeper's tax on lodging revenue. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but investors should confirm compliance with both state and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bloomington's STR market is expected to benefit from above-average growth trends, with listing counts nearly doubling year over year (96% growth) suggesting rising investor interest. Seasonal peaks in August through October should continue to drive the strongest revenue, and ADR may edge up 2–4% as larger properties gain traction with group travelers. Occupancy rates are likely to remain in the 20–25% range market-wide, reinforcing that this is a strategic, event-driven market rather than a high-volume one. Investors who price dynamically around the academic calendar and IU events stand the best chance of outperforming averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bloomington, IN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bloomington?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bloomington is currently 21%, which falls below the Indiana state average of 32%. This reflects the market's event-driven nature — demand spikes sharply around university events, football weekends, and graduation, but quieter months bring occupancy down. Two-bedroom properties lead with 25% occupancy, while larger homes hover around 18–19%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bloomington?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bloomington earn approximately $2,088 per month or $25,057 per year based on historical 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average around $809/month, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $4,776/month. Peak months like August and September can push monthly earnings above $3,000 for well-positioned listings.

Is Bloomington a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bloomington scores 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from Indiana University's reliable demand cycle, above-average growth trends, and reasonable property values averaging $474,713. Investors who target larger properties and optimize pricing around the academic calendar tend to see the strongest returns, though the lower year-round occupancy means this market rewards strategic operators more than passive ones.

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

The average daily rate in Bloomington is $232, which is below the Indiana state average of $290. ADR varies widely by property size — studios and 1-bedroom units average $124/night, while 5-bedroom properties command $454/night. Three-bedroom listings at $342/night also represent a strong ADR-to-occupancy balance for investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bloomington?

Short-term rentals operate in Bloomington, IN, but local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning rules. The City of Bloomington and the State of Indiana may impose specific requirements on STR operators, including tax obligations. Investors should consult local authorities and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bloomington?

Peak season in Bloomington runs from May through October, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $3,225. September ($2,770) and October ($2,750) also perform strongly, likely driven by IU football season and fall events. The slowest months are January ($1,056) and December ($1,264), making the off-season roughly three times less productive than peak months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bloomington?

There are currently 346 active Airbnb listings in Bloomington as of April 2026. One-bedroom units make up the largest segment with 116 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (84) and 3-bedroom (83) properties. The market has experienced 96% year-over-year listing growth, indicating significant expansion in supply.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bloomington?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bloomington 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 for Bloomington, IN
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and popular amenities across active listings
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Individual results may vary significantly based on property location, condition, pricing strategy, and operational management. Local short-term rental regulations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with Bloomington city authorities before purchasing.