Kankakee, Illinois Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Kankakee, Illinois? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $19,853 per year — at a $161 nightly rate, 43.3% occupancy, and a $74 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 24 active listings, Kankakee is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 100.0% 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 Kankakee?
In Kankakee, the headline Airbnb metrics are $19,853 in average annual revenue,43.3% occupancy, $161 ADR, and $74 in RevPAR, and guests book about 32 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Kankakee?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Kankakee 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 Kankakee is typically December, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Kankakee across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,075+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,965 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,076 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,044, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Kankakee
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Kankakee?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Kankakee STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Aprilsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Kankakee:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 74%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 62% 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 25% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Kankakee
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Kankakee?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Kankakee involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kankakee typically peaks in December 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 $304+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $225 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $147 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $113 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Kankakee
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Kankakee?
RevPAR in Kankakee is currently $74. 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 $31 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $70 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $95 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $133 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Kankakee
RevPAR Insights for Kankakee
- The average RevPAR in Kankakee is $74. 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% ($133) and bottom 25% ($31) is $102, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Dec 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 Kankakee benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $70, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $95+ 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 Kankakee?
Kankakee's peak Airbnb season falls in December, June, July, while the softest stretch is February, March, November. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (December, June, July)
- Revenue averages $3,164 per month
- Occupancy rates average 50.8%
- Daily rates average $186
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,433 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 47.1%
- Daily rates hold near $177
Low Season (February, March, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,443 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 35.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $176
Seasonality Insights for Kankakee
- Airbnb seasonality in Kankakee is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Kankakee's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,275, occupancy reaching 62.2%, and ADRs peaking at $189.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,079, occupancy could drop to 31.9%, and ADRs may adjust to $162.
- 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 Kankakee.
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.
- In a highly seasonal market like Kankakee, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Kankakee?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Kankakee, 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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee?
With a compact short-term rental market, Kankakee gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Kankakee | The heart of Kankakee, featuring local shops, restaurants, and easy access to the riverfront. Attracts visitors looking for convenience and local culture. | Kankakee Riverwalk, Kankakee County Museum, Plaza Park, Riverfront Promenade |
| Kankakee River State Park | A natural oasis with outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Popular with nature lovers and families looking for a weekend getaway. | Hiking trails, Fishing spots, Picnic areas, Camping sites |
| The Historic District | A charming neighborhood with beautiful old homes and historic architecture. Attracts visitors interested in history and architecture. | Kankakee Historic District, The Kankakee County Courthouse, Old Court House Museum |
| Riverside Park | A scenic park area that offers recreational activities and festivals. Great for families and outdoor enthusiasts. | Playgrounds, Walking trails, The annual Kankakee River Festival |
| Kankakee Community College Area | A vibrant area known for its educational institutions, attracting students and short-term visitors to the college. | Kankakee Community College, Campus events, Student art shows |
| The South Side | Known for its diverse community and local eateries. Appeals to those looking for authentic local experiences and comfort food options. | Local diners, Cultural festivals, Community events |
| North Kankakee | A growing residential area with family-friendly amenities. Attracts families and longer-term visitors looking for more suburban experiences. | Parks and playgrounds, Community centers, Local schools |
| Manteno | Just a short drive from Kankakee, this suburb offers a quieter retreat with small-town charm, good for travelers seeking peace. | Manteno State Park, Local shops, Historic downtown |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Kankakee 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 Kankakee?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Kankakee
- The Kankakee Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 83.3% of the 24 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Kankakee, House properties are the most common (54.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 54.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like unique stays, others (combined 8.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Kankakee Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Kankakee
- The dominant room capacity in Kankakee is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 25% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 45.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Kankakee, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 20.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Kankakee.
Kankakee Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Kankakee
- The most common guest capacity trend in Kankakee vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (20.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Kankakee STR market, accounting for 37.5% of listings.
- 37.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Kankakee.
- On average, properties in Kankakee are equipped to host 4.0 guests.
How Do Listings in Kankakee Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Kankakee 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 Kankakee
- At 31 photos per listing on average, Kankakee hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 0.0% 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 Kankakee averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Kankakee?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Kankakee
- Essential amenities in Kankakee that guests expect include: Carbon monoxide alarm, Smoke alarm, TV, Heating, Wifi, Kitchen, Refrigerator, Coffee maker, Air conditioning, Microwave. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Kankakee: Carbon monoxide alarm, Smoke alarm, TV, Heating, Wifi, Kitchen, Refrigerator, Coffee maker, Air conditioning, Microwave.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Refrigerator, Coffee maker, Air conditioning, Microwave.
- 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 Kankakee to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Kankakee?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Kankakee, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wine glasses | 66.7% | $24,396 | $10,767 | 126.6% |
Coffee | 66.7% | $24,366 | $10,828 | 125.0% |
Dishwasher | 50.0% | $25,756 | $13,950 | 84.6% |
Ceiling fan | 37.5% | $27,268 | $15,404 | 77.0% |
Safe | 25.0% | $28,530 | $16,961 | 68.2% |
Free street parking | 62.5% | $23,292 | $14,122 | 64.9% |
Portable fans | 29.2% | $26,911 | $16,947 | 58.8% |
Outdoor dining area | 29.2% | $26,262 | $17,214 | 52.6% |
Board games | 25.0% | $26,477 | $17,645 | 50.1% |
Dedicated workspace | 62.5% | $22,536 | $15,381 | 46.5% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Kankakee
- Wine glasses tops the revenue impact list with a 126.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $24,396 vs. $10,767 without it.
