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

Carbondale Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Carbondale, IL earns an ROI score of 78 out of 100, placing it in standout opportunity territory for short-term rental investors. With average home values around $249,570 and annual revenue averaging $26,870, the revenue-to-price ratio ranks above average — a compelling entry point for investors seeking affordable acquisition costs paired with meaningful cash flow. The market is compact at just 50 active Airbnb listings, which keeps competition manageable, though occupancy at 31% sits slightly below the Illinois state average of 33%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Carbondale 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 Carbondale

Carbondale's low property prices relative to STR revenue, combined with a small but growing supply of listings, create an accessible entry point for investors looking to maximize their revenue-to-price ratio.

Expert Market Assessment

"Carbondale presents a solid entry-level opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its seasonal swings. Revenue peaks from May through November — with August topping out at $2,869 in average monthly revenue — while winter months like January drop sharply to under $1,000, creating meaningful cash-flow variability. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the market's standout feature, offsetting the below-average occupancy stability and making it particularly attractive for investors focused on return on capital rather than consistent nightly bookings. Pairing a well-amenitized property with dynamic pricing during high-demand periods is the clearest path to outperforming market averages here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Carbondale

Average revenue by month in Carbondale

Carbondale shows pronounced seasonality, with revenue peaking in August at $2,869 and bottoming out in January at just $961 — a nearly 3x spread that investors must account for in cash-flow planning. The May through November corridor consistently delivers above-average monthly revenue, making this stretch critical for annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Carbondale

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 21 listings (42% of the market), followed by 16 two-bedrooms and just 10 three-bedroom properties. The relatively limited 3-bedroom inventory could signal an opportunity for larger properties, though investors should weigh that against the segment's lower occupancy rate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Carbondale

Three-bedroom properties command the highest ADR at $175, while 1-bedrooms and 2-bedrooms are closely clustered at $140 and $134 respectively. The jump to 3-bedroom pricing represents a meaningful premium that can offset the higher carrying costs of a larger property.

Average RevPAN by property size in Carbondale

Two-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $55, outperforming both 1-bedrooms ($42) and 3-bedrooms ($37) by a significant margin. This makes the 2-bedroom segment the most efficient earner on a per-available-night basis, driven by its superior occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Carbondale

Two-bedroom properties lead with a 41% occupancy rate, well above the market average and nearly double the 22% posted by 3-bedroom units. For investors prioritizing consistent booking volume and cash-flow predictability, the 2-bedroom configuration offers the most reliable demand in Carbondale.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Carbondale

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest monthly revenue at $2,449, edging out 2-bedrooms at $2,045 and 1-bedrooms at $1,672. However, the gap between 2- and 3-bedroom monthly earnings is modest relative to the occupancy advantage 2-bedrooms enjoy, making both configurations worth evaluating based on acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Carbondale

Annual revenue scales with property size, from $20,064 for 1-bedrooms to $24,541 for 2-bedrooms and $29,396 for 3-bedroom listings. Given Carbondale's average home values around $249,570, the 3-bedroom tier offers the highest gross revenue, though investors should factor in lower occupancy and higher operating costs before committing.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Carbondale

Parking is universal across Carbondale listings at 100%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the area, while kitchens (92%) and self check-in (80%) round out the top three essentials. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios, BBQ grills, and backyards appear in 60% of listings, signaling that guests expect comfortable outdoor spaces — a baseline investors should plan to meet rather than a differentiator.

Understanding Carbondale's ROI Score: 78/100

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

Carbondale's ROI score of 78 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects strong earning potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability is the one area pulling the score down, rated below average, which aligns with the market's sharp seasonal revenue swings and a 31% average occupancy rate. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting to build a complete picture before acquiring.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Carbondale

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

Permit Requirements

Investors operating short-term rentals in Carbondale, Illinois should verify whether the city requires a specific STR permit or business registration before listing a property. Regulations can change, so contacting Carbondale's city offices or the Jackson County clerk is the best way to confirm current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Illinois municipalities can include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum night stays, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking requirements for guests. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so investors should review any covenants or association bylaws that apply to a prospective property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Illinois are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically. Investors should confirm whether Carbondale or Jackson County levies any additional lodging or tourism taxes beyond what the platform handles.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Carbondale's STR market is likely to see continued moderate demand driven by university-related travel and seasonal outdoor recreation. Monthly revenue data shows a pronounced dip in January ($961) before climbing through spring and summer, suggesting that operators who optimize pricing during the May–October corridor could push annual revenue 2–5% higher. With a 56% year-over-year increase in active listings, new supply may temper occupancy gains, so investors should focus on differentiation through amenities and guest experience. Occupancy is estimated to hover in the 30–35% range market-wide, with well-positioned 2-bedroom units likely outperforming that average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Carbondale, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carbondale?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carbondale is currently 31%, which is just below the Illinois state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 41%, while 3-bedroom properties average only 22%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should consider the 2-bedroom segment, which benefits from a balance of affordability and guest appeal.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Carbondale?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Carbondale earn approximately $2,239 per month or $26,870 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 1-bedroom units average around $20,064 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $24,541, and 3-bedroom properties lead at roughly $29,396 per year. Actual earnings depend on factors like location, amenities, pricing strategy, and guest reviews.

Is Carbondale a good market for Airbnb investment?

Carbondale scores 78 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Standout Opportunity" category. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values sit around $249,570 while annual STR revenue averages $26,870. The compact supply of 50 active listings and demand tied to Southern Illinois University and regional recreation make it an appealing option for investors seeking affordable entry with meaningful return potential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Carbondale is $157, which is well below the Illinois state average of $319. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom units average $140, 2-bedrooms come in at $134, and 3-bedroom properties command $175 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Carbondale's affordability-driven market, which also means lower acquisition costs for investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Carbondale?

Short-term rentals operate in Carbondale, IL, but specific permit requirements and local regulations should be verified directly with the city or Jackson County before investing. Regulations may include business licensing, occupancy limits, and tax registration. We recommend consulting local government offices for the most current rules, as STR regulations can evolve over time.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Carbondale?

Peak season in Carbondale runs from May through October, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,869. The summer and early fall months coincide with outdoor recreation activity and university-related events. The off-season dip is significant — January averages just $961 — so investors should plan for pronounced seasonal variation and price dynamically to capture demand during busier months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Carbondale?

As of April 2026, there are 50 active Airbnb listings in Carbondale. The supply has grown 56% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market. The breakdown by size shows 21 one-bedroom listings, 16 two-bedroom listings, and 10 three-bedroom listings, with 1-bedroom units making up the largest share of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Carbondale?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Carbondale 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 how effectively a host manages their listing.

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
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data from multiple providers combined and processed by Rabbu's proprietary analytics

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.