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

Makanda Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Makanda, IL is a micro-market tucked into southern Illinois's Shawnee National Forest corridor, offering unusually strong revenue-to-price fundamentals for investors willing to operate in a small-listing environment. With just 16 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $33,634 against average home values of $332,538, the market delivers a compelling yield profile. An ROI score of 78 out of 100 — classified as a Standout Opportunity — reflects above-average revenue-to-price ratios and solid occupancy stability relative to peers.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Makanda 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 Makanda

Makanda attracts STR investors because of its high revenue-to-price ratio, minimal competition, and proximity to outdoor recreation destinations in southern Illinois.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 78/100 and a Standout Opportunity classification, Makanda presents a compelling case for investors targeting high-yield rural STR markets. Seasonality is the primary factor to manage — January revenue dips to roughly $1,200 while August peaks near $3,593 — so operators need to price strategically through winter. The supply/demand balance grades above average, and the fact that only 16 listings serve the entire area suggests meaningful room for well-positioned properties to capture share. Investors who prioritize outdoor-oriented amenities and target the May-through-November peak corridor should find reliable cash flow here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Makanda

Average revenue by month in Makanda

Makanda shows pronounced seasonality with revenue ranging from $1,200 in January to $3,593 in August — a 3x swing that investors must plan around. The six-month stretch from May through October is consistently the strongest period, each month exceeding $3,100, while December through February forms a distinct off-peak trough.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Makanda

The market's 16 listings are concentrated in 1-bedroom (5 listings) and 2-bedroom (7 listings) configurations, with no larger property types appearing in significant numbers. This tight supply across only two size categories could signal opportunity for investors who can offer differentiated accommodations such as 3+ bedroom properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Makanda

ADR scales modestly from $163 for 1-bedrooms to $191 for 2-bedrooms, a 17% premium that reflects the rural nature of the market where rate ceilings are lower than urban areas. The relatively narrow spread suggests that upsizing from one to two bedrooms adds revenue more through capacity than through aggressive rate increases.

Average RevPAN by property size in Makanda

One-bedroom properties deliver a significantly higher RevPAN of $78 compared to $41 for 2-bedrooms, driven largely by their much stronger occupancy rates. This gap makes 1-bedrooms the more efficient earners on a per-available-night basis, even though 2-bedrooms generate slightly more total revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Makanda

One-bedroom listings maintain a robust 48% occupancy rate — more than double the 22% seen by 2-bedroom properties — indicating much steadier demand for smaller units. Investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency may find 1-bedrooms more reliable, while 2-bedroom operators will need sharper pricing and marketing to fill gaps.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Makanda

Two-bedroom properties edge out 1-bedrooms in monthly revenue at $3,642 versus $3,370, despite their lower occupancy, thanks to higher nightly rates. The $272 monthly difference is modest enough that investors should weigh it against the higher acquisition and maintenance costs of larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Makanda

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom listings generate approximately $43,704 compared to $40,446 for 1-bedrooms — a gap of about $3,258. Given the strong RevPAN advantage of 1-bedrooms, both configurations present viable investment paths depending on whether an investor prioritizes total revenue or per-night efficiency.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Makanda

Kitchen and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while backyards and BBQ grills appear in 81% — a clear signal that guests in Makanda expect outdoor-oriented, self-sufficient accommodations. Hot tubs (31%) and pet-friendly policies (44%) represent potential differentiators for new listings looking to stand out in this nature-focused market.

Understanding Makanda's ROI Score: 78/100

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

Makanda's ROI score of 78 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance in this small, nature-tourism market. Occupancy stability also grades above average, suggesting that demand — while seasonal — is reliably absorbed by the limited inventory. Investors should pair these encouraging fundamentals with thorough local regulatory research and realistic expectations about operating in a micro-market with just 16 active listings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Makanda

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Makanda, IL should verify whether Jackson County or the Village of Makanda requires a business license, STR permit, or registration before listing a property. Regulations in small Illinois municipalities can vary, so contacting local government offices directly is the most reliable way to confirm current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise and parking requirements, minimum stay mandates, and rules imposed by homeowners' associations or deed restrictions. Investors should also be aware that Illinois municipalities can adopt their own zoning ordinances that regulate or limit short-term rentals in residential areas.

Tax Obligations

Illinois imposes state and local taxes on short-term accommodations, and operators in Makanda should expect to collect and remit occupancy or hotel taxes as applicable. Platforms like Airbnb often handle some tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax advisor or the Illinois Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Makanda's STR demand should track its established seasonal curve, with summer and fall months continuing to anchor the bulk of annual revenue. The 62% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, but with supply still at only 16 properties the market remains far from saturated. Expect ADR to hold in the $195–$215 range as nature-tourism demand in the Shawnee region remains steady, though occupancy could drift slightly if new listings outpace demand growth. Investors entering now benefit from relatively low competition, but should plan pricing strategies that account for softer January–February periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Makanda, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Makanda?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Makanda is currently 27%, which falls below the Illinois state average of 33%. However, this market-wide figure masks significant variation by property size — 1-bedroom listings achieve 48% occupancy, while 2-bedrooms average 22%. The nature-tourism driven demand in the area tends to concentrate bookings during warmer months, which pulls the annual average down.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Makanda?

Airbnb hosts in Makanda earn an average of $2,802 per month, which translates to approximately $33,634 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Two-bedroom properties lead with about $43,704 annually, while 1-bedrooms generate roughly $40,446. Revenue is concentrated in the May through November period, with August being the strongest month at around $3,593.

Is Makanda a good market for Airbnb investment?

Makanda scores 78 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity rating. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios, strong supply/demand balance, and stable occupancy patterns. With average home values around $332,538 and annual STR revenue of $33,634, the yield profile is attractive compared to many larger Illinois markets. That said, investors should plan for seasonal revenue swings and the realities of operating in a small, rural market.

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

The average daily rate in Makanda is $204, which is below the Illinois state average of $319. ADR ranges from $163 for 1-bedroom properties to $191 for 2-bedrooms. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Makanda's rural positioning, but this is offset by significantly lower property acquisition costs compared to urban Illinois markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Makanda?

Short-term rentals currently operate in Makanda, IL, as evidenced by active Airbnb listings in the area. However, specific permitting requirements and zoning rules can vary at the local level. Prospective investors should contact the Village of Makanda and Jackson County offices directly to confirm current regulations, licensing requirements, and any restrictions that may apply before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Makanda?

Peak season in Makanda runs from May through November, with August ($3,593) and October ($3,505) being the two highest-revenue months. This extended peak aligns with outdoor recreation seasons at Shawnee National Forest and Giant City State Park. The softest months are January ($1,200) and February ($1,457), creating a roughly 3:1 ratio between peak and off-peak revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Makanda?

There are currently 16 active Airbnb listings in Makanda as of April 2026. The market has seen notable 62% year-over-year growth in listings, though the absolute number remains very small. Supply is split between 1-bedroom properties (5 listings) and 2-bedroom properties (7 listings), with the remaining listings in other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Makanda?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Makanda 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 the Makanda market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from 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.