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

Muncie Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Muncie, IN stands out as a budget-friendly short-term rental market where low property values—averaging $246,210—pair with above-average revenue-to-price ratios to create an appealing entry point for investors. With an average annual revenue of $19,125 across just 51 active Airbnb listings, the market is still small enough to reward early movers who position their properties well. The city's connection to Ball State University and its surrounding community likely drives a mix of visiting families, event-goers, and longer-stay guests throughout the year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Muncie 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 Muncie

Muncie's combination of low home values, above-average revenue-to-price performance, and a still-nascent supply of listings makes it a compelling market for investors seeking affordable cash-flow opportunities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Muncie presents an attractive opportunity for investors willing to work in a smaller, emerging STR market. The ROI score of 69 out of 100 reflects a favorable revenue-to-price ratio and above-average growth trend, though the below-average supply/demand balance—driven by rapid listing growth—warrants attention. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenue ($2,385) is nearly three times the January low ($848), so investors should plan cash reserves for the quieter winter months. Overall, the combination of affordable acquisition costs and meaningful summer earnings gives Muncie genuine appeal as a supplemental-income or portfolio-diversification play."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Muncie

Average revenue by month in Muncie

Revenue in Muncie follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in July at $2,385 and bottoming out in January at just $848—a nearly 3x spread that investors should factor into cash-flow planning. The summer months (June–August) consistently outperform, while winter represents a distinct soft period that may benefit from longer-stay or mid-term rental strategies.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Muncie

Two-bedroom properties dominate Muncie's supply with 20 active listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 16 and 3-bedrooms at just 8. The relatively thin supply of 3-bedroom units could represent an opportunity for investors, especially since those properties generate the highest revenue in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Muncie

ADR climbs steadily with property size, from $94 for 1-bedroom listings to $120 for 2-bedrooms and $139 for 3-bedrooms. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms ($26) offers the strongest incremental pricing gain relative to the likely difference in acquisition costs, making 2-bedroom units a compelling middle ground.

Average RevPAN by property size in Muncie

RevPAN is tightly clustered across property sizes, with 3-bedrooms slightly leading at $31 per available night compared to $30 for 2-bedrooms and $23 for 1-bedrooms. The gap between 2- and 3-bedroom RevPAN is minimal, suggesting that 2-bedroom properties may offer the best efficiency given their lower operating costs.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Muncie

Occupancy rates are relatively uniform across sizes, ranging from 23% for 3-bedroom properties to 26% for 2-bedrooms, with 1-bedrooms splitting the difference at 25%. The consistency suggests that demand in Muncie doesn't strongly favor one property type over another, so revenue differences are driven primarily by nightly rate rather than fill rate.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Muncie

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $1,870, followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,406 and 1-bedrooms at $1,034. The $464 monthly premium that 3-bedrooms command over 2-bedrooms adds up to over $5,500 annually, which could meaningfully impact return calculations for investors weighing the larger format.

Average annual revenue by property size in Muncie

Annual revenue scales clearly with size: 1-bedroom listings average $12,416, 2-bedrooms reach $16,883, and 3-bedroom properties top the market at $22,448. Against Muncie's average home value of $246,210, even the modest 1-bedroom revenue offers a notable gross yield, while 3-bedrooms push the revenue-to-price ratio into more compelling territory.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Muncie

Every listing in Muncie offers a kitchen, and 96% include parking—both essentials that reflect a guest base expecting home-like convenience, likely including families and longer-stay visitors. Washer (80%), backyard (77%), and self check-in (75%) round out the top five, signaling that guests in this market prioritize practical, comfortable stays over luxury add-ons.

Understanding Muncie's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Muncie's ROI score of 69 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects the market's affordable home values relative to rental income. Occupancy stability scores as average and market growth trend is above average, though the supply/demand balance rates below average due to the rapid 82% year-over-year listing growth. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of seasonal cash-flow variability before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Muncie

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Muncie, Indiana may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Muncie and the State of Indiana, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in Muncie include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules can also impose additional limitations, and some areas may cap the number of active permits, so it's essential to research the specific regulations governing your intended property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Indiana are typically subject to state sales tax and local innkeeper's or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Indiana Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Muncie's STR market is expected to continue expanding after an 82% year-over-year increase in active listings. While that supply growth may put modest pressure on occupancy—currently at 26%—strong summer seasonality and affordable entry costs should help well-managed properties maintain healthy returns. ADR may hold steady or inch up by 1–3% as the market matures, and investors who focus on 2- and 3-bedroom properties are likely best positioned to capture the revenue upside during peak months like June and July."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Muncie, IN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Muncie?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Muncie is currently 26%, which falls below the Indiana state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing slightly better at 26% while 3-bedroom properties come in at 23%. Investors can improve on these averages through competitive pricing, strong amenities, and targeted marketing during peak demand periods.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Muncie?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Muncie earn approximately $1,593 per month or $19,125 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average $12,416 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in around $16,883, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $22,448 per year. Peak months like June and July can push monthly revenue above $2,200, while January tends to be the slowest period at roughly $848.

Is Muncie a good market for Airbnb investment?

Muncie scores a 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, driven by affordable home values averaging $246,210 paired with meaningful rental income. While occupancy stability is average and the rapid 82% growth in listings creates some supply pressure, the low cost of entry means investors can achieve solid yield percentages even at current revenue levels. It's a particularly appealing option for investors looking to diversify into a smaller college-town market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Muncie is $129, which is well below the Indiana state average of $290. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $94 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $120, and 3-bedroom properties command $139. The lower ADR reflects Muncie's affordable cost of living and smaller-market positioning, but when paired with the area's low property values, the rate still supports healthy returns.

Are short-term rentals legal in Muncie?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Muncie, IN, though operators should verify local permit and registration requirements with the City of Muncie before listing. Indiana state regulations and local ordinances may impose specific rules around occupancy limits, parking, noise, and tax collection. We recommend consulting with local authorities or a real estate attorney familiar with Muncie's zoning and permitting landscape to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Muncie?

Peak season in Muncie runs from June through August, with July being the top-earning month at an average of $2,385 in revenue. June follows closely at $2,246, and August rounds out the summer at $1,938. The slowest months are January ($848) and February ($1,065), creating a roughly 2.8x spread between the highest and lowest months. This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for leaner winter months while capitalizing on strong summer demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in Muncie?

There are currently 51 active Airbnb listings in Muncie as of April 2026. The market has grown rapidly, with an 82% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply breaks down primarily into 1-bedroom (16 listings), 2-bedroom (20 listings), and 3-bedroom (8 listings) properties, with 2-bedroom units making up the largest share of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Muncie?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Muncie 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 remainder 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 data. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary analytics for consistency

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 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.