Decatur, Illinois Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Decatur, Illinois? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $19,378 per year — at a $149 nightly rate, 44.1% occupancy, and a $71 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 86 active listings, Decatur is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 72.0% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Decatur?
In Decatur, the headline Airbnb metrics are $19,378 in average annual revenue,44.1% occupancy, $149 ADR, and $71 in RevPAR, and guests book about 24 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Decatur?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Decatur is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Decatur is typically June, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Decatur across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,228+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,163 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,713 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $750, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Decatur
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Decatur?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Decatur STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Septembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while February experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Decatur:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 83%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 67% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 44%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 21% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Decatur
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Decatur?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Decatur involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Decatur typically peaks in August and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $271+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $173 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $111 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $81 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Decatur
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Decatur?
RevPAR in Decatur is currently $71. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $32 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $48 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $88 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $152 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Decatur
RevPAR Insights for Decatur
- The average RevPAR in Decatur is $71. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($152) and bottom 25% ($32) is $120, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Decatur benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $48, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $88+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Decatur?
Decatur's peak Airbnb season falls in June, September, July, while the softest stretch is February, March, April. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (June, September, July)
- Revenue averages $3,072 per month
- Occupancy rates average 57.0%
- Daily rates average $154
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,394 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 43.4%
- Daily rates hold near $152
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $1,753 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 36.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $147
Seasonality Insights for Decatur
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Decatur shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Decatur's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,121, occupancy reaching 62.2%, and ADRs peaking at $160.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,495, occupancy could drop to 30.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $136.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Decatur.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Decatur seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Decatur?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Decatur, Illinois, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Decatur to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Decatur?
Decatur is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Decatur | The heart of Decatur featuring bustling businesses, cultural attractions, and convenient access to restaurants and shops. Ideal for travelers seeking entertainment and local experiences. | Decatur Civic Center, Scovill Zoo, Decatur Area Arts Council, Lakeshore Golf Course, Miniature Golf Course |
| Fairview Park | A charming neighborhood known for its parks and recreational areas, great for families and nature lovers. Close to various community events and outdoor activities. | Fairview Park, Decatur Festival, Decatur Park District, Puffer Park, Parks and Nature Trails |
| Lakeview | A serene residential area with access to beautiful lakes and outdoor activities. Perfect for guests looking to relax and unwind in nature. | Lake Decatur, Decatur Lake Park, Boating and Fishing activities, Walking Trails, Picnic Areas |
| West End | A historic district with unique architecture and proximity to various dining and entertainment options. Attracts those interested in history and culture. | Lincoln Square Theatre, Historic Homes, Local Restaurants, West End Park, Art Exhibitions |
| NorthEast Decatur | A quieter, residential neighborhood that appeals to families and long-term visitors. Close to schools and local amenities. | Decatur Public Library, North Park, Local Shops, Community Events, Playgrounds |
| South Side | A diverse and vibrant neighborhood offering a mix of culture, dining, and entertainment, attracting a wide range of visitors. | Scovill Zoo, Decatur Civic Center, Cultural Festivals, Local Markets, Historic Sites |
| Decatur Airport Area | Convenient for business travelers and visitors flying into Decatur. Close proximity to the airport and various services. | Decatur Airport, Business Districts, Hotel Chains, Meeting Venues, Transport Services |
| Marion's Park | A family-friendly area with rich amenities and access to parks. Ideal for families visiting Decatur for events or activities. | Marion's Park, Schools, Community Centers, Playgrounds, Sporting Facilities |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Decatur offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Decatur?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Decatur
- The Decatur Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 88.4% of the 86 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Decatur, House properties are the most common (64%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 64% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, outdoor/unique (combined 4.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Decatur Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Decatur
- The dominant room capacity in Decatur is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 43% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 62.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Decatur, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 31.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Decatur.
Decatur Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Decatur
- The most common guest capacity trend in Decatur vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (22.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Decatur STR market, accounting for 38.4% of listings.
- 33.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Decatur.
- On average, properties in Decatur are equipped to host 4.2 guests.
How Do Listings in Decatur Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Decatur can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Decatur
- At 26 photos per listing on average, Decatur hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 12.8% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Decatur averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Decatur?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Decatur
- Essential amenities in Decatur that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Kitchen, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Carbon monoxide alarm, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Decatur: Free parking on premises, Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Kitchen, Smoke alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Wifi, Kitchen, Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Carbon monoxide alarm to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Decatur to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Decatur?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Decatur, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dishes and silverware | 89.5% | $21,052 | $5,062 | 315.9% |
Lake access | 10.5% | $57,600 | $14,911 | 286.3% |
WaterfrontHigh opportunity | 8.1% | $59,835 | $15,793 | 278.9% |
Board games | 18.6% | $44,347 | $13,671 | 224.4% |
Heating | 93.0% | $20,357 | $6,328 | 221.7% |
Barbecue utensils | 19.8% | $42,706 | $13,631 | 213.3% |
Fire pit | 18.6% | $42,396 | $14,117 | 200.3% |
Drying rack for clothing | 10.5% | $48,077 | $16,024 | 200.0% |
Hair dryer | 55.8% | $27,202 | $9,496 | 186.5% |
Children’s dinnerwareHigh opportunity | 8.1% | $47,368 | $16,898 | 180.3% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Decatur
- Dishes and silverware tops the revenue impact list with a 315.9% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $21,052 vs. $5,062 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Waterfront, Children’s dinnerware — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Dishes and silverware, Heating — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Waterfront — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Decatur.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Decatur STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Decatur. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDecatur Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Decatur
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Decatur consists of primarily domestic travelers (97%), often arriving from nearby Chicago, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.1%) and Canada (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (75.1%) followed by Spanish (14.6%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Chicago and St. Louis.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Decatur?
