West Lafayette, IN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

West Lafayette Short-Term Rental Market Overview

West Lafayette's short-term rental market is closely tied to Purdue University, creating a demand pattern that rewards investors who understand the academic calendar and event-driven travel. With 82 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $163, and annual revenue averaging $28,629, the market remains compact enough that well-positioned properties can capture meaningful share. An ROI score of 63 out of 100 places this market in "Attractive Opportunity" territory, supported by above-average occupancy stability and a revenue-to-price ratio that holds up despite average home values of $507,628.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the West Lafayette 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 West Lafayette

West Lafayette attracts STR investors because of its predictable, university-driven demand cycle combined with a still-emerging supply landscape that creates room for differentiation.

Expert Market Assessment

"West Lafayette represents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for investors comfortable with a university-driven demand cycle. The market's pronounced seasonality — revenue nearly triples from January's $1,255 to August's $4,068 — means operators need to price dynamically and budget for leaner winter months. Occupancy stability scores above average, which is encouraging and suggests that even off-peak bookings remain more reliable than many comparable-sized markets. The rapid 134% year-over-year growth in listings warrants monitoring, though the market's small absolute size means it hasn't reached saturation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in West Lafayette

Average revenue by month in West Lafayette

Revenue follows a sharp seasonal curve peaking in August at $4,068 — more than 3× the January low of $1,255. The strongest corridor runs from July through October, aligning closely with Purdue's move-in period and football season, while winter months from December through February represent the softest stretch for operators.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in West Lafayette

Three-bedroom homes dominate the supply with 26 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 21 and 2-bedrooms at 14. Larger properties (4- and 5-bedroom) are underrepresented with just 11 and 5 listings respectively, which could signal opportunity for investors targeting group travel and family visits where competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in West Lafayette

ADR roughly doubles from 1-bedroom units ($90) to 3-bedroom properties ($197), where it effectively plateaus — 4-bedrooms command $194 and 5-bedrooms actually dip to $175. The strongest price-per-bedroom premium sits in the 2-bedroom tier at $184, where the jump from 1-bedroom is significant without the higher acquisition costs of larger homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in West Lafayette

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $69, meaningfully outpacing 3-bedrooms ($56) and 1-bedrooms ($33). The drop-off is steep for larger configurations — 4-bedrooms earn $43 and 5-bedrooms just $30 — suggesting that the lower occupancy rates for bigger homes more than offset their higher nightly rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in West Lafayette

Smaller units stay busiest, with 2-bedrooms leading at 38% occupancy and 1-bedrooms close behind at 37%. Occupancy falls sharply as property size increases — 3-bedrooms drop to 28%, 4-bedrooms to 22%, and 5-bedrooms to just 17% — making cash-flow predictability significantly better for compact, well-located units.

Average monthly revenue by property size in West Lafayette

Despite lower occupancy, 4-bedroom properties lead in monthly revenue at $3,693, benefiting from group-stay premiums. Three-bedroom homes follow at $2,704, while 1-bedroom units trail at $1,053, underscoring how larger configurations can overcome occupancy gaps through higher per-booking revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in West Lafayette

Four-bedroom homes generate the highest annual revenue at $44,327, followed by 5-bedrooms at $36,649 and 3-bedrooms at $32,458. However, when weighed against likely higher acquisition and maintenance costs, 2-bedroom properties at $28,651 annual revenue may offer the most efficient return profile given their superior RevPAN and occupancy rates.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in West Lafayette

Parking dominates at 99% of listings — nearly universal and clearly expected by guests in this car-dependent market. Kitchen (93%), washer (90%), and dryer (89%) round out the essentials, while a workspace in 76% of listings signals that hosts are catering to longer stays and remote workers, a smart play for a university town.

Understanding West Lafayette's ROI Score: 63/100

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

West Lafayette's ROI score of 63 out of 100 lands it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio that makes the economics workable despite home values averaging $507,628. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, reflecting the rapid influx of new listings (134% YoY growth) that could pressure returns if it continues unchecked. Pairing this score with a close look at local zoning rules and the Purdue event calendar will help investors time their entry and property selection effectively.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in West Lafayette

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

Permit Requirements

West Lafayette, Indiana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local permit or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, as regulations in Indiana can vary by municipality.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. HOA or neighborhood covenants can impose additional layers of limitation, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Indiana imposes state sales tax and county innkeeper's tax on short-term rental income, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the Indiana Department of Revenue, as local rates in Tippecanoe County may apply on top of state-level taxes.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect West Lafayette's STR performance to remain anchored by Purdue's academic calendar and event schedule, with August and September continuing as the revenue high-water marks. ADR could see modest increases in the 2–4% range as supply growth (up 134% year-over-year in listing count) begins to stabilize and operators refine pricing. Occupancy is likely to hover around 29–33% on a market-wide basis, though properties that cater to visiting families, football weekends, and graduation periods should outperform that average. Investors entering now benefit from a market still early in its maturation cycle, though competition is rising quickly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in West Lafayette, IN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in West Lafayette?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in West Lafayette is currently 31%, which is just slightly below the Indiana state average of 32%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units lead at 37% and 38% respectively, while larger 4- and 5-bedroom homes see rates of 22% and 17%. The university-driven demand cycle means occupancy concentrates around key academic events and seasons.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in West Lafayette?

Airbnb hosts in West Lafayette earn an average of $2,385 per month, or roughly $28,629 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 4-bedroom homes top the market at $3,693 per month ($44,327 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,053 per month ($12,641 annually). Peak months like August can push individual-property revenue well above these averages.

Is West Lafayette a good market for Airbnb investment?

West Lafayette earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 63 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a steady demand base driven by Purdue University. Investors should factor in the seasonal revenue pattern — August generates more than three times the revenue of January — and the rapid growth in supply when evaluating the opportunity. Properties that cater well to visiting families, alumni weekends, and academic events tend to outperform the market average.

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

The average daily rate in West Lafayette is $163, which is well below the Indiana state average of $290. ADR scales with property size up to 3 bedrooms, where it peaks at $197. Interestingly, 4-bedroom ($194) and 5-bedroom ($175) properties command slightly lower nightly rates, suggesting price sensitivity increases for larger group accommodations in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in West Lafayette?

Short-term rentals operate in West Lafayette, Indiana, and the market currently has 82 active Airbnb listings. However, local regulations, permits, and zoning requirements can change, so prospective investors should verify the latest rules with the City of West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County before purchasing a property. HOA restrictions and neighborhood covenants may also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in West Lafayette?

Peak season in West Lafayette centers on late summer and early fall, with August topping the revenue chart at $4,068 in average monthly revenue — more than triple January's $1,255. September ($3,069) and October ($2,785) also perform strongly, likely driven by the start of the academic year and Purdue football season. Revenue tapers through winter before climbing again in spring.

How many Airbnbs are there in West Lafayette?

West Lafayette currently has 82 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market has seen significant supply growth, with listings up 134% year-over-year. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 26 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (21) and 2-bedrooms (14), with fewer 4-bedroom (11) and 5-bedroom (5) options available.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in West Lafayette?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for West Lafayette 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 roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like August's $4,068) and slower months (like January's $1,255), because each month draws on 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 West Lafayette and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size and month
• Revenue metrics including monthly, annual, and RevPAN breakdowns
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence analysis across active short-term rental listings

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 market snapshots; conditions may shift as supply and demand evolve. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with the relevant authorities before investing.