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

Normal Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Normal, IL stands out as a compact but compelling short-term rental market, with an ROI score of 74 out of 100 driven by above-average revenue-to-price ratios and solid occupancy stability. With just 31 active Airbnb listings and an average occupancy rate of 41% — well above the 33% Illinois state average — demand consistently outpaces what this small supply pool can absorb. Average annual revenue of $24,254 against home values averaging $355,379 creates a favorable yield profile that larger metro markets often struggle to match.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Normal 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 Normal

Normal's combination of affordable home prices, above-average occupancy relative to the state, and a favorable revenue-to-price ratio makes it an appealing market for investors seeking yield without the entry costs of larger metros.

Expert Market Assessment

"Normal represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to operate in a smaller, university-anchored market. Seasonality is notable — revenue dips to around $1,050 in the winter months before climbing to a $2,826 peak in October, likely driven by homecoming and fall events — but the spread is manageable and doesn't create prolonged dead periods. The above-average ratings across revenue-to-price, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance all point to a market where disciplined operators can generate meaningful returns without the intense competition found in tourist-heavy destinations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Normal

Average revenue by month in Normal

Normal's revenue shows clear seasonality, peaking in October at $2,826 and bottoming out in February at $1,050 — a spread of roughly $1,776 between the best and weakest months. The late summer through fall stretch (August–October) is the strongest earning window, while January and February represent the softest period, giving investors a clear picture of when to optimize pricing and when to expect leaner cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Normal

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 12 listings (39% of the market), followed by 8 two-bedroom and 7 three-bedroom properties. Given that 2-bedroom units significantly outperform on both revenue and occupancy, their relatively smaller share of supply may signal an opportunity for investors looking to enter with mid-sized properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Normal

ADR scales predictably with size: 1-bedroom listings average $75/night, 2-bedrooms come in at $140, and 3-bedroom properties command $201 per night. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms nearly doubles the nightly rate, making the 2-bedroom configuration a particularly efficient sweet spot in terms of rate-per-bedroom.

Average RevPAN by property size in Normal

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $78 per available night, outpacing both 3-bedroom units ($58) and 1-bedroom listings ($32). This gap is largely driven by 2-bedrooms combining a solid $140 ADR with the market's highest occupancy rate of 56%, making them the most efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Normal

Occupancy varies dramatically by size: 2-bedroom units lead at 56%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 43%, while 3-bedroom properties lag at just 29%. For investors prioritizing consistent cash flow, the 2-bedroom segment offers the most reliable booking frequency, whereas 3-bedroom units may experience longer vacancy stretches between stays.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Normal

Two-bedroom listings top monthly revenue at $2,749, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at $2,509, while 1-bedroom units earn just $815 per month. The significant drop-off for 1-bedrooms reflects both their lower ADR and more modest occupancy, making larger configurations substantially more attractive from a revenue perspective.

Average annual revenue by property size in Normal

At $32,988 per year, 2-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue in Normal, edging out 3-bedrooms at $30,116 and far surpassing 1-bedrooms at $9,781. For investors weighing acquisition and operating costs against income potential, the 2-bedroom configuration offers the strongest return profile in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Normal

Parking leads amenity prevalence at 97%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the Bloomington-Normal area, while kitchen access, dryer, and self check-in each appear in 94% of listings. High adoption of workspaces (71%) and pet-friendly policies (71%) suggests hosts are catering to longer-staying guests and remote workers — amenities that new listings should treat as table stakes rather than differentiators.

Understanding Normal's ROI Score: 74/100

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

Normal's ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting above-average performance across three of its four key factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, with market growth trend rated as average. This combination suggests a market where relatively affordable property prices and consistent demand create a favorable yield environment, though the recent 44% jump in listing count warrants attention. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research to confirm operating requirements before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Normal

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Normal, Illinois may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the Town of Normal and McLean County authorities, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Illinois municipalities include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the total number of STR permits issued, so confirming these details with local officials before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Illinois are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and in some cases sales tax, on short-term rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Illinois Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Normal's STR market is expected to maintain steady demand tied to Illinois State University's academic calendar and regional events, which fuel the pronounced October peak and strong late-summer bookings. Occupancy rates should hold in the 38–44% range, with ADR potentially seeing modest 2–4% increases as supply remains limited at roughly 30 listings. The 44% year-over-year growth in active listings warrants monitoring — if new supply enters too quickly without matching demand growth, per-listing revenue could soften, though the current supply/demand balance remains favorable."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Normal, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Normal?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Normal is currently 41%, which is notably higher than the 33% Illinois state average. This above-average occupancy reflects consistent demand relative to the market's limited supply of 31 active listings. Occupancy does vary by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 56%, while 3-bedroom properties come in at 29%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Normal?

Airbnb hosts in Normal earn an average of $2,021 per month, which translates to roughly $24,254 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings lead with an average of $32,988 annually, while 1-bedroom units average $9,781 per year. Actual earnings depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Normal a good market for Airbnb investment?

Normal scores 74 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios, stable occupancy, and a favorable supply/demand balance. With average home values of $355,379 and annual STR revenue around $24,254, the yield profile compares favorably to many larger Illinois markets. That said, investors should account for seasonal revenue fluctuations and verify local regulations before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Normal is $143, which is significantly below the $319 Illinois state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $75 per night, 2-bedrooms average $140, and 3-bedroom properties command $201 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Normal's affordability as a market, which helps maintain the strong occupancy rate.

Are short-term rentals legal in Normal?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Normal, IL, though operators may need to obtain appropriate permits or licenses from the Town of Normal. Regulations can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and tax collection obligations. We recommend checking directly with local authorities and reviewing any HOA restrictions before listing a property, as rules can change over time.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Normal?

Peak season for Airbnb in Normal runs from late summer through fall, with October being the highest-earning month at $2,826 in average revenue. August ($2,653), September ($2,336), and December ($2,354) also perform well. The slowest months are January and February, when revenue drops to around $1,050. This seasonal pattern likely reflects the academic calendar at Illinois State University and fall events.

How many Airbnbs are there in Normal?

There are currently 31 active Airbnb listings in Normal as of April 2026. The supply is primarily composed of smaller properties: 12 one-bedroom listings, 8 two-bedroom listings, and 7 three-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth is 44%, suggesting growing investor interest in this market, though total supply remains quite limited.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Normal?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Normal 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 up the results 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 how actively 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 for Normal, IL and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rate and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual revenue estimates
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market
• Home value data 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. Market data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent shifts in supply, demand, or local regulations. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and operational management.