South Bend, IN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South Bend Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South Bend, IN earns an ROI score of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Standout Opportunity tier for short-term rental investors. With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by a $311,546 average home value and $37,004 in trailing annual revenue, the market offers an attractive entry point compared to many Midwest peers. The 366 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced fall football-season spike suggest demand is highly event-driven, creating windows of outsized returns for well-positioned hosts.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South Bend 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 South Bend

South Bend's combination of affordable home prices, above-average revenue-to-price ratios, and concentrated event-driven demand makes it a compelling market for investors seeking strong seasonal cash flow.

Expert Market Assessment

"South Bend represents a strong seasonal opportunity rather than a year-round cash-flow play. Revenue swings dramatically from a low of roughly $1,014 in February to a peak of $7,245 in September, meaning investors need to plan for lean winter months but can capitalize on exceptional fall returns. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the market's standout strength, while occupancy stability and growth trends track at average levels — adequate but not exceptional. Investors who pair competitive pricing with event-weekend optimization should find this market rewarding, especially with larger properties that cater to game-day groups."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South Bend

Average revenue by month in South Bend

South Bend's revenue curve is steeply seasonal, peaking at $7,245 in September — roughly seven times the February low of $1,014. The fall surge through September, October ($5,856), and November ($4,025) delivers the lion's share of annual income, while January through April represents a prolonged soft season that investors should budget around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South Bend

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 101 listings, followed closely by 4-bedrooms (78) and a near-tie between 1- and 2-bedroom units (68 and 65 respectively). Studios (5) and 6+ bedroom homes (12) are notably underrepresented, potentially signaling less competition and differentiation opportunities at both ends of the size spectrum.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South Bend

ADR climbs sharply with bedroom count, from $90 for studios to $987 for 6+ bedroom properties — a tenfold premium that reflects group-travel willingness to pay for space. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($267) to 4 bedrooms ($476) is particularly steep, suggesting investors targeting the 4–5 bedroom range can capture a meaningful rate premium without the operational complexity of the largest homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in South Bend

Revenue per available night peaks dramatically at $308 for 6+ bedroom properties, far outpacing 5-bedrooms ($126) and 4-bedrooms ($103). Smaller units deliver more modest RevPAN — studios at $39 and 1-bedrooms at $46 — indicating that larger properties generate meaningfully better yield per night even after accounting for their lower occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South Bend

Studios lead occupancy at 44%, while mid-range and larger properties hover between 22% and 33%, with 4-bedroom units sitting lowest at 22%. This inverse relationship between size and fill rate is typical in event-driven markets, though the revenue premium on larger units more than compensates for fewer booked nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South Bend

Monthly revenue scales consistently with size, from $1,491 for studios up to $7,319 for 6+ bedroom homes. The 4-bedroom ($3,653) and 5-bedroom ($4,375) categories represent a practical sweet spot, generating well above the market average of $3,083 without requiring the scale of the largest properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in South Bend

Annual revenue ranges from $17,898 for studios to $87,839 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering incrementally higher returns. For investors focused on return potential against acquisition cost, 3-bedroom listings earning $37,873 annually against South Bend's average home value of $311,546 offer a solid baseline, while 5-bedroom units at $52,502 could provide significantly better yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South Bend

Parking (98%) and a full kitchen (95%) are near-universal, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the market and guest expectations for home-like stays. Self check-in (81%), washer (77%), and dryer (74%) round out the essentials, while amenities like hot tubs (9%) and pools (3%) remain rare — a potential differentiator for hosts looking to command higher nightly rates.

Understanding South Bend's ROI Score: 78/100

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

South Bend's ROI score of 78 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — affordable entry costs relative to the income these properties generate. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate at average levels, indicating a fundamentally sound but seasonally concentrated market. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a pricing strategy built around the fall demand surge to maximize returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Bend

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

Permit Requirements

Operators considering short-term rentals in South Bend, Indiana should verify whether a local STR permit or business registration is required by the city. Regulations can change, so contacting the South Bend city clerk's office or planning department directly is the best way to confirm current requirements before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in South Bend include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also review any HOA or neighborhood covenant restrictions, as these can limit or prohibit short-term rental activity regardless of city rules.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Indiana are generally subject to state sales tax and county innkeeper's tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Indiana Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, South Bend's STR market is expected to continue benefiting from its signature fall demand surge — September alone generated an average of $7,245 per listing — while summer months should hold steady in the $2,400–$4,300 range. Listing growth has been notable at 120% year-over-year, so investors entering now should anticipate more competition moderating per-listing revenue gains. ADR may edge up 2–4% as larger properties continue commanding premium rates, though occupancy is likely to remain in the 25–30% range market-wide given the seasonal concentration. These estimates assume stable event calendars and no major regulatory shifts in the area."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South Bend, IN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Bend?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in South Bend is currently 27%, which falls below the Indiana state average of 32%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead at 44%, while 4-bedroom units sit at 22%. The lower market-wide figure reflects South Bend's heavily seasonal demand pattern, where event-driven months like September and October see much higher booking activity than winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Bend?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in South Bend earns approximately $3,083 per month, or about $37,004 annually. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $19,446 per year, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $87,839 annually. Seasonality plays a major role, with September alone averaging $7,245 compared to just $1,014 in February.

Is South Bend a good market for Airbnb investment?

South Bend scores 78 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity designation. Its strongest attribute is an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, driven by relatively affordable home values averaging $311,546 against solid seasonal revenue. The market is best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality — fall months deliver the bulk of annual income — and those targeting larger properties that command premium nightly rates for group stays.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in South Bend is $341, which is notably higher than the Indiana state average of $290. ADR scales steeply with property size: studios average $90 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $987. This premium pricing reflects the demand for larger group accommodations, particularly during event weekends tied to the university calendar.

Are short-term rentals legal in South Bend?

Short-term rentals do operate in South Bend, with 366 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can evolve, and operators should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable restrictions directly with the City of South Bend before purchasing or listing a property. Indiana state law also requires compliance with innkeeper's tax obligations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South Bend?

Peak season in South Bend runs from late summer through fall, with September generating the highest average monthly revenue at $7,245 per listing — more than seven times the February low of $1,014. October ($5,856) and November ($4,025) also perform well above the annual average. This pattern aligns closely with the Notre Dame football season and fall university events, making event-calendar awareness essential for pricing strategy.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Bend?

As of April 2026, there are 366 active Airbnb listings in South Bend. The supply has grown significantly, with 120% year-over-year listing growth. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 101 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms (78) and 1-bedrooms (68). Studios and 6+ bedroom units remain relatively scarce, which may present niche opportunities.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South Bend?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for South Bend 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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, segmented by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics for active short-term rental listings
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 performance as of the dates noted and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location within the market, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.