Listings in Decatur average 4.78 out of 5 overall, with about 49 reviews per active listing and 31.4% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Decatur
- An average rating of 4.78 places Decatur in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.92), while Location (4.7) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 31.4% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Location — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Decatur Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Decatur
- The most common availability pattern in Decatur falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 43% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 79.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Decatur (36%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 22.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Decatur?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Decatur
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Decatur is 24 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during August (average 58 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 9 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (37 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (16 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (24 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Decatur.
- For August stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 58 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During February, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (9 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 37 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Decatur averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Decatur?
Guests in Decatur stay about 9 nights on average, generating roughly 1,494 reservations and 17.6 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Decatur
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Decatur
- Longer stays mean fewer turnovers and lower cleaning costs per revenue dollar. This pattern also opens the door to monthly discount strategies that attract remote workers and extended-stay travelers.
- 17.6 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Sep (9.5 nights) and shorten in Feb (4.4 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Decatur Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
12 listings
14% of total
2 Nights
35 listings
40.7% of total
3 Nights
5 listings
5.8% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
4.7% of total
7-29 Nights
10 listings
11.6% of total
30+ Nights
20 listings
23.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Decatur is 2 Nights, adopted by 40.7% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (23.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Decatur, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 40.7% of Decatur hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 14% currently do.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (40.7%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 23.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Decatur.
Decatur Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
2.3% of total
Limited
1 listings
1.2% of total
Flexible
16 listings
18.6% of total
Moderate
37 listings
43% of total
Firm
25 listings
29.1% of total
Strict
5 listings
5.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Decatur
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Decatur is Moderate, used by 43% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (61.6%) and stricter (34.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (5.8%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 43% market standard in Decatur.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 5.8% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Decatur.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Decatur?
Cleaning fees in Decatur are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Decatur
- 89.5% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Decatur. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($261) and median ($75) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 7.9% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Decatur median of $75. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Decatur Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Decaturbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Lakefront 5BR | Fire Pit, Kayaks, Game Room & More
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Spacious Lakeside Getaway Decatur
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
The Ridge | Lake Front | Hot Tub | Kayak+Pvt Dock
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Spacious Home - Theater, Hot Tub, FirePit & More!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Stylish 5-Bedroom Group Retreat
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Cozy Lakefront Retreat w/ Dock, Kayaks & Games
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Decatur?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Decatur based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew | 2 | $184,552 | 84 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Sean | 2 | $153,460 | 263 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Kimberly | 2 | $143,187 | 212 | 4.91/5.0 |
| John Edward | 14 | $125,300 | 773 | 4.66/5.0 |
| Rebecca | 2 | $93,658 | 79 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Charles | 2 | $80,185 | 57 | 4.57/5.0 |
| Jennifer | 2 | $69,755 | 122 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Penny | 2 | $63,529 | 136 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Kelly | 4 | $62,483 | 192 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Adrian | 1 | $61,205 | 19 | 4.95/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Decatur.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Decatur?
Decatur has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Decatur
- A 48.8% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 4.7% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 3.5% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 74.4% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 37.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Decatur averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Decatur
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Decatur, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimberly | 2 | $143,187 | $283 | 67.6% | 4.91/5 |
| Ryan | 2 | $9,531 | $101 | 29.8% | N/A |
Management Company Insights for Decatur
- The leading management company, Kimberly, operates 2 listings with $143,187 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Decatur.
- Top managers average 2 properties each, suggesting professional management in Decatur still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.91/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 4.7% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Decatur's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Decatur Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with West Peoria, Decatur has 12 percentage points lower occupancy and about $3 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall | 12 | $3,278 | $282.10 | 39% |
| Effingham | 23 | $2,909 | $270.65 | 42% |
| East Peoria | 24 | $2,833 | $222.54 | 47% |
| Centralia | 17 | $2,775 | $229.36 | 52% |
| Sullivan | 12 | $2,424 | $188.68 | 50% |
| Edwardsville | 22 | $2,312 | $208.66 | 43% |
| West Peoria | 13 | $2,293 | $146.46 | 56% |
| Rantoul | 10 | $2,240 | $150.01 | 50% |
| Champaign | 262 | $2,238 | $207.43 | 42% |
| Normal | 60 | $2,145 | $157.86 | 53% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Decatur
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Decatur.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Decatur?
Decatur hosts earn about $19,378 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $149 and RevPAR of $71. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Decatur, Illinois, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Decatur market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Decatur?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Decatur is 44.1%. June is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Decatur?
Listings in Decatur average $149 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Decatur?
Decatur currently has about 86 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Decatur?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Decatur as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Decatur?
RevPAR in Decatur is about $71. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Decatur?
At 44.1% occupancy, Decatur can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $19,378, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Decatur?
The average booking lead time in Decatur is about 24 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Decatur?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Decatur include Downtown Decatur, Fairview Park, Lakeview. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Decatur?
entire_home listings make up 88.4% of the active supply in Decatur. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Decatur compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Marshall posts $39,334 in average annual revenue with 39.2% occupancy, compared to Decatur's $19,378 and 44.1%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Decatur?
The average Airbnb stay length in Decatur is about 9 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Decatur?
Airbnb listings in Decatur average 4.78 out of 5 overall. About 31.4% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Decatur?
Dishes and silverware and Lake access are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Decatur. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Decatur?
Yes. About 89.5% of active Airbnb listings in Decatur charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $261. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Decatur?
A 48.8% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.