Creal Springs, IL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Creal Springs Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Creal Springs, IL earns a 77 out of 100 ROI score, placing it in standout territory for short-term rental investors. With just 19 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $42,478, this small Southern Illinois market offers an unusually favorable revenue-to-price ratio against average home values of $346,741. The area's strong lake and waterfront access — reflected in 84% of listings advertising those amenities — points to a leisure-driven demand base that keeps summer and fall months particularly productive.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Creal Springs 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 Creal Springs

Investors are drawn to Creal Springs for its above-average revenue relative to property costs, limited competition, and strong nature-based demand drivers that support seasonal cash flow.

Expert Market Assessment

"Creal Springs presents a compelling niche opportunity for investors comfortable with a small, seasonal market. Revenue is heavily weighted toward the warmer months — July leads at $4,844, while January dips to just $1,021 — so cash-flow planning needs to account for a roughly 4:1 spread between peak and trough months. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance help offset the below-state-average occupancy of 24%, making this a market where the right property with strong amenities can outperform."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Creal Springs

Average revenue by month in Creal Springs

Revenue in Creal Springs is highly seasonal, peaking at $4,844 in July and bottoming out at $1,021 in January — a nearly 5:1 spread. The productive season extends broadly from May through November, with six months above $4,000, giving investors a longer earning window than many comparable rural markets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Creal Springs

The Creal Springs market is concentrated in larger properties, with 6 four-bedroom and 5 three-bedroom listings making up the bulk of the 19 active units. This narrow size distribution may signal an opportunity for investors who can offer differentiated property types or unique configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Creal Springs

ADR scales modestly from $249 for three-bedroom properties to $292 for four-bedroom units, a 17% premium for one additional bedroom. Four-bedroom properties appear to offer the stronger pricing position, aligning with the market's appeal to family and group travelers visiting the lake area.

Average RevPAN by property size in Creal Springs

Four-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $65, outpacing three-bedroom units at $41 by nearly 59%. This substantial gap suggests that the extra bedroom meaningfully improves revenue efficiency after accounting for occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Creal Springs

Occupancy rates are modest across both property sizes, with four-bedroom listings at 22% and three-bedroom units trailing at 17%. While these rates sit below the state average, they're not unusual for a seasonal leisure market where peak-period pricing compensates for lower overall fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Creal Springs

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,528, roughly 27% more than the $2,784 earned by three-bedroom listings. This gap underscores how the combination of higher ADR and slightly better occupancy compounds into a meaningful income advantage for larger units.

Average annual revenue by property size in Creal Springs

At $42,342 per year, four-bedroom properties in Creal Springs generate nearly $9,000 more annually than three-bedroom units ($33,408). For investors evaluating return potential, the four-bedroom configuration appears to offer the strongest revenue case in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Creal Springs

Parking, outdoor furniture, and full kitchens appear in 100% of listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. The high prevalence of waterfront access (84%), lake access (84%), and BBQ grills (95%) confirms that this market caters to outdoor recreation travelers — hot tubs at just 16% could represent an amenity gap worth filling.

Understanding Creal Springs's ROI Score: 77/100

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

Creal Springs earns a 77 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it firmly in the "Standout Opportunity" band. The score is driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance, with occupancy stability and market growth trend each rated as average. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and seasonal cash-flow modeling to ensure the opportunity fits their investment timeline.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Creal Springs

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Creal Springs, Illinois may be required to obtain local permits or register their property with Williamson County or municipal authorities. Investors should verify current STR licensing requirements directly with the village or county clerk before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Illinois communities can include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking standards. HOA covenants may also impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Illinois generally requires STR operators to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the Illinois Department of Revenue and any applicable local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Creal Springs is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated from May through November, with monthly revenues estimated in the $3,800–$4,800 range during peak periods. Active listings grew 65% year-over-year, suggesting rising investor interest, though occupancy (currently 24%) may stay in the low-to-mid 20s as new supply enters the market. ADR could edge upward by 2–4% if the area's waterfront appeal keeps attracting weekend and vacation travelers, but investors should factor in meaningful winter softness when modeling annual returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Creal Springs, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Creal Springs?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Creal Springs is currently 24%, which falls below the Illinois state average of 33%. This lower occupancy is typical of a small, leisure-oriented market with strong seasonal swings — properties tend to fill up during warmer months and see considerably less demand in winter. Four-bedroom properties tend to perform slightly better at 22% compared to 17% for three-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Creal Springs?

Airbnb hosts in Creal Springs earn an average of $3,539 per month, which translates to approximately $42,478 annually based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Four-bedroom properties lead at around $42,342 per year, while three-bedroom units average $33,408. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $4,800, though winter months may drop below $1,400.

Is Creal Springs a good market for Airbnb investment?

Creal Springs scores a 77 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Standout Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 19 active listings. Investors should be aware of seasonal fluctuations and the below-average occupancy rate, but the combination of low competition and waterfront appeal makes it an attractive option for those seeking a nature-focused vacation rental market.

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

The average daily rate in Creal Springs is $290, slightly below the Illinois state average of $319. ADR varies by property size: three-bedroom listings average $249 per night, while four-bedroom properties command $292. This pricing reflects the market's positioning as an affordable lakeside getaway destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Creal Springs?

Short-term rentals do operate in Creal Springs, IL, with 19 active listings currently on the market. However, investors should verify any local permit, registration, or zoning requirements with Williamson County or village authorities before purchasing. Illinois also imposes state-level tax obligations on STR operators, so consulting with a local tax professional is recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Creal Springs?

Peak season in Creal Springs runs from roughly June through November, with July generating the highest average revenue at $4,844 and September close behind at $4,623. The market benefits from an extended warm-weather season where monthly revenues consistently exceed $4,000. Winter is the clear off-season, with January averaging just $1,021 in revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Creal Springs?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Creal Springs. The market has seen significant growth, with listings increasing 65% year-over-year. The current inventory is concentrated in three-bedroom (5 listings) and four-bedroom (6 listings) properties, with the remaining listings falling into other size categories.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Creal Springs?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Creal Springs are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not a forward-looking projection. 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 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, 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 Creal Springs and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity data across active listings to help identify guest expectations
• Home value data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify requirements with local authorities before purchasing.