Rock Island, IL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Rock Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Rock Island, IL is a micro-market with just 13 active Airbnb listings, offering extremely low competition for investors willing to operate in a smaller Quad Cities community. The average daily rate sits at $140—well below the $319 Illinois state average—while occupancy runs at 22% compared to the 33% state benchmark, translating to roughly $13,225 in average annual revenue per listing. The market's small supply and affordable entry point could appeal to investors seeking low-cost positions, though the modest revenue figures call for careful underwriting before committing capital.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Rock Island short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Rock Island

Rock Island's appeal lies in its extremely low barrier to entry and minimal competition, making it a candidate for investors who can keep acquisition and operating costs lean enough to profit on modest revenue.

Expert Market Assessment

"Rock Island presents a limited-opportunity STR market best suited to investors with low cost bases and realistic revenue expectations. The 22% occupancy rate and $1,102 average monthly revenue suggest that only well-priced, efficiently managed properties will generate meaningful returns. Seasonality is meaningful—March stands out at $1,432 in average revenue while January dips to just $719—so hosts who optimize pricing around warmer months and local events will extract the most value. With such a thin supply of 13 listings, a well-positioned property could outperform the averages, but the overall revenue ceiling remains modest by Illinois standards."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Rock Island

Average revenue by month in Rock Island

Revenue in Rock Island follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in March at $1,432 and hitting its low point in January at $719—a spread of nearly 2x. The warm-weather months from June through October form a solid middle tier averaging roughly $1,200–$1,400, making this a market where dynamic pricing around spring and summer events is essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Rock Island

The available size-level data shows 2-bedroom properties accounting for 5 of the 13 active listings, with other bedroom counts either absent or too few to report. This concentration suggests that investors considering alternative configurations—such as 1-bedroom or 3+ bedroom units—could face less direct competition, though demand validation is important given the small market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Rock Island

Two-bedroom listings in Rock Island command an ADR of $131, slightly below the market-wide average of $140. With limited data on other property sizes, the 2-bedroom segment serves as the primary benchmark for investors evaluating nightly rate expectations in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Rock Island

Two-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $34, modestly above the overall market average of $30. This indicates that 2-bedroom units convert their slightly lower ADR into competitive per-night revenue thanks to their higher occupancy rate relative to the broader market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Rock Island

At 26%, 2-bedroom listings outpace the market-wide occupancy average of 22% by four percentage points. While still below the Illinois state average of 33%, this relative advantage suggests that appropriately sized properties can capture a larger share of the limited demand in Rock Island.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Rock Island

Two-bedroom properties average $957 per month, falling below the market-wide average of $1,102. This gap implies that some higher-earning listings in other size categories or premium configurations are pulling the overall market average upward, which investors should investigate further.

Average annual revenue by property size in Rock Island

A typical 2-bedroom listing in Rock Island generates roughly $11,488 annually, compared to the $13,225 market-wide average. Investors targeting this property size should underwrite conservatively and explore whether larger or uniquely positioned properties could capture the premium revenue that lifts the overall market figure.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Rock Island

Kitchen and parking are universal in Rock Island's listings at 100%, while washer/dryer (85%) and self check-in (77%) are near-standard. The prevalence of backyards (69%) and workspaces (54%) signals a guest base that values home-like comfort and functionality, making these amenities table stakes rather than differentiators for new listings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Rock Island

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Rock Island, Illinois may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit through the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Rock Island's municipal offices and the Illinois Department of Revenue before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Rock Island can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA-level prohibitions. Because local rules can change, it's important to confirm the latest zoning and land-use policies with city planning staff.

Tax Obligations

Illinois requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically. Hosts should still confirm their individual sales tax and local hotel/motel tax obligations with the Illinois Department of Revenue and Rock Island's finance department.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Rock Island's STR performance is likely to track the seasonal patterns already visible in the data, with revenue peaking in the March–August corridor and softening through winter. Investors might see modest ADR gains in the range of 1–3% if Quad Cities tourism and event traffic holds steady, but occupancy is unlikely to climb dramatically given the market's current 22% baseline. Demand-side improvements—such as new attractions or regional economic development—could nudge annual revenue toward the $14,000–$15,000 range, though estimates should be treated conservatively until the listing base matures further."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Rock Island, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rock Island?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rock Island is currently 22%, which falls below the Illinois state average of 33%. For 2-bedroom properties specifically, occupancy averages around 26%. These figures reflect the market's smaller demand base, and individual hosts who invest in competitive pricing and strong guest experiences may outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Rock Island?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Rock Island earn approximately $1,102 per month and $13,225 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by season—March tends to be the strongest month at around $1,432, while January is the softest at roughly $719. Two-bedroom properties, which make up the bulk of active listings, average about $11,488 annually.

Is Rock Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Rock Island is a niche market with very limited competition—just 13 active listings as of April 2026. While annual revenue averages around $13,225, which is modest compared to larger Illinois markets, the low acquisition costs in the Quad Cities area can make the math work for investors who keep expenses tight. It's best suited for cost-conscious investors rather than those seeking high-revenue markets.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Rock Island is $140, significantly below the Illinois state average of $319. For 2-bedroom properties, the ADR is approximately $131. These rates reflect the market's affordability-focused guest base and smaller-market positioning within the Quad Cities region.

Are short-term rentals legal in Rock Island?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Rock Island, IL, though hosts may be required to obtain appropriate permits or business licenses. Local zoning rules, noise ordinances, and occupancy limits may also apply. We recommend checking directly with Rock Island's city offices and the Illinois Department of Revenue for the most current regulations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Rock Island?

Peak season in Rock Island runs roughly from March through October, with the strongest single month being March at an average of $1,432 in revenue. Summer months (June through August) also perform well, averaging between $1,281 and $1,391. The off-peak period spans November through February, with January and February dipping to around $719–$733.

How many Airbnbs are there in Rock Island?

As of April 2026, there are 13 active Airbnb listings in Rock Island. The vast majority of the supply with available size data consists of 2-bedroom properties. This very small supply base means new entrants face minimal competition but should also plan for a limited demand pool.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Rock Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Rock Island 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 aggregate the results into 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 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 Rock Island and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change—always verify with municipal authorities before investing.