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

Gary Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gary, IN stands out as a high-upside short-term rental market thanks to exceptionally low home values averaging $146,770 paired with annual revenue potential near $28,798 — a revenue-to-price ratio that sits well above average. With only 63 active Airbnb listings and 108% year-over-year listing growth, the market is still early-stage, offering investors a chance to establish positioning before supply matures. While occupancy currently runs at 22% versus the 32% Indiana state average, the low cost of entry and strong seasonal peaks make Gary worth a closer look for investors comfortable with emerging markets.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gary 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 Gary

Gary's exceptionally favorable revenue-to-price ratio and nascent supply levels make it attractive for investors seeking low-barrier entry into a market with meaningful upside potential.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gary presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors who prioritize yield over consistent year-round cash flow. The market's standout ROI score of 77 out of 100 is powered by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, though below-average occupancy stability means income will swing meaningfully between peak summer months (July hits $4,145 in average revenue) and quieter winter periods (February dips to $1,278). Larger properties — particularly 6+ bedroom homes — dramatically outperform smaller units on both rate and total revenue, suggesting group-oriented listings near lakefront amenities carry the strongest earning potential. Investors who price dynamically, target the right property size, and account for seasonal lean months can position themselves well in this still-developing market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gary

Average revenue by month in Gary

Gary's revenue pattern is sharply seasonal, with July peaking at $4,145 and February bottoming out at $1,278 — a spread of nearly $2,900. Investors should expect roughly 55–60% of annual revenue to concentrate between May and September, making dynamic pricing and expense management during the off-season essential for profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gary

Three-bedroom units dominate Gary's supply with 25 of the 63 active listings, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties each account for 13. The 6+ bedroom segment has just 5 listings despite generating by far the highest revenue, which could signal an underserved niche with significant upside for investors willing to acquire or develop larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gary

ADR in Gary scales dramatically with size, jumping from $140 for 2-bedrooms to $792 for 6+ bedroom properties — nearly a 6x premium. The steepest rate jump occurs between 4-bedroom ($315) and 6+ bedroom ($792) listings, suggesting that large group-friendly homes command outsized pricing power in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gary

Revenue per available night tells a striking story: 6+ bedroom properties lead at $194, dwarfing the $45–$47 range for 2- and 3-bedroom units and the $29 RevPAN for 4-bedrooms. This suggests that while smaller units book more consistently, the largest properties convert their premium pricing into far superior per-night revenue even after accounting for lower occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gary

Two-bedroom listings fill most consistently at 32% occupancy, which actually matches the Indiana state average, while 4-bedroom units lag significantly at just 9%. The 6+ bedroom category maintains a respectable 25% occupancy despite its $792 ADR, indicating steady group demand and making it the most compelling size for revenue-focused investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gary

Monthly revenue climbs from $1,706 for 2-bedroom properties to $14,358 for 6+ bedroom homes — a more than 8x difference that underscores how powerfully property size drives earnings in Gary. Three-bedroom listings at $2,601 per month represent a solid middle-ground option for investors seeking moderate returns with lower acquisition costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gary

On an annual basis, 6+ bedroom properties generate $172,303, making them the clear standout performers and far exceeding the $39,679 earned by 4-bedroom units. Even at the lower end, 2-bedroom listings producing $20,479 annually against Gary's low home prices can deliver attractive yields, though larger configurations offer the most compelling absolute return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gary

Parking and a full kitchen are table-stakes amenities at 100% prevalence, while self check-in (91%), washer (87%), and dryer (86%) round out the essentials that guests now expect. Notably, 49% of listings offer lake access and 35% have beach access, reflecting the lakefront-driven guest profile in Gary — investors with properties near the water can leverage these differentiators to command higher rates.

Understanding Gary'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

Gary's ROI score of 77 out of 100 earns a 'Standout Opportunity' designation, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the strongest factor in the calculation at 40% weight. The main drag is below-average occupancy stability, which reflects the market's sharp seasonality and relatively low year-round booking rates. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and realistic cash-flow modeling that accounts for winter months well below the annual average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gary

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gary, Indiana may be required to obtain permits, business licenses, or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Gary and the State of Indiana, as local regulations in this market are evolving alongside rapid listing growth.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Indiana STR markets can include occupancy limits per property, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, designated parking rules, and HOA or neighborhood association covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. It's essential to confirm whether your target property falls within any restricted zone or is subject to homeowner association rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gary's STR market is likely to continue its rapid supply expansion, though the pace of 108% listing growth may moderate as the market finds equilibrium. Summer months — particularly June through August — should remain the primary revenue drivers, with peak monthly revenue estimated in the $3,400–$4,200 range. ADR may hold relatively steady around $275–$290 given that rates already sit close to the $290 Indiana state average, while occupancy could edge upward to the 24–27% range as operators refine pricing strategies and the market gains more guest visibility. Investors entering now should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively for the softer winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gary, IN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gary?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gary is currently 22%, which falls below the Indiana state average of 32%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 32%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 9%. Investors should factor in this wide range when evaluating specific property types and plan pricing strategies that account for seasonal demand fluctuations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gary?

Airbnb hosts in Gary earn an average of $2,399 per month or approximately $28,798 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $20,479 annually, 3-bedrooms bring in about $31,222, 4-bedrooms around $39,679, and 6+ bedroom properties can generate up to $172,303 per year. Peak summer months like July can yield over $4,100 in monthly revenue, while slower months like February may dip below $1,300.

Is Gary a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gary scores 77 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market's biggest strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values sit at just $146,770 while annual revenue averages nearly $28,798, creating attractive yield potential. The main consideration is below-average occupancy stability, so investors should budget for seasonal income swings and consider larger properties that command higher nightly rates and stronger annual returns.

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

The average daily rate in Gary is $280, slightly below the Indiana state average of $290. ADR scales significantly with property size: 2-bedroom listings average $140 per night, 3-bedrooms reach $264, 4-bedrooms command $315, and 6+ bedroom properties average an impressive $792 per night. These premiums for larger properties reflect strong demand from group travelers in the Gary market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gary?

Short-term rentals operate in Gary, IN, and the market currently has 63 active Airbnb listings with significant year-over-year growth. However, operators may need permits, business licenses, or registrations depending on local and state requirements. We strongly recommend consulting the City of Gary's planning or licensing department and reviewing any applicable Indiana state regulations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gary?

Peak season in Gary runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,145. June ($3,436) and August ($3,789) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest period falls in January and February, when monthly revenue drops to $1,503 and $1,278 respectively. This pronounced seasonality is consistent with Gary's proximity to Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes, which drive summer leisure travel.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gary?

Gary currently has 63 active Airbnb listings, with year-over-year listing growth of 108%. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (25 listings), followed by 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units (13 each), and 5 listings with 6 or more bedrooms. The rapid growth in supply signals increasing investor interest, though the market is still relatively small and early-stage compared to more established Indiana STR markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gary?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Gary 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 aggregates the results to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Gary, and how effectively 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, including property size breakdowns
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for yield and ROI analysis

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 as of the date indicated and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.