Port Clinton, OH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Port Clinton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Port Clinton sits along the shores of Lake Erie and draws heavy seasonal tourism traffic, making it an appealing short-term rental market for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. With 88 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $226, and trailing-twelve-month annual revenue averaging $39,358, the market offers meaningful income potential — particularly during the summer months when revenue spikes dramatically. However, a 27% average occupancy rate (below Ohio's 34% state average) and a 123% year-over-year increase in active listings signal growing competition that warrants careful deal selection.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Port Clinton 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 Port Clinton

Port Clinton appeals to investors seeking high summer-season returns in a lakefront vacation market, though success requires navigating strong seasonality and increasing competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Port Clinton represents a competitive opportunity — the ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, combined with below-average supply/demand balance as new listings flood in. Seasonality is the defining feature here: July revenue of $9,055 per listing dwarfs the January figure of just $616, creating a roughly 15:1 peak-to-trough ratio that investors must budget around. Properties with 3 bedrooms or more appear to capture the lion's share of revenue, with 4-bedroom units averaging $57,831 annually. For investors who can secure well-located properties at attractive prices and optimize for the May–September window, the market still offers solid earning potential despite the competitive headwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Port Clinton

Average revenue by month in Port Clinton

Port Clinton's revenue is extremely seasonal, peaking at $9,055 in July and bottoming at just $616 in January — a roughly 15x spread. The core earning window spans May through September, which together account for the vast majority of annual income, making cash-flow planning during the off-season essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Port Clinton

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 29 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 23, while 4-bedroom homes are relatively scarce at just 13 listings. The limited 4-bedroom inventory, combined with their strong revenue performance, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Port Clinton

ADR scales with property size from $158 for 2-bedrooms up to $260 for 4-bedrooms, though 1-bedroom units buck the trend at $243 — likely reflecting premium or waterfront locations. The jump from 2-bedroom to 3-bedroom ADR ($158 to $224) is particularly notable and suggests strong guest willingness to pay for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Port Clinton

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $71, benefiting from a combination of solid ADR and the market's best occupancy rate. Four-bedroom units follow at $62, while 2-bedrooms lag at $46 despite having the second-highest occupancy, underscoring how their lower nightly rate limits per-night revenue potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Port Clinton

Occupancy rates range from 21% for 1-bedroom units to 32% for 3-bedroom homes, with all sizes falling well below the Ohio state average of 34%. Three-bedroom listings achieve the most consistent bookings, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units sit at the lower end — suggesting that mid-sized properties best match the demand profile of Lake Erie vacationers.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Port Clinton

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $2,233 for 1-bedroom listings to $4,819 for 4-bedroom homes. The gap between 3-bedroom ($3,873) and 4-bedroom ($4,819) units represents a meaningful $946 monthly premium that can help justify the higher acquisition and operating costs of larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Port Clinton

Four-bedroom properties lead with $57,831 in average annual revenue — more than double the $26,807 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom homes at $46,477 offer a compelling middle ground, delivering strong revenue with potentially lower purchase costs, making them worth close consideration for return-focused investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Port Clinton

Parking (99%) and kitchens (98%) are near-universal, while outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (77%), backyards (73%), and outdoor furniture (66%) reflect the vacation-oriented nature of this lakefront market. Lake access appears in 46% of listings and waterfront in 27%, suggesting that properties with direct water proximity can use these features as key differentiators to command premium rates.

Understanding Port Clinton's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Port Clinton's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, indicating that while the market has genuine earning potential, investors face tighter competition and need to be more selective. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, and market growth trends are similarly middling — but the supply/demand balance scores below average, reflecting the 123% surge in new listings. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on larger, well-amenitized properties can help investors identify the deals that still pencil well in this environment.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Clinton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Port Clinton, Ohio may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Port Clinton and Ottawa County offices, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Ohio municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so investors should review any deed restrictions or association bylaws before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Ohio are typically subject to state sales tax and county lodging or bed taxes, which can vary by jurisdiction. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Ohio Department of Taxation and Ottawa County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Port Clinton's STR market is likely to remain firmly seasonal, with the bulk of revenue concentrated between May and September. ADR could hold steady or see modest increases of 1–3% as supply growth puts pressure on occupancy, which we estimate will remain in the 25–30% range annually. Investors entering the market should plan conservatively around winter cash flow and focus on properties that can command premium summer rates — 3- and 4-bedroom homes appear best positioned. The rapid supply growth is worth monitoring, as further listing increases could compress per-property revenue if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Port Clinton, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Clinton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Clinton is currently 27%, which falls below the Ohio state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom units lead at 32%, while 1-bedroom listings average just 21%. The low annual figure reflects extreme seasonality, with most bookings concentrated in the summer months and very little activity during winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Port Clinton?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Port Clinton earns approximately $39,358 per year, or about $3,279 per month. Revenue varies widely by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $57,831 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in roughly $26,807. Summer months — particularly July at $9,055 — drive the majority of annual income.

Is Port Clinton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Port Clinton carries an ROI score of 54 out of 100, reflecting a competitive opportunity where investor interest and demand are strong but rising supply and lower occupancy require more selective deal sourcing. The market's strength lies in its summer tourism season along Lake Erie, which can generate impressive nightly rates and monthly revenue. However, annual occupancy of 27% and a 123% year-over-year increase in listings mean investors need to secure well-priced properties and operate efficiently to achieve attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Port Clinton is $226, slightly below the Ohio state average of $250. ADR ranges from $158 for 2-bedroom properties to $260 for 4-bedroom homes. Interestingly, 1-bedroom units command $243 on average, likely reflecting waterfront or premium locations that attract couples seeking upscale stays.

Are short-term rentals legal in Port Clinton?

Short-term rentals do operate in Port Clinton, Ohio, with 88 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and operational requirements can vary and change over time. Investors should verify the latest rules directly with the City of Port Clinton and Ottawa County authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Port Clinton?

Peak season in Port Clinton runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $9,055 in revenue per listing. June follows at $6,611 and August at $7,670. The shoulder months of May ($3,912) and September ($3,831) also see solid activity. Winter months from November through February are the slowest, with revenue dipping below $1,000 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Port Clinton?

As of April 2026, there are 88 active Airbnb listings in Port Clinton. The market has seen rapid supply growth, with a 123% year-over-year increase in active listings. The majority of supply consists of 2-bedroom (23 listings) and 3-bedroom (29 listings) properties, with smaller numbers of 1-bedroom (14) and 4-bedroom (13) homes.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Port Clinton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Port Clinton 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, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This methodology 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, location, 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 Port Clinton and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with Port Clinton and Ottawa County authorities before making investment decisions.