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

Oberlin Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Oberlin, OH presents an appealing niche opportunity for short-term rental investors, combining above-average revenue-to-price ratios with relatively affordable home values averaging $349,415. With 39 active Airbnb listings and a college-town profile that drives steady visitor traffic, the market scores a 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score—placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. While the average occupancy rate of 29% sits below Ohio's 34% state average, the favorable supply/demand balance and strong RevPAN relative to property costs help offset that gap.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Oberlin 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 Oberlin

Investors are drawn to Oberlin for its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, college-driven demand, and a supply/demand balance that still favors well-positioned hosts.

Expert Market Assessment

"Oberlin's STR market earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by a strong revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics in a compact market. Seasonality is pronounced—August leads at $3,558 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $882—so investors should plan for meaningful cash-flow swings between summer peaks and winter lulls. The limited listing inventory (only 39 active properties split between 1- and 3-bedroom configurations) means differentiated offerings can outperform market averages. For investors willing to manage around seasonal softness, the combination of affordable entry points and above-average yield metrics makes this a market worth serious consideration."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Oberlin

Average revenue by month in Oberlin

Oberlin's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in August at $3,558 and bottoming out in January at just $882—a spread of more than 4x. The summer months (June–August) consistently outperform, while the winter trough from December through February signals that investors should budget for lean periods or explore mid-term rental strategies during the off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Oberlin

The market's 39 active listings are heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom properties (25 listings), with 3-bedroom units making up the remaining 8. The absence of 2-bedroom and 4+ bedroom listings in the data could represent an underserved niche worth exploring for investors seeking differentiation.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Oberlin

ADR scales meaningfully with size—3-bedroom properties command $191 per night compared to $140 for 1-bedroom units, a 36% premium. Given that larger properties also carry higher occupancy rates in this market, the added cost of a 3-bedroom acquisition may be well justified by the nightly rate uplift.

Average RevPAN by property size in Oberlin

Three-bedroom properties deliver $63 in RevPAN versus $40 for 1-bedroom listings, a 58% advantage that accounts for both pricing power and occupancy. This gap makes 3-bedroom configurations the clear leaders in per-night revenue efficiency in Oberlin.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Oberlin

Occupancy rates are modest across the board but tilt in favor of 3-bedroom properties at 33% versus 29% for 1-bedroom units. The relatively narrow spread suggests that demand is consistent across property types, though larger homes capture slightly more bookings—likely from families and groups visiting the area.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Oberlin

Three-bedroom listings earn an average of $2,815 per month, outpacing 1-bedroom units at $1,678 by roughly 68%. For investors weighing acquisition costs against cash flow, the 3-bedroom segment clearly delivers stronger monthly income in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Oberlin

At $33,786 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties generate nearly 68% more than 1-bedroom listings ($20,142). Relative to Oberlin's average home value of $349,415, the 3-bedroom configuration offers the most compelling return potential for investors targeting this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Oberlin

Parking dominates at 97% prevalence—virtually a requirement in this market—followed by backyard access (72%), kitchen (69%), and self check-in (67%). The high adoption of workspace amenities (51%) suggests hosts are catering to remote workers and longer-stay guests, while premium features like hot tubs and pools remain rare at just 8%, presenting a potential differentiation opportunity.

Understanding Oberlin's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Oberlin's ROI Score of 71 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting above-average marks across three of four key factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance. Market growth trend scores as average, which aligns with the small-town dynamics—steady but not explosive. Investors should pair these metrics with hands-on regulatory research and property-level due diligence to confirm whether Oberlin's favorable yield profile translates into a viable investment for their specific situation.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Oberlin

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Oberlin, Ohio may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Oberlin and Lorain County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Ohio municipalities can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of active permits. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply, particularly in planned developments, so reviewing any applicable covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Ohio are generally subject to state sales tax and local lodging or occupancy taxes. Many platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both Ohio's Department of Taxation and any Lorain County-level requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Oberlin's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with peak revenue concentrated in the July–August corridor and softer months through winter. Listing growth has been robust at 113% year-over-year, so new supply could temper occupancy gains slightly—investors should anticipate occupancy holding steady in the 27–31% range. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies, though the market's small size means individual property quality will have an outsized effect on performance. Revenue estimates suggest annual earnings in the $24,000–$27,000 range for a well-managed listing near the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Oberlin, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oberlin?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oberlin is currently 29%, which falls slightly below Ohio's statewide average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size—1-bedroom listings average 29% while 3-bedroom properties perform a bit better at 33%. Seasonal demand fluctuations play a significant role, with summer months driving higher booking rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Oberlin?

Airbnb hosts in Oberlin earn an average of $2,104 per month and approximately $25,250 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $20,142 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $33,786 per year. Peak months like July and August can push monthly earnings above $3,000.

Is Oberlin a good market for Airbnb investment?

Oberlin scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios, stable occupancy, and a favorable supply/demand balance. With average home values around $349,415 and annual revenue potential near $25,250, the yield dynamics are competitive—especially for 3-bedroom properties. Investors should account for seasonal variability and verify local regulations before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Oberlin is $159, which is below Ohio's statewide average of $250. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $140 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $191. The lower ADR reflects the market's smaller-town positioning but pairs well with more affordable property acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Oberlin?

Short-term rentals operate in Oberlin, with 39 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. However, local permit requirements, zoning rules, and other regulations may apply. Investors should check directly with the City of Oberlin and Lorain County for the most current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Oberlin?

Peak season in Oberlin runs from June through August, with August being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,558 per listing. July follows closely at $3,179. The shoulder months of May, September, and October also perform respectably, while January is the slowest month at $882 in average revenue. College events and summer travel are likely key demand drivers.

How many Airbnbs are there in Oberlin?

Oberlin currently has 39 active Airbnb listings, split primarily between 1-bedroom units (25 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (8 listings). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 113% year-over-year. Despite this growth, the overall supply remains small, which may benefit hosts by limiting direct competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Oberlin?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Oberlin are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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. 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 Oberlin, OH
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 27, 2026, and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.