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

Columbus Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbus, IN is a compact short-term rental market with 52 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $19,399 per property. With an average daily rate of $157—well below Indiana's $290 state average—and home values around $420,032, the market offers a moderate entry point for investors seeking revenue relative to acquisition cost. Year-over-year listing growth of 106% signals rising investor interest, though the small supply base means a few new listings can produce outsized percentage swings.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Columbus 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 Columbus

Columbus appeals to investors looking for affordable Midwestern entry points with revenue potential supported by its architectural tourism draw and regional business activity.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbus earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity tier—a market where healthy demand and reasonable property costs create a viable path to returns without the premium price tags found in larger metros. Seasonality is pronounced: monthly revenues climb from roughly $928 in January to peaks above $2,100 in August and October, then taper through the winter. Investors should plan cash reserves for the quieter January–March stretch while capitalizing on the strong May-through-October window that drives the bulk of annual income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbus

Average revenue by month in Columbus

Columbus shows clear seasonality, with revenues climbing from a winter low of $928 in January to a peak of $2,118 in August—a spread of roughly $1,190 between the slowest and busiest months. The May-through-October stretch consistently exceeds $1,800, making this six-month window the primary revenue driver for hosts in the market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbus

One-bedroom listings dominate Columbus's supply at 21 units (40% of all listings), followed by 12 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom properties. With only 6 four-bedroom listings active, larger properties remain relatively scarce, which could present an opportunity for investors willing to target that underserved segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbus

ADR in Columbus scales steadily from $70 for 1-bedroom units to $222 for 4-bedroom properties, with a notable jump between 2 bedrooms ($100) and 3 bedrooms ($178). The 3-bedroom tier offers the steepest price premium relative to the step up in size, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbus

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $58 per available night, outperforming both smaller units and the larger 4-bedroom category ($51). One-bedroom listings trail significantly at $23, indicating that smaller units struggle to convert their occupancy into meaningful nightly revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbus

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 37%, while 1- and 3-bedroom units both sit at 33% and 4-bedroom properties lag at 23%. The relatively narrow spread among 1- to 3-bedroom sizes suggests stable demand across most configurations, but larger homes may face booking gaps that affect cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbus

Three-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $2,971, nearly double the 2-bedroom average of $1,526 and more than four times the 1-bedroom figure of $648. Interestingly, 4-bedroom units average $2,124 per month—lower than 3-bedrooms—driven by their significantly lower occupancy rate.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbus

At $35,658 per year, 3-bedroom properties generate the strongest annual revenue in Columbus—83% above the overall market average of $19,399. Two-bedroom listings earn $18,322 annually, closely matching the market mean, while 1-bedroom units at $7,778 may be better suited as supplemental income rather than primary investment vehicles.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbus

Parking (98%) and a full kitchen (96%) are near-universal among Columbus listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent Midwestern market. Washer/dryer availability (83–85%) and backyard access (77%) also appear in the majority of listings, signaling that guests prioritize home-like conveniences—investors without these basics risk falling behind the competition.

Understanding Columbus's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Columbus's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting average marks across all four calculation factors: Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance. No single factor drags the score down dramatically, but none stands out as exceptional either—suggesting a balanced market without extreme upside or downside risk. Pairing this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting will give investors the clearest picture of whether Columbus fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbus

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

Permit Requirements

Columbus, Indiana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County authorities before purchasing or operating an STR.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Indiana municipalities can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some local governments also cap the total number of STR permits issued, so checking availability early in the due-diligence process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Columbus is likely to see continued seasonal strength from late spring through fall, with August through October historically generating the highest monthly revenues. ADR could edge up 2–4% as new hosts test premium pricing on larger properties, while occupancy is expected to hover in the 30–35% range market-wide. Investors who focus on 3-bedroom configurations—where RevPAN and annual revenue are strongest—should be best positioned to capture above-average returns, though the rapid supply growth warrants monitoring to ensure demand keeps pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbus, IN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbus?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Columbus, IN is currently 32%, which matches the Indiana state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 37% while 4-bedroom properties average 23%. Seasonality plays a significant role, so hosts who optimize pricing and minimum-stay settings during peak months can push occupancy above the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbus?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Columbus earn approximately $1,616 per month or $19,399 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average $7,778 annually, while 3-bedroom properties lead the market at $35,658 per year. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, guest reviews, pricing strategy, and amenities offered.

Is Columbus a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbus holds a Rabbu ROI Score of 62 out of 100, rated as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $420,032 and annual revenues near $19,399. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers, generating $35,658 annually. While occupancy is moderate at 32%, the affordable entry point compared to many Indiana markets and steady seasonal demand make it worth evaluating alongside your acquisition costs and operational plans.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Columbus is $157, which is notably lower than Indiana's $290 state average. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $70 for 1-bedroom listings up to $222 for 4-bedroom properties. This pricing structure keeps Columbus competitive for budget-conscious travelers while still offering meaningful revenue potential for larger, well-appointed homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbus?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Columbus, IN, but operators may need to secure local permits or business registrations and comply with applicable zoning rules. Regulations can change, so it's important to check with the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County planning departments for the latest requirements before listing a property. You'll also want to review any HOA restrictions that may apply to your specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbus?

Peak season in Columbus runs from May through October, with average monthly revenues reaching their highest levels in August ($2,118), October ($2,114), and September ($2,076). The shoulder months of April and November still generate respectable income, while January and February are the slowest at around $928 per month. Investors should budget for this seasonal dip and consider adjusting pricing strategies to maximize occupancy during off-peak months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbus?

As of April 2026, there are 52 active Airbnb listings in Columbus, IN. The market is dominated by smaller properties, with 21 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom listings making up the majority of supply. Year-over-year listing growth of 106% indicates the market is expanding quickly, though the small base means even modest additions can produce large percentage changes.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbus?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Columbus 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower months. 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 for the Columbus, IN market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and amenity prevalence data for competitive analysis

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. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may differ due to changing regulations, economic conditions, or property-specific factors. Local short-term rental regulations may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing or operating a property.