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

Galena Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Galena, IL stands out as a charming getaway destination where short-term rental investors can tap into strong revenue relative to local property values. With an average annual revenue of $38,952 against home values averaging $453,126, the market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio creates a compelling entry point. The 341 active listings reflect a growing but still manageable competitive landscape, and the town's appeal as a historic tourism hub drives reliable seasonal demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Galena 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 Galena

Galena's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and consistent weekend tourism demand make it a compelling market for investors seeking yield from a smaller, leisure-driven destination.

Expert Market Assessment

"Galena represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors, particularly those willing to invest in larger properties that capture premium nightly rates. Seasonality is pronounced — August peaks near $5,323 in average monthly revenue while April dips to around $1,849 — so cash flow planning around these swings is essential. The market's 24% average occupancy trails the 33% Illinois state average, but this is offset by a solid $293 ADR that keeps RevPAN competitive at $70 per night. Investors who pair strong amenity packages with strategic pricing during peak months can position themselves well in this leisure-focused destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Galena

Average revenue by month in Galena

Galena's revenue cycle peaks sharply in summer, with August ($5,323) and July ($5,118) generating more than double the income of winter months like January ($2,102) and February ($2,109). October provides a notable secondary peak at $4,159, while April is the softest month at $1,849 — a spread that underscores the importance of pricing and cash-flow planning around seasonal swings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Galena

Two-bedroom properties dominate Galena's supply with 85 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (69) and 1-bedrooms (65), suggesting the market caters heavily to couples and small groups. Larger configurations — 5-bedroom (34 listings) and 6+ bedroom (18 listings) — are relatively scarce, which may present an opportunity for investors willing to acquire group-sized homes with less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Galena

ADR in Galena scales steeply with size, from $153 for studios to $601 for 6+ bedroom properties, reflecting strong group-travel premiums. The jump from 3-bedroom ($268) to 4-bedroom ($397) is particularly pronounced at nearly 50%, suggesting that the extra bedroom unlocks significantly higher nightly pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Galena

Revenue per available night climbs consistently with size, but 6+ bedroom properties stand out at $191 — nearly double the $106 RevPAN of 4-bedroom units. Studios lag significantly at $22, indicating that smaller units struggle to convert their lower rates into meaningful per-night revenue after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Galena

Occupancy is relatively flat across most property sizes, ranging from 22% to 27% for 1- through 5-bedroom listings, but 6+ bedroom properties break away at 32% — the highest in the market. Studios are the clear outlier at just 15%, suggesting limited demand for the smallest units in a destination where groups and families drive most bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Galena

Monthly revenue increases meaningfully with property size, from $1,888 for studios up to $7,467 for 6+ bedroom homes — nearly a 4x difference. The step up from 3-bedroom ($3,229) to 4-bedroom ($5,201) represents a roughly 61% jump, making the 4-bedroom category a strong performer relative to likely incremental acquisition costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Galena

At the top end, 6+ bedroom properties generate an average of $89,604 annually, while 5-bedroom homes earn $71,777 — both figures that can support meaningful cash flow against Galena's average home values. Smaller units in the 1- and 2-bedroom range cluster around $25,000–$26,000, which may work for lower-cost properties but leaves thinner margins on higher-priced homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Galena

Parking (98%), kitchens (96%), and self check-in (93%) are near-universal in Galena's listings, reflecting a market where guests expect a self-sufficient, drive-in vacation experience. Differentiators like hot tubs (35%) and lake access (35%) are present in roughly a third of listings, giving investors who add these features a potential competitive edge in attracting bookings.

Understanding Galena's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Galena's ROI Score of 66 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that signals rental income is healthy relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, while market growth trends score below average — a reminder that recent listing growth (159% year-over-year) may be introducing competitive pressure. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear seasonal pricing strategy will help investors make well-informed decisions in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Galena

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Galena, IL should check with the City of Galena and Jo Daviess County for any short-term rental permit or registration requirements, as local rules can change. Consulting the city clerk's office or a local attorney before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Galena may include occupancy limits per property, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA restrictions in certain subdivisions. Investors should also be aware that some municipalities impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued in a given area.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Illinois are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these on behalf of hosts. It's wise to confirm your specific obligations with a tax professional, as Jo Daviess County or the City of Galena may levy additional tourism or lodging taxes.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Galena's STR market is expected to continue riding its seasonal rhythms, with summer months likely pushing average monthly revenues above $5,000 and shoulder seasons settling in the $2,000–$3,000 range. While market growth trend scores below average, suggesting the pace of expansion may be moderating, occupancy should remain relatively stable in the 22–27% band across most property sizes. Investors entering now may benefit from still-favorable pricing before additional supply fully saturates the market. ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% as hosts continue upgrading amenities and targeting the weekend getaway demographic."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Galena, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Galena?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Galena is currently 24%, which falls below the Illinois state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size — 6+ bedroom properties lead at 32%, while studios sit at just 15%. The lower overall rate reflects the weekend-and-seasonal nature of this tourism-driven market, where guests tend to book concentrated stays around peak periods rather than filling calendars evenly throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Galena?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Galena earn approximately $3,246 per month or $38,952 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios and 1-bedroom units average around $1,888–$2,159/month, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $7,467/month ($89,604 annually). Summer months like July and August are the top earners, with averages exceeding $5,100 per month.

Is Galena a good market for Airbnb investment?

Galena scores a 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market's strongest factor is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning rental income is healthy relative to what it costs to buy property here. While growth trends are below average and occupancy is moderate, the combination of strong weekend tourism, premium nightly rates on larger homes, and reasonable acquisition costs makes Galena a compelling option for investors who plan around its seasonal patterns.

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

The average daily rate in Galena is $293, which comes in slightly below the Illinois state average of $319. Rates scale considerably with property size: studios average $153/night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $601/night. Four- and five-bedroom homes hit a sweet spot with ADRs of $397 and $490 respectively, reflecting strong demand from groups and families visiting the area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Galena?

Short-term rentals do operate in Galena, IL, with 341 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any registration obligations with the City of Galena and Jo Daviess County before purchasing a property. Local regulations can evolve, so consulting with a local real estate attorney or the city clerk's office is a prudent step.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Galena?

Peak season in Galena runs from June through October, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $5,323 in revenue. July ($5,118) and October ($4,159) also perform strongly, reflecting summer vacation demand and fall tourism drawn by the region's autumn foliage and festivals. The slowest period falls in April, when average revenue drops to approximately $1,849.

How many Airbnbs are there in Galena?

There are currently 341 active Airbnb listings in Galena as of April 2026. The supply is led by 2-bedroom properties (85 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (69 listings), followed closely by 1-bedroom units (65 listings). Larger properties with 5 or 6+ bedrooms make up a smaller share of the market, with 34 and 18 listings respectively, which may represent an opportunity for investors targeting the group travel segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Galena?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Galena 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like the $5,323 August average) and slower months (like April's $1,849) because each month uses its own historical performance. 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
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 12-month averages and may not capture very recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.