Nelsonville, OH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Nelsonville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nelsonville, OH earns an ROI score of 79 out of 100, placing it in "Standout Opportunity" territory for short-term rental investors. With an average home value of $237,261 and trailing annual revenue of $35,751, the revenue-to-price ratio sits well above average — a compelling draw for investors seeking strong cash-on-cash returns in a smaller Appalachian Ohio market. The 53 active listings signal a still-developing supply landscape, and the 133% year-over-year growth in listing count suggests rising investor interest that's worth monitoring.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Nelsonville 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 Nelsonville

Nelsonville's attractive revenue-to-price ratio and growing visitor interest make it a market where investors can achieve meaningful returns at a relatively low entry cost.

Expert Market Assessment

"Nelsonville presents a genuinely attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with a seasonal, nature-driven market. The standout revenue-to-price ratio — the heaviest factor in the ROI score — means entry costs are low relative to what top-performing listings actually earn. Seasonality is the key consideration: revenue swings from a low of around $1,743 in January to nearly $3,971 in August, so investors need to budget for meaningful off-peak softness. That said, the fall months remain strong (October hits $3,958), extending the profitable window well beyond a typical summer-only destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Nelsonville

Average revenue by month in Nelsonville

Nelsonville's revenue pattern reveals a clear seasonal arc, with August ($3,971) and October ($3,958) delivering peak earnings and January ($1,743) marking the low point — a spread of roughly $2,200 between the best and worst months. Investors should expect a strong May-through-November stretch that generates the bulk of annual income, with a notable October surge likely tied to fall tourism in the Hocking Hills region.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Nelsonville

Two-bedroom properties lead supply with 14 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 11, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units each account for 8 listings. Five-bedroom properties (7 listings) represent the smallest share of supply, which is notable given their outsized revenue performance — a potential signal of opportunity for investors willing to go bigger.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Nelsonville

ADR scales sharply with size, climbing from $129 for 1-bedroom units to $361 for 5-bedroom properties — nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($231) to 5 bedrooms ($361) is especially pronounced, suggesting strong group-travel demand that rewards larger, well-appointed properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Nelsonville

Five-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $71, followed by 2-bedrooms at $60 and 4-bedrooms at $48. Three-bedroom properties lag at just $40 despite a reasonable ADR, indicating that their occupancy rate pulls down effective per-night earnings — a configuration investors may want to approach more cautiously.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Nelsonville

Smaller units capture the most bookings, with 1-bedrooms at 35% and 2-bedrooms at 32%, both well above the market average. Larger properties (3–5 bedrooms) cluster around 20–21% occupancy, which is typical for higher-ADR vacation rentals that depend on weekend and peak-season demand rather than consistent weekday bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Nelsonville

Five-bedroom listings top the monthly revenue chart at $4,514, with 4-bedrooms close behind at $3,822 — both comfortably above the market average of $2,979. One-bedroom units earn the least at $1,718 per month, and interestingly, 3-bedroom properties ($2,294) underperform 2-bedrooms ($2,696), reinforcing the RevPAN data showing 3-bedrooms as a relatively weaker configuration.

Average annual revenue by property size in Nelsonville

At $54,172 annually, 5-bedroom properties generate more than 2.6 times the revenue of 1-bedroom units ($20,618), making them the clear leaders for gross income. Four-bedroom listings follow at $45,865, offering strong annual returns that, when paired with Nelsonville's moderate home prices, could deliver attractive investment yields.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Nelsonville

Every listing in Nelsonville offers parking and a kitchen, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a rural, drive-to destination. Hot tubs stand out at 74% prevalence — far above typical urban markets — signaling that this amenity has become nearly essential for competitive listings, while outdoor features like patios (72%), backyards (72%), and BBQ grills (70%) underscore the market's nature-retreat positioning.

Understanding Nelsonville's ROI Score: 79/100

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

Nelsonville's ROI score of 79 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the most heavily weighted factor at 40%. Occupancy stability, market growth trends, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, meaning the score's strength comes from the sheer affordability of entry relative to earning potential rather than from market dominance across all dimensions. Investors should pair this promising score with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to validate the opportunity for their specific property type.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Nelsonville

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Nelsonville, OH should check with the City of Nelsonville and Athens County for any short-term rental permit or registration requirements before listing a property. Ohio does not impose a statewide STR licensing framework, so requirements can vary significantly at the local level.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Additionally, properties within HOA-governed communities may face separate covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so investors should review all applicable rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Ohio are generally subject to state sales tax and county lodging or bed taxes, which can vary by jurisdiction. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with Athens County and the Ohio Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Nelsonville's STR market is likely to continue attracting new supply given the rapid 133% year-over-year listing growth, though the market's relatively modest occupancy of 27% means that demand will need to keep pace to sustain current revenue levels. Seasonal patterns point to a reliable summer-through-fall peak, with July through October generating the strongest bookings; investors should plan for softer winters where monthly revenue can dip below $1,800. ADR may see modest appreciation in the 1–3% range as operators refine pricing strategies, and occupancy could stabilize around 25–30% as the market matures and listings become more competitive."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Nelsonville, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Nelsonville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Nelsonville is currently 27%, which falls below the Ohio state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 35% and larger 3- to 5-bedroom properties hovering around 20%. While these figures reflect a seasonal market, strong peak-season bookings help offset quieter winter months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Nelsonville?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Nelsonville earn approximately $2,979 per month or $35,751 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size — 5-bedroom listings lead at roughly $4,514 per month ($54,172 annually), while 1-bedroom units average around $1,718 per month ($20,618 annually). Peak months like July, August, and October can push monthly revenue close to $4,000.

Is Nelsonville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Nelsonville scores 79 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a "Standout Opportunity" designation. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is particularly attractive — average home values sit around $237,261 while annual STR revenue averages $35,751, translating to a compelling gross yield. Investors should be prepared for seasonal fluctuations and a relatively modest occupancy rate, but the low acquisition cost and strong peak-season performance make this market well worth considering.

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

The current average daily rate in Nelsonville is $233, slightly below the Ohio state average of $250. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $129 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $361 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger, amenity-rich properties that can accommodate groups.

Are short-term rentals legal in Nelsonville?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Nelsonville, OH, though specific permit or registration requirements may apply at the city or county level. Ohio does not have a statewide STR ban, but local jurisdictions can impose their own rules. Prospective investors should consult the City of Nelsonville and Athens County offices, as well as check for any applicable HOA restrictions, before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Nelsonville?

Peak season in Nelsonville runs from roughly May through October, with the strongest months being July ($3,954), August ($3,971), and October ($3,958) based on average monthly revenue. The fall foliage season appears to drive a notable October spike. Winter months represent the off-peak period, with January and February averaging around $1,743–$1,758 — roughly half the peak-month revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Nelsonville?

As of April 2026, there are 53 active Airbnb listings in Nelsonville. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 14 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (11 listings). The market has seen significant growth, with a 133% year-over-year increase in active listings, indicating rising investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Nelsonville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Nelsonville 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. 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 how effectively 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data 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 current market conditions, which may shift as supply grows or demand patterns change. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.