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

Golconda Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Golconda, IL is a small, nature-oriented market on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest region, where waterfront and lake-access properties make up a meaningful share of the 15 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $169 — roughly half the Illinois state average — and average annual revenue of $16,292 per listing, it offers an affordable entry point but comes with notably low occupancy at 13% versus the 33% state benchmark. Investors drawn to this market should be realistic about the seasonal, leisure-driven demand profile and prepared to source deals selectively to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Golconda 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 Golconda

Investors consider Golconda for its low property acquisition costs, outdoor recreation appeal, and limited but growing supply of short-term rentals in a natural amenity-rich area.

Expert Market Assessment

"Golconda represents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited to investors comfortable with seasonal cash flow and a hands-on approach to maximizing bookings. Revenue swings sharply through the year — October leads at $2,172 per listing while February drops to just $257 — so operators need to plan for several lean months. The above-average supply/demand balance is a bright spot, but below-average occupancy stability (13% vs. 33% statewide) means returns depend heavily on peak-season performance. For the right property at the right price, this market can pencil out, but it rewards careful deal selection over passive investing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Golconda

Average revenue by month in Golconda

Golconda's revenue is sharply seasonal: October is the clear peak at $2,172 per listing, while February bottoms out at just $257 — an 8.5x spread that underscores the importance of maximizing bookings during the warmer months. The May–November stretch accounts for the bulk of annual income, with July ($1,990) and November ($1,770) also performing well.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Golconda

Supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties at 5 listings each, with the remaining 5 in other configurations not broken out separately. This balanced distribution means neither size category is clearly oversaturated, though the overall market is small enough that even a few new listings could shift competitive dynamics.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Golconda

ADR rises from $112 for 1-bedroom listings to $146 for 2-bedroom properties — a 30% premium for an extra bedroom. Given that 2-bedroom units also achieve higher occupancy and RevPAN, the incremental cost of a larger property may be well justified by the revenue uplift.

Average RevPAN by property size in Golconda

Two-bedroom listings generate $30 in RevPAN compared to $18 for 1-bedroom units, a 67% advantage that reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy. For investors weighing property size, the 2-bedroom configuration clearly delivers stronger revenue per available night after accounting for vacancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Golconda

Occupancy runs low across the board, with 2-bedroom properties averaging 21% and 1-bedroom units at 17% — both well below the state benchmark of 33%. The gap suggests that larger properties better match guest expectations in this outdoor-recreation market, though all sizes face meaningful vacancy challenges.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Golconda

Two-bedroom listings earn an average of $1,555 per month, roughly 50% more than the $1,033 generated by 1-bedroom properties. That $522 monthly difference can meaningfully affect cash flow, especially in a market where winter months produce minimal revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Golconda

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom listings bring in approximately $18,664 compared to $12,403 for 1-bedroom units — a $6,261 gap that tilts the investment case toward larger properties. Investors should weigh this revenue advantage against the typically modest difference in acquisition and operating costs between 1- and 2-bedroom homes in the Golconda area.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Golconda

Kitchens (100%), backyards (93%), and parking (87%) are near-universal, reflecting a market geared toward self-sufficient, drive-in guests. Waterfront access (53%) and lake access (33%) signal that proximity to water is a key differentiator — investors should prioritize properties with these features to meet core guest expectations in this nature-tourism market.

Understanding Golconda's ROI Score: 41/100

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

Golconda's ROI Score of 41 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning investor interest is present but returns are not automatic — deal quality matters. The score reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend, offset by below-average occupancy stability that drags on year-round cash flow; the above-average supply/demand balance is a positive signal but not enough to overcome the seasonal demand constraints on its own. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors determine whether a specific Golconda property can generate acceptable returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Golconda

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Golconda, Illinois may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Golconda and Pope County offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and any HOA rules specific to the property or subdivision. In rural Illinois markets, county-level regulations can also apply, so checking both municipal and county codes is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Illinois are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with the Illinois Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Golconda's STR performance is likely to remain highly seasonal, with the strongest revenue concentrated between May and November and a sharp winter lull. The 47% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could compress occupancy further if demand doesn't keep pace — we estimate market-wide occupancy may hover in the 12–16% range absent a meaningful uptick in tourism traffic. ADR could hold steady or see modest 1–3% gains as newer listings compete on quality, but investors should treat any projections cautiously given the market's small sample size and seasonal volatility."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Golconda, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Golconda?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Golconda is currently 13%, which is well below the Illinois state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings averaging 21% and 1-bedroom listings averaging 17%. The low overall figure reflects the market's seasonal, leisure-driven demand and limited midweek bookings outside of peak months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Golconda?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Golconda earn approximately $1,357 per month and $16,292 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform with an average of $1,555 per month ($18,664 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,033 monthly ($12,403 annually). Revenue is heavily seasonal, with the strongest months between May and November.

Is Golconda a good market for Airbnb investment?

Golconda scores a 41 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, indicating a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing is important. The market benefits from low home prices (averaging $252,008), an above-average supply/demand balance, and strong nature-tourism appeal with waterfront and lake-access properties. However, below-average occupancy stability and pronounced seasonality mean investors should underwrite conservatively and plan for slow winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Golconda is $169, which is significantly below the Illinois state average of $319. Rates scale with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $112 per night, while 2-bedroom listings command $146 per night. The lower ADR reflects the market's rural, leisure-oriented positioning rather than an urban or resort-grade pricing environment.

Are short-term rentals legal in Golconda?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Golconda, IL, though operators should verify current permit and registration requirements with local and county authorities. Regulations can vary and may include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and tax obligations. We recommend consulting the City of Golconda and Pope County directly, as well as an attorney familiar with Illinois STR law, before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Golconda?

Peak season in Golconda runs roughly from May through November, with October being the strongest month at an average of $2,172 in revenue per listing. July ($1,990) and November ($1,770) are also high-performing months. The winter months — particularly February at just $257 — represent the off-peak period, so investors should budget for significantly reduced income during that stretch.

How many Airbnbs are there in Golconda?

There are currently 15 active Airbnb listings in Golconda as of April 2026. The supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties (5 each), with the remainder in other configurations. Notably, active listings have grown 47% year over year, signaling increasing investor and host interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Golconda?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Golconda 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 roll up the results 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 Golconda market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 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 seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify with municipal and county authorities before investing.