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

Decatur Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Decatur, IL stands out as a compelling short-term rental market where low property costs and above-average revenue-to-price ratios create unusually attractive yield potential. With an average home value of $191,995 and annual STR revenue averaging $25,007, investors can achieve strong cash-on-cash returns relative to most Illinois markets. The market's 37% occupancy rate outpaces the state average of 33%, and its ADR of $152 — while well below the $319 state average — pairs with affordable acquisition costs to deliver solid margins.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Decatur 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 Decatur

Investors are drawn to Decatur for its exceptional revenue-to-price ratio, above-average occupancy stability, and low barrier to entry compared to larger Illinois markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Decatur earns an ROI score of 82 out of 100 — a Standout Opportunity rating — driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability. Revenue follows a pronounced seasonal curve: the winter dip to around $935–$1,498 per month contrasts sharply with a summer peak near $2,978 in August, so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. The market remains small at just 44 active listings, which limits direct competition but also means individual performance can vary significantly depending on property quality and positioning. For investors willing to manage seasonality, Decatur offers a rare combination of affordable entry and meaningful income potential in a mid-sized Illinois city."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Decatur

Average revenue by month in Decatur

Decatur exhibits strong seasonality, with August ($2,978) as the peak revenue month and February ($935) as the clear low point — a spread of over $2,000. The May-through-November window consistently delivers above-average returns, giving investors roughly seven months of stronger cash flow before the winter slowdown.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Decatur

Two-bedroom listings dominate supply with 14 of the 44 active listings, followed by 10 one-bedrooms and 9 three-bedrooms. Notably, there are no 4-bedroom listings and 8 five-bedroom properties, suggesting a potential gap in mid-size family accommodations that investors could target.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Decatur

ADR scales meaningfully with size in Decatur, jumping from $83 for 1-bedroom units to $278 for 5-bedroom homes — a 3.3x premium. The step up from 2-bedrooms ($129) to 3-bedrooms ($138) is modest, while 5-bedroom properties command a substantial rate premium that, combined with higher occupancy, creates the most compelling per-night pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Decatur

Five-bedroom properties dominate RevPAN at $123 per available night, more than double the next closest size (2-bedrooms at $51). One-bedroom ($33) and 3-bedroom ($36) units lag significantly, suggesting that the 5-bedroom segment delivers far superior revenue efficiency when both rate and occupancy are factored together.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Decatur

Five-bedroom properties achieve the highest occupancy at 45%, followed by 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units tied at 40%. Three-bedroom listings trail notably at 27%, which may reflect pricing misalignment or guest preference for either smaller or larger group accommodations in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Decatur

Monthly revenue climbs steeply with property size: 1-bedroom units average just $444/month while 5-bedroom homes generate $3,999 — nearly nine times as much. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($1,545) to 3-bedrooms ($1,987) adds roughly $440/month, but the leap to 5-bedrooms more than doubles monthly income, making larger properties the clear revenue leaders.

Average annual revenue by property size in Decatur

Five-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $47,998, roughly double the $23,850 earned by 3-bedroom listings and nearly nine times the $5,333 from 1-bedroom units. For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue relative to Decatur's affordable home prices, larger configurations offer significantly stronger return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Decatur

Kitchen and parking each appear in 93% of listings, establishing them as baseline expectations for Decatur guests. Laundry facilities (washer 80%, dryer 77%) and self check-in (75%) are also near-essential, while differentiators like lake access (16%), hot tub (9%), and waterfront access (9%) remain relatively rare — presenting opportunities for hosts to stand out with experiential upgrades.

Understanding Decatur's ROI Score: 82/100

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

Decatur's ROI score of 82 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — the two most heavily weighted factors in the calculation. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, reflecting the recent surge in new listings that bears watching. Investors should pair these metrics with current local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to build a complete investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Decatur

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Decatur, Illinois may need to obtain a business license or STR permit through the city. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of Decatur and Macon County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Illinois communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA or subdivision covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Illinois are generally subject to state sales tax, local hotel/motel taxes, and potentially a tourism or occupancy surcharge. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Illinois Department of Revenue and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Decatur's STR market should continue benefiting from its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, though the 138% year-over-year growth in active listings signals that competition is arriving quickly. We estimate occupancy may settle in the 34–38% range as new supply absorbs into the market, with ADR holding steady or nudging up 1–3% given the still-modest supply of 44 total listings. Summer months — particularly May through August — will likely remain the primary revenue engine, and investors who optimize pricing during the $2,400–$2,978 peak months can offset the softer winter stretch. The key variable to watch is whether listing growth moderates or continues at its current pace, which would pressure per-listing returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Decatur, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Decatur?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Decatur is currently 37%, which sits above the Illinois state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size — 5-bedroom listings lead at 45%, while 3-bedroom properties trail at 27%. One- and two-bedroom units each average around 40% occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Decatur?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Decatur earn approximately $2,083 per month or $25,007 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $5,333 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $18,547, 3-bedrooms generate roughly $23,850, and 5-bedroom properties lead with approximately $47,998 per year.

Is Decatur a good market for Airbnb investment?

Decatur scores 82 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Standout Opportunity category. The market's key strengths are its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — thanks to average home values around $191,995 — and above-average occupancy stability. With only 44 active listings, competition remains limited, though investors should account for seasonal revenue swings and the recent 138% year-over-year growth in listings.

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

The average daily rate across all Decatur Airbnb listings is $152, which is considerably below the $319 Illinois state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $83/night, 2-bedrooms are at $129, 3-bedrooms at $138, and 5-bedroom homes command $278 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Decatur?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Decatur, IL, but local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should check directly with the City of Decatur and Macon County for the most current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Decatur?

Peak season in Decatur runs from May through August, with average monthly revenues ranging from $2,494 to $2,978. August is the single strongest month at $2,978. The off-peak period falls in the winter months, with February bottoming out at $935 and December averaging $1,498.

How many Airbnbs are there in Decatur?

As of April 2026, there are 44 active Airbnb listings in Decatur. The supply breaks down as 10 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom, 9 three-bedroom, and 8 five-bedroom properties. The market has seen significant growth, with a 138% year-over-year increase in active listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Decatur?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Decatur 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the property 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with the appropriate municipal and state authorities.