Kelleys Island, OH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Kelleys Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kelleys Island stands out as a micro-market with outsized earning potential for short-term rental investors. With just 5 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $126,280, the island's limited supply and strong summer demand create a compelling dynamic. The average daily rate of $688 — nearly three times the Ohio state average of $250 — reflects the premium travelers are willing to pay for a Lake Erie island getaway. While occupancy sits at 33%, closely tracking the state average, the extraordinary nightly rates more than compensate, delivering $224 in RevPAN.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kelleys Island 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 Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island's tiny supply, premium nightly rates, and seasonal island-tourism demand create an unusually high revenue-to-price ratio that few Ohio markets can match.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kelleys Island earns an ROI score of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Standout Opportunity tier. The market's strength hinges on an extreme revenue concentration in summer — July alone averages $27,100 per listing, while January dips to $1,866 — so investors should plan cash flow around a pronounced seasonal curve. What makes this island compelling is the combination of premium pricing, minimal competition, and a favorable supply/demand balance that together drive above-average returns despite a relatively brief high season. Investors who can weather the quieter winter months will find the summer earnings more than justify year-round ownership costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kelleys Island

Average revenue by month in Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island exhibits extreme seasonality: July peaks at $27,100 in average revenue while January bottoms out at $1,866 — a spread of more than 14×. The core earning window spans May through August, accounting for the vast majority of annual income, so investors should build financial plans around a concentrated summer season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kelleys Island

Property-size breakdowns are not available for this market due to the very small number of active listings. With only 5 total Airbnbs on the island, granular supply data by bedroom count is limited.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kelleys Island

ADR data by property size is not currently available for Kelleys Island. The market-wide average of $688 per night is the best reference point for pricing expectations across all property types.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kelleys Island

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are not available given the island's tiny inventory. The overall market RevPAN of $224 per available night provides a strong benchmark, reflecting the balance between high nightly rates and seasonal occupancy patterns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kelleys Island

Occupancy data by property size is unavailable for this micro-market. The market-wide average of 33% is shaped primarily by the sharp seasonal cycle, with much higher occupancy likely during the May–August window.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kelleys Island

Monthly revenue by property size is not reported due to the limited number of listings. Investors can reference the overall $10,523 monthly average as a baseline, keeping in mind that summer months dramatically outperform winter.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kelleys Island

Annual revenue by bedroom count is not available for Kelleys Island. The market-level average of $126,280 per year provides a useful top-line figure, though individual property performance will depend on size, location on the island, and amenity mix.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kelleys Island

Kitchens and self check-in are universal (100%) across Kelleys Island listings, while BBQ grills and parking appear in 80% — signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented vacation experience. Waterfront and lake access amenities (40%) represent differentiators that can help listings command premium rates in this island market.

Understanding Kelleys Island's ROI Score: 80/100

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

Kelleys Island's ROI score of 80 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance that rewards the island's handful of hosts. Occupancy stability also rates above average, though market growth trend scores below average — a reflection of the island's inherently small, seasonal market rather than a red flag. Investors should pair these metrics with up-to-date local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of winter cash-flow gaps before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kelleys Island

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators on Kelleys Island should verify whether a permit or registration is required through the Village of Kelleys Island and Erie County, as well as the State of Ohio. Local zoning and property-use ordinances can vary even on small islands, so confirming compliance before purchasing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations — all of which can be more impactful in a tight-knit island community. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants or seasonal-use limitations that could affect rental operations.

Tax Obligations

Ohio requires the collection of a lodging or transient occupancy tax, and Erie County may impose additional hotel/motel taxes on short-term stays. Many booking platforms handle tax collection and remittance automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with local and state tax authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kelleys Island is likely to maintain its sharp seasonal pattern, with the bulk of revenue concentrated between May and September. Investors should anticipate ADR holding firm in the $650–$725 range during peak months given the island's constrained supply, though the 190% year-over-year growth in active listings bears watching — if new inventory enters at scale, it could temper pricing power. Occupancy during the winter shoulder months will likely remain modest, so annual projections should account for four to five strong earning months carrying the year. Overall, revenue estimates suggest the market should continue rewarding well-positioned properties, particularly those offering outdoor amenities and waterfront appeal."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kelleys Island, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kelleys Island?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings on Kelleys Island is currently 33%, which is in line with the Ohio state average of 34%. Because Kelleys Island is a seasonal destination, occupancy spikes significantly during the summer months and drops in winter, so the annual average reflects a wide range across the calendar year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kelleys Island?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Airbnb hosts on Kelleys Island earn an average of $10,523 per month and approximately $126,280 per year. Earnings are heavily weighted toward the summer season, with July averaging $27,100 and the slower winter months bringing in around $1,800–$2,500.

Is Kelleys Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kelleys Island scores 80 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Standout Opportunity category. Key strengths include an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, strong occupancy stability, and a favorable supply/demand balance with just 5 active listings. The main consideration is the pronounced seasonality — most income arrives between May and September — so investors should ensure they can manage cash flow during quieter months.

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

The average daily rate on Kelleys Island is $688, which is nearly 2.8 times the Ohio state average of $250. This premium reflects the island's unique location on Lake Erie and the limited number of accommodation options, allowing hosts to command significantly higher nightly rates — particularly during peak summer months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kelleys Island?

Short-term rentals do operate on Kelleys Island, but investors should verify current permit requirements and zoning rules with the Village of Kelleys Island, Erie County, and the State of Ohio before purchasing. Regulations can change, so it's important to confirm compliance with all applicable local and state ordinances.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kelleys Island?

Peak season on Kelleys Island runs from May through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $27,100 per listing. June and August also perform exceptionally well at $20,046 and $24,093 respectively. Revenue tapers off quickly in the fall and winter, with January through March representing the slowest period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kelleys Island?

As of April 2026, there are 5 active Airbnb listings on Kelleys Island. This extremely limited supply is a defining feature of the market, contributing to the high daily rates and favorable supply/demand balance that investors find attractive. Notably, active listings have grown 190% year over year, so this figure may continue to shift.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kelleys Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kelleys Island 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 the results 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. 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 Kelleys Island
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Historical monthly and annual revenue data based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property positioning
• Home value estimates 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. With only 5 active listings, small changes in inventory can significantly shift market averages. Local regulations and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.