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

Elkhart Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elkhart, IN presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors thanks to its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and relatively affordable home values averaging $329,442. With just 33 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,438, the market remains compact yet productive — and occupancy sits at 38%, comfortably ahead of the 32% Indiana state average. The combination of low competition and favorable property economics makes Elkhart worth a closer look for investors seeking yield in a smaller Midwestern market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elkhart 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 Elkhart

Elkhart's low entry costs paired with above-average revenue-to-price performance make it a compelling market for investors seeking strong relative returns in a smaller-scale STR environment.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elkhart represents a moderate-to-attractive STR opportunity with a 64 out of 100 ROI score, driven primarily by its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics. Seasonality plays a significant role here — monthly revenues swing from a low of $939 in February to a peak of $3,076 in July, creating a roughly 3:1 spread between high and low season. Investors should plan cash reserves accordingly for the quieter winter months while capitalizing on robust summer and early-fall demand. The market's small listing count and above-state-average occupancy suggest there's room for well-positioned properties to capture meaningful share."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elkhart

Average revenue by month in Elkhart

Elkhart's revenue cycle is heavily seasonal, peaking at $3,076 in July and bottoming out at $939 in February — a spread of over 3x. The strongest earning window stretches from May through October, making summer and early fall the critical months for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elkhart

Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of Elkhart's 33 active listings with 12 units, followed by 1-bedrooms (9) and 2-bedrooms (8). The relatively even distribution leaves no single size category dramatically underserved, though the 2-bedroom segment's smaller count combined with its strong occupancy data may represent an opportunity.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elkhart

ADR scales steadily with size in Elkhart, rising from $105 for 1-bedrooms to $126 for 2-bedrooms and $162 for 3-bedroom properties. The roughly $56 premium for a 3-bedroom over a 1-bedroom is meaningful, though investors should weigh it against higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elkhart

Two-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $66, outperforming both 3-bedrooms ($59) and 1-bedrooms ($39) thanks to their strong occupancy-to-rate balance. This makes the 2-bedroom configuration the most efficient revenue generator per available night in Elkhart.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elkhart

Two-bedroom properties stand out with a 53% occupancy rate, significantly higher than the 38% for 1-bedrooms and 36% for 3-bedrooms. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow stability, the 2-bedroom segment offers the most reliable demand in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elkhart

Three-bedroom listings edge out the field at $2,079 per month, while 2-bedrooms are close behind at $1,956 and 1-bedrooms trail at $952. The gap between 2- and 3-bedroom monthly revenue is relatively narrow, which makes 2-bedrooms potentially more capital-efficient given their lower operating overhead.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elkhart

Three-bedroom properties top annual revenue at $24,950, with 2-bedrooms close behind at $23,476 and 1-bedrooms earning $11,427. Given Elkhart's average home value of $329,442, the 2- and 3-bedroom tiers offer the strongest return potential, while 1-bedroom units may struggle to justify acquisition costs on STR income alone.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elkhart

Kitchens and parking top the amenity list at 94% each, reflecting Elkhart guests' expectation for practical, home-like accommodations — likely driven by a mix of families and travelers in a car-dependent Midwestern market. Laundry facilities (70–76%), backyard access (73%), and workspace (61%) round out the essentials, while differentiators like hot tubs (9%) and lake access (12%) remain rare and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Elkhart's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Elkhart's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential relative to property costs is stronger than most Indiana markets. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance are both rated average, while the market growth trend sits below average, suggesting the market is still maturing rather than rapidly expanding. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and on-the-ground property evaluation to build a complete picture.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elkhart

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

Permit Requirements

Elkhart, Indiana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register with the city before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Elkhart and Elkhart County authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Indiana markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some municipalities may also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so it's important to confirm local zoning rules early in the acquisition process.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Indiana are generally subject to state sales tax and county innkeeper's tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with Indiana's Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elkhart's STR market is expected to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the summer and early fall months, with peak revenues likely hovering around $2,700–$3,100 during July through September. While the market growth trend currently sits below average, the 147% year-over-year increase in active listings signals rising investor interest that could push ADRs and occupancy modestly upward as the market matures. Investors should anticipate ADR holding in the $155–$165 range and occupancy remaining around 36–40%, with individual results varying based on property quality and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elkhart, IN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elkhart?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elkhart is currently 38%, which exceeds the Indiana state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 53%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties hover around 36–38%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elkhart?

Airbnb hosts in Elkhart earn an average of $1,953 per month and approximately $23,438 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings average $24,950 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in roughly $11,427 per year. Individual results depend on factors like location, amenities, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Elkhart a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elkhart scores a 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. Its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and manageable home values around $329,442 make it appealing for investors seeking favorable returns without high entry costs. The market does have pronounced seasonality, so investors should factor in slower winter months when evaluating cash flow.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Elkhart is $158, which is well below the Indiana state average of $290. ADR scales with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $105, 2-bedrooms come in at $126, and 3-bedroom properties command $162 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elkhart?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Elkhart, though operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can vary, so investors should check directly with the City of Elkhart and review any applicable zoning, HOA, or county-level rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elkhart?

Peak season in Elkhart runs from June through October, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,076. September and August also perform strongly at $2,739 and $2,721 respectively. The slowest months are January and February, when revenues dip to around $939–$1,152.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elkhart?

As of April 2026, there are 33 active Airbnb listings in Elkhart. The supply is distributed across 9 one-bedroom, 8 two-bedroom, and 12 three-bedroom properties. This relatively small inventory suggests a market with limited competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elkhart?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Elkhart 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 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 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across bedroom configurations
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics 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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.