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

Urbana Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Urbana, IL presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors, with an ROI score of 66 out of 100 and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by relatively affordable home values averaging $298,215. The market's 82 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $19,364, while occupancy sits at 36%—slightly above the Illinois state average of 33%. Strong ties to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign likely fuel consistent demand tied to academic calendars, sporting events, and campus visits.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Urbana 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 Urbana

Urbana's combination of affordable property prices, university-driven demand, and above-average revenue-to-price metrics makes it a compelling market for investors seeking cash-flow-positive STR opportunities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Urbana represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable with pronounced seasonality. Revenue peaks sharply from August through October—averaging $2,180 to $2,399 per month—before tapering to a January low of just $882, creating a roughly 2.7x spread between best and worst months. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy are encouraging fundamentals, though the below-average market growth trend and rapid supply increase warrant careful monitoring. Investors targeting 2- or 3-bedroom properties stand to capture the strongest absolute returns, while 1-bedrooms offer higher occupancy and lower acquisition risk."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Urbana

Average revenue by month in Urbana

Urbana's revenue cycle follows an academic calendar, peaking in August at $2,399 and bottoming out in January at $882—a nearly 3x seasonal swing. The fall months (August–November) consistently outperform, while winter and early spring represent the softest stretch, making cash reserve planning essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Urbana

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 43 listings (52% of the market), followed by 18 two-bedrooms and 14 three-bedrooms. The relatively thin supply of larger properties could represent an opportunity, as 3-bedroom units generate the highest absolute revenue despite their scarcity.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Urbana

ADR scales sharply with size in Urbana: 1-bedrooms average $68/night, 2-bedrooms $118, and 3-bedrooms command $209—roughly triple the smallest tier. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms ($91 premium) suggests that larger group-friendly properties capture outsized nightly rates, likely driven by families and event visitors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Urbana

RevPAN climbs steadily from $30 for 1-bedrooms to $42 for 2-bedrooms and $49 for 3-bedroom properties. While 3-bedrooms deliver the highest revenue per available night, the gap narrows relative to ADR differences because their lower occupancy (24%) partially offsets the rate premium.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Urbana

Smaller units stay booked most consistently, with 1-bedrooms averaging 44% occupancy versus 36% for 2-bedrooms and 24% for 3-bedrooms. Investors prioritizing cash-flow stability may favor 1-bedroom units, while those willing to accept more variable booking patterns can target larger properties for higher total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Urbana

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,664, followed by 2-bedrooms at $2,124 and 1-bedrooms at $1,008. The 2.6x gap between 1- and 3-bedroom monthly earnings underscores how much additional revenue larger configurations can capture, even with significantly lower occupancy rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Urbana

Annual revenue ranges from $12,105 for 1-bedroom listings to $31,979 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms landing at $25,497. Given average home values of $298,215, investors should carefully model acquisition costs by bedroom count to determine which configuration delivers the strongest yield for their specific property.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Urbana

Kitchens (96%) and parking (95%) are near-universal in Urbana's STR market, signaling that guests expect self-sufficient, car-friendly accommodations. Washer/dryer availability (83–84%) and self check-in (71%) are also standard, while differentiators like hot tubs (13%) and pools (9%) remain rare—presenting potential upside for hosts willing to invest in standout features.

Understanding Urbana's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Urbana's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability—two of the most heavily weighted factors in the calculation. The below-average market growth trend tempers the outlook somewhat, reflecting the rapid influx of new listings that could moderate per-listing returns over time. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a clear understanding of university-driven demand cycles will help investors gauge whether Urbana fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Urbana

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Urbana, Illinois may be required to obtain a short-term rental permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Urbana and Champaign County, as STR regulations in college towns can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Urbana can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA restrictions in certain neighborhoods. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, so checking local zoning rules before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Illinois are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm whether additional local tourism or hotel taxes apply in Urbana, as obligations can vary by jurisdiction.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Urbana's STR market is expected to see continued demand tied to university-driven events and seasonal patterns, with peak months (August through October) likely sustaining ADRs in the current range. The 158% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though this rapid supply expansion could moderate occupancy gains and put some downward pressure on rates. Investors should anticipate monthly revenues fluctuating between roughly $880 and $2,400 depending on the season, with overall annual revenue estimates likely holding steady or growing modestly by 1–3%."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Urbana, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Urbana?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Urbana is currently 36%, which edges above the Illinois state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 44%, while 3-bedrooms average around 24%. This reflects a market where smaller units stay booked more frequently, likely driven by solo travelers and visiting academics.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Urbana?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Urbana earn approximately $1,613 per month, or about $19,364 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $12,105 per year, 2-bedrooms bring in roughly $25,497, and 3-bedroom properties top the range at about $31,979 annually. Seasonal swings also play a major role, with August being the strongest month at $2,399 in average revenue.

Is Urbana a good market for Airbnb investment?

Urbana scores a 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy, making it particularly appealing given average home values around $298,215. The below-average market growth trend and recent surge in new listings are factors to watch, but the university-driven demand base provides a reliable floor for bookings.

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

The average daily rate in Urbana is $120, which is significantly below the Illinois state average of $319. This lower ADR reflects Urbana's positioning as an affordable college-town market rather than a luxury destination. Rates scale meaningfully with property size: 1-bedrooms average $68 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $118, and 3-bedroom listings command $209 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Urbana?

Short-term rentals operate in Urbana, IL, with 82 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, investors should verify specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations with the City of Urbana and local authorities, as regulations can change. Consulting with a local real estate attorney or STR-experienced agent is a smart step before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Urbana?

Peak season in Urbana runs from August through October, with average monthly revenues reaching $2,399 in August, $2,180 in September, and $2,151 in October. This aligns with the fall semester at the University of Illinois, football season, and homecoming events. The slowest period is January, when average revenue drops to around $882, creating significant seasonality that hosts should plan for.

How many Airbnbs are there in Urbana?

There are currently 82 active Airbnb listings in Urbana as of April 2026. The supply skews heavily toward smaller properties, with 43 one-bedroom listings making up more than half the market, followed by 18 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth of 158% indicates a rapidly expanding supply base.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Urbana?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Urbana 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. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks like August ($2,399) and slower months like January ($882). Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well 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 the Urbana market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarking
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.