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

Grafton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grafton, IL is a small riverside market along the Illinois River with just 32 active Airbnb listings, making it a niche destination driven by outdoor recreation and waterfront appeal. Average annual revenue sits at $28,531 against an average home value of $378,884, placing the revenue-to-price ratio in an average range. However, occupancy runs at only 20% — well below the 33% Illinois state average — which signals that success here depends heavily on seasonal demand and selective property positioning. Investors who can capture the summer and fall peaks with a well-appointed 3-bedroom property will find the strongest earning potential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Grafton 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 Grafton

Grafton attracts investor interest because of its waterfront tourism appeal and limited supply, though below-average occupancy means deal selection and property quality matter more than in larger markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grafton presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters. The market's strength lies in its concentrated summer-to-fall peak season — July revenue reaches $3,593 on average, roughly triple the January figure of $1,116 — but the 20% annual occupancy rate underscores that this is not a year-round cash-flow market. Three-bedroom properties clearly outperform, generating $34,513 in average annual revenue with meaningfully higher occupancy than smaller units. For investors willing to target the right property type and manage through quieter winter months, Grafton offers reasonable returns in a low-competition environment, though the ROI score of 45 out of 100 reflects the occupancy headwinds that temper the upside."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grafton

Average revenue by month in Grafton

Grafton's revenue is heavily seasonal, peaking in July at $3,593 and bottoming out in January at $1,116 — a spread of nearly 3.2x. The strongest earning window runs May through October, with a notable dip in April ($1,446), meaning investors should plan cash reserves for the slower winter and early-spring months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grafton

Supply in Grafton is remarkably evenly split across 1-bedroom (9 listings), 2-bedroom (9), and 3-bedroom (8) properties, with no single size dominating the market. This balance means there isn't an obvious underserved niche by bedroom count alone, though the performance gap between sizes suggests 3-bedroom properties punch above their supply weight.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Grafton

ADR nearly doubles from 1-bedroom listings ($156) to 3-bedroom properties ($304), with 2-bedrooms in between at $199. The steep premium for 3-bedroom units — roughly 95% higher than 1-bedrooms — suggests strong group and family demand willing to pay for extra space in this leisure-driven market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grafton

RevPAN tells a dramatic story: 3-bedroom units generate $102 per available night compared to just $25 for 2-bedrooms and $15 for 1-bedrooms. This nearly 7x gap between the largest and smallest configurations reflects both higher nightly rates and substantially better occupancy for 3-bedroom properties.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grafton

Occupancy climbs sharply with property size — 1-bedrooms fill only 10% of available nights, 2-bedrooms reach 13%, and 3-bedrooms achieve 34%. The low occupancy for smaller units raises cash-flow concerns, while 3-bedroom properties deliver the kind of booking consistency that makes underwriting more predictable.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grafton

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,876, nearly triple the $1,028 averaged by 1-bedroom listings, with 2-bedrooms coming in at $1,828. For investors weighing acquisition costs against monthly cash flow, the jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms delivers a roughly $1,000/month revenue increase that likely justifies the higher purchase price.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grafton

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties generate $34,513 — roughly 2.8x the $12,340 earned by 1-bedroom units and 57% more than the $21,936 from 2-bedrooms. Given average home values around $378,884, 3-bedroom configurations offer the clearest path to a viable return, while smaller units may struggle to cover carrying costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grafton

Parking (97%) and a kitchen (94%) are near-universal in Grafton listings, reflecting the car-dependent, self-catering nature of this small riverside market. Outdoor-focused amenities like patios (75%), outdoor furniture (66%), and BBQ grills (63%) are also prevalent, signaling that guests expect an outdoor lifestyle experience — and the 47% of listings advertising waterfront access confirms the draw of the river setting.

Understanding Grafton's ROI Score: 45/100

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

Grafton's ROI Score of 45 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, indicating that while investor interest and demand exist, tighter competition or pricing dynamics require more careful deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both register as average, but below-average occupancy stability is the primary drag on the score — a reflection of the market's pronounced seasonality and the low fill rates seen in smaller properties. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting 3-bedroom properties with strong outdoor amenities will help investors maximize their chances of a favorable outcome.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Grafton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Grafton, IL may be required to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Village of Grafton and the State of Illinois, as rules can change and may differ from neighboring jurisdictions.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in small Illinois communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA restrictions in certain developments. Minimum-stay requirements and caps on the number of permitted rentals are less common in rural markets but worth confirming before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Illinois are generally subject to state sales tax and may owe local lodging or tourism taxes depending on the municipality. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm whether any additional local obligations apply in Grafton.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Grafton's short-term rental market is likely to track its established seasonal pattern, with peak revenue concentrated from May through October and softer winter months pulling down annual averages. ADR may see modest growth in the 1–3% range as the market remains small and supply-constrained, but occupancy could remain under pressure if listing counts continue to grow — active listings have doubled year-over-year. Investors should expect annual revenue in the $27,000–$30,000 range for a typical property, with 3-bedroom units positioned to outperform that estimate significantly. These projections assume stable tourism demand and no major regulatory shifts in the area."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grafton, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grafton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Grafton is currently 20%, which sits below the Illinois state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average just 10%, while 3-bedroom properties reach 34%. Seasonality also plays a major role, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grafton?

Grafton Airbnb hosts earn an average of $2,377 per month and $28,531 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $12,340 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $21,936, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $34,513. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, amenities, and how well the property performs during the peak summer season.

Is Grafton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grafton carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 45 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from waterfront tourism appeal and limited supply, but below-average occupancy and strong seasonality mean investors need to be selective. Three-bedroom properties with outdoor amenities tend to deliver the strongest returns, and careful deal sourcing is important given average home values around $378,884.

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

The average daily rate in Grafton is $230, which falls below the Illinois state average of $319. ADR scales considerably with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $156 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $199, and 3-bedroom properties command $304. The premium on larger properties reflects the leisure-oriented nature of the market, where groups and families seek more space.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grafton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Grafton, IL, though operators may need to obtain local permits or a business license. Regulations can vary and may evolve, so investors should consult with the Village of Grafton and review any applicable Illinois state requirements before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grafton?

Peak season in Grafton runs from May through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,593. August ($3,060), October ($2,937), and September ($2,828) also perform well. The slowest months are January ($1,116) and April ($1,446), reflecting the market's strong dependence on warm-weather outdoor recreation and waterfront tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grafton?

As of April 2026, there are 32 active Airbnb listings in Grafton. The supply is evenly distributed across property sizes, with 9 one-bedroom listings, 9 two-bedroom listings, and 8 three-bedroom listings. Notably, year-over-year listing growth has been 100%, indicating a rapid expansion of supply in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Grafton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Grafton 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 remaining data up 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, 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 for Grafton, IL
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity breakdowns across active listings
• Data compiled from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.