Recommendations for Hosts
- 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 Kankakee STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Kankakee. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsKankakee Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Kankakee
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Kankakee 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 97.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.4%) and Panama (0.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (76.6%) followed by Spanish (13.5%).
- 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 Champaign.
- 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 Kankakee?
Listings in Kankakee average 4.9 out of 5 overall, with about 66.7 reviews per active listing and 62.5% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Kankakee
- With an overall rating of 4.9, Kankakee listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.95), while Value (4.83) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 62.5% 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.
Kankakee Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Kankakee
- The most common availability pattern in Kankakee falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 62.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 83.3% 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 Kankakee (66.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 16.7% 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 Kankakee?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Kankakee
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Kankakee is 32 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 46 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 16 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (34 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (18 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (32 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Kankakee.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 46 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 34 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Kankakee averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Kankakee?
Guests in Kankakee stay about 6.3 nights on average, generating roughly 533 reservations and 22.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Kankakee
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Kankakee
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 22.2 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jun (9.2 nights) and shorten in Sep (3.3 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 4:00 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.
Kankakee Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
11 listings
45.8% of total
2 Nights
3 listings
12.5% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
8.3% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
4.2% of total
30+ Nights
7 listings
29.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Kankakee is 1 Night, adopted by 45.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (29.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Kankakee, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 45.8% of Kankakee hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 29.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Kankakee.
Kankakee Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
10 listings
41.7% of total
Moderate
12 listings
50% of total
Firm
2 listings
8.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Kankakee
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Kankakee is Moderate, used by 50% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 91.7% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Kankakee may expect booking flexibility.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 50% market standard in Kankakee.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Kankakee.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Kankakee?
Cleaning fees in Kankakee 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 Kankakee
- 79.2% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Kankakee. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $68 is close to the median ($53), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 7.6% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Kankakee median of $53. 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 Kankakee Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Kankakeebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Château du Kankakee》Heritage in Historic Riverview
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Tranquil Haven, 1 King Bed, Retreat by the River
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
History and Luxury on the Kankakee River
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Water Way on the Kankakee River
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Comfort and peace of mind.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Boho Haven • 2 King Beds • Washer/Dryer • Trails
Entire Place • 2 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 Kankakee?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Kankakee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollie | 4 | $105,407 | 573 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Dustin | 3 | $66,518 | 343 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Robert | 2 | $43,211 | 84 | 4.68/5.0 |
| Shari | 1 | $32,541 | 85 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Mary | 1 | $30,073 | 11 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Melvin | 1 | $29,893 | 5 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Glennette | 1 | $25,438 | 72 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Jerry | 1 | $25,098 | 6 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Morgan | 1 | $24,981 | 24 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Terence | 1 | $23,299 | 2 | Not Rated |
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 Kankakee.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Kankakee?
Kankakee is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Kankakee
- With 75.0% Superhosts, Kankakee has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 12.5% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 70.8% 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
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 29.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Kankakee averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Kankakee's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Kankakee 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 Town of Sugar Creek, Kankakee has 7 percentage points lower occupancy and about $471 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town of Sugar Creek | 16 | $8,513 | $632.49 | 50% |
| Laketown Township | 57 | $6,147 | $573.13 | 47% |
| Twin Lakes | 36 | $5,981 | $548.11 | 44% |
| Port Sheldon Township | 25 | $5,968 | $598.72 | 46% |
| Ganges Township | 70 | $5,813 | $663.40 | 37% |
| Saugatuck Township | 141 | $5,662 | $531.57 | 42% |
| Town of Geneva | 62 | $5,308 | $475.88 | 44% |
| Union Pier | 16 | $5,307 | $630.90 | 33% |
| New Buffalo Township | 258 | $5,245 | $648.95 | 36% |
| Lake Geneva | 206 | $5,180 | $486.34 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Kankakee
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Kankakee.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kankakee?
Kankakee hosts earn about $19,853 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $161 and RevPAR of $74. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Kankakee, Illinois, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Kankakee market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kankakee?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kankakee is 43.3%. December 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 Kankakee?
Listings in Kankakee average $161 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 Kankakee?
Kankakee currently has about 24 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 Kankakee?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Kankakee 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 Kankakee?
RevPAR in Kankakee is about $74. 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 Kankakee?
At 43.3% occupancy, Kankakee 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 $19,853, 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 Kankakee?
The average booking lead time in Kankakee is about 32 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 Kankakee?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Kankakee include Downtown Kankakee, Kankakee River State Park, The Historic District. 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 Kankakee?
entire_home listings make up 83.3% of the active supply in Kankakee. 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 Kankakee compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Town of Sugar Creek posts $102,154 in average annual revenue with 49.7% occupancy, compared to Kankakee's $19,853 and 43.3%. 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 Kankakee?
The average Airbnb stay length in Kankakee is about 6.3 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 Kankakee?
Airbnb listings in Kankakee average 4.9 out of 5 overall. About 62.5% 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 Kankakee?
Wine glasses and Coffee are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Kankakee. 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 Kankakee?
Yes. About 79.2% of active Airbnb listings in Kankakee charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $68. 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 Kankakee?
A 75.0% 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.