Gambier, OH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Gambier Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gambier, OH is a small college-town market centered around Kenyon College, and its 20 active Airbnb listings reflect a compact but purposeful supply base. With an average daily rate of $266—above the $250 Ohio state average—and average annual revenue of $31,613, the market offers niche appeal tied to campus events, family visits, and seasonal tourism. The ROI score of 60 out of 100 signals attractive investment potential, though the 16% average occupancy rate (well below Ohio's 34% average) means revenue is concentrated in specific demand windows rather than spread evenly throughout the year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gambier 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 Gambier

Investors are drawn to Gambier's limited lodging competition, above-average nightly rates, and recurring demand tied to Kenyon College events and rural Ohio tourism.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gambier represents a niche opportunity best suited to investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($3,780) and October ($3,551)—months that align with summer travel and fall campus events—while winter months like January bottom out near $1,075. The above-average supply/demand balance and healthy ADR are genuine strengths, but the 16% occupancy rate means this isn't a set-it-and-forget-it cash flow play. Investors who optimize pricing around high-demand weekends and events can capture outsized returns during peak windows."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gambier

Average revenue by month in Gambier

Gambier's revenue swings dramatically by season, with July ($3,780) and October ($3,551) leading as peak months while January ($1,075) represents the floor—a spread of over $2,700. Investors should expect roughly 70% of annual revenue to concentrate between May and October, making dynamic pricing during college events and summer travel essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gambier

Supply in Gambier is evenly split between 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with six listings in each category. The absence of 1-bedroom or 4+ bedroom options could represent either a gap in demand or an untested opportunity for investors willing to differentiate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gambier

ADR increases modestly from $244 for 2-bedroom units to $267 for 3-bedroom properties—a premium of just $23 per night. This narrow gap suggests that the extra bedroom may be more valuable for attracting group bookings and earning higher total revenue than for commanding a steep nightly rate premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gambier

Two-bedroom listings deliver a stronger RevPAN of $44 compared to $32 for three-bedroom properties, driven by their higher occupancy rates. For investors focused on per-night yield efficiency, smaller units currently outperform despite earning less in total monthly revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gambier

Two-bedroom properties maintain 18% occupancy versus just 12% for three-bedroom units, indicating that smaller properties book more consistently in this market. Both figures sit well below the Ohio average of 34%, underscoring Gambier's event-concentrated demand pattern.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gambier

Three-bedroom properties lead in monthly revenue at $3,377 compared to $1,579 for two-bedroom listings, more than doubling the smaller category's earnings. This gap is driven by the higher nightly rate and larger booking value per reservation, even though 3-bedroom units book less frequently.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gambier

At $40,526 per year, three-bedroom properties generate more than twice the annual revenue of two-bedroom units ($18,958), making them the stronger gross revenue play. Investors should weigh this against higher acquisition and maintenance costs to determine which size delivers the better net return.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gambier

Parking is universal across all Gambier listings (100%), and kitchens appear in 95%—both reflecting the rural setting where guests expect self-sufficient accommodations. Outdoor amenities like backyards (75%), patios (60%), and BBQ grills (50%) are common differentiators, while premium features like hot tubs and EV chargers remain rare at just 5%, presenting potential competitive advantages.

Understanding Gambier's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Gambier's ROI Score of 60 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average supply/demand balance and competitive nightly rates are tempered by average occupancy stability and moderate revenue-to-price ratios. The average revenue-to-price relationship and steady-but-not-exceptional growth trend suggest returns are achievable but require strategic management around peak demand periods. Investors should pair this score with research into local Gambier and Knox County regulations, as well as a realistic cash flow model that accounts for significant seasonal variation.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gambier

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gambier, Ohio may need to register or obtain a permit depending on local village ordinances and Knox County regulations. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Gambier village officials and the Knox County auditor's office before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants or deed restrictions could further limit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing property-level restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Ohio imposes state sales tax and county lodging taxes on short-term rentals, and hosts in Gambier should confirm whether additional local occupancy taxes apply. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators are responsible for ensuring full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gambier's STR market is likely to remain event-driven, with demand clustering around commencement, homecoming, parents' weekends, and summer months. The 143% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests increasing investor interest, which could pressure occupancy further if demand doesn't keep pace. ADR may hold steady or see modest gains of 1–3% given limited accommodation alternatives in the area, but investors should plan for significant seasonal troughs—particularly in January and February—when monthly revenue can dip below $1,100."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gambier, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gambier?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Gambier is currently 16%, which is below the Ohio state average of 34%. This reflects the market's event-driven demand pattern—occupancy spikes during college weekends and summer months but softens considerably in the off-season. Two-bedroom properties tend to perform better at 18% occupancy compared to 12% for three-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gambier?

Airbnb hosts in Gambier earn an average of $2,634 per month and approximately $31,613 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: two-bedroom listings average about $18,958 annually, while three-bedroom properties bring in roughly $40,526. Monthly earnings range from around $1,075 in January to $3,780 in July, so revenue is heavily seasonal.

Is Gambier a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gambier earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 60 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from limited STR supply, above-average nightly rates, and a favorable supply/demand balance. However, the low overall occupancy rate and high average home value of $544,377 mean investors should carefully model cash flow around seasonal demand peaks rather than assuming steady year-round income.

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

The average daily rate in Gambier is $266, which sits above Ohio's state average of $250. Two-bedroom listings average $244 per night, while three-bedroom properties command $267 per night. The relatively small premium between sizes suggests that larger properties earn more through volume of bookable space rather than dramatic rate increases.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gambier?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Gambier, Ohio, though operators should check with local village authorities and Knox County for any permit, registration, or zoning requirements that may apply. Regulations can change, so it's wise to consult directly with local officials and review any HOA or deed restrictions on a specific property before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gambier?

Peak season in Gambier runs from May through October, with July ($3,780) and October ($3,551) generating the highest average monthly revenue. These peaks likely correspond with summer tourism and Kenyon College fall events. The slowest months are January ($1,075) and February ($1,411), creating a nearly 3.5x spread between peak and off-peak earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gambier?

Gambier currently has 20 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is evenly split between two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties, with six listings in each category. Year-over-year listing growth of 143% indicates rapidly growing investor interest in this small market, which is worth monitoring for potential supply saturation.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gambier?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Gambier are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data 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 the Gambier, OH market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.