Source: BNBCalc market metadata · Reviewed by Parker Place, CTO of BNBCalc.com · Data updated July 10, 2026
Best Airbnb Markets in Illinois by Gross Yield
Centralia is the top Illinois short-term rental market across Airbnb and Vrbo by gross yield, with 17.3% gross yield, $27,556 in average annual revenue, and 189 active listings.
Top gross yield
17.3%
Centralia
Median gross yield
14.9%
5 markets with yield data
Median annual revenue
$29.2K
Average listing revenue
Tracked markets
5
Statewide market coverage
Filter market rankings
Default rankings show all bedrooms at the average performance tier.
Bedroom count
Performance tier
Top 10 Illinois Airbnb and Vrbo Markets
#1
Centralia
With only 193 active listings, Centralia presents a relatively low-competition environment for short-term rental investors seeking a 15.5% gross yield. To secure the $24,254 in annual revenue, hosts must price strategically around the $199 average daily rate to overcome a lower 29% occupancy rate.
Yield
17.3%
Revenue
$27.6K
Listings
189
#2
Springfield
The Springfield short-term rental market presents a compelling investment opportunity with a 15.6% gross yield and a steady 36% occupancy rate. Active investors can target an average daily rate of $199, though competing with 805 active listings is necessary to secure the $27,603 in annual revenue.
Yield
16.2%
Revenue
$29.2K
Listings
836
#3
Peoria
Peoria offers short-term rental investors a stable 14.2% gross yield and a relatively healthy 41% occupancy rate across 639 active listings. While the average daily rate of $168 keeps entry barriers low, the modest annual revenue of $26,670 means operators must focus on cost efficiency to maximize their bottom line.
Yield
14.9%
Revenue
$28.3K
Listings
661
#4
Rockford
In Rockford, short-term rental properties yield a solid 13.9% gross return, supported by a respectable average daily rate of $275. However, a moderate 37% occupancy rate across 459 active listings suggests that investors must focus on guest satisfaction and pricing strategies to consistently hit the $37,214 annual revenue.
Yield
14.5%
Revenue
$39.6K
Listings
478
#5
Chicago
The Chicago short-term rental market provides investors with a strong gross yield of 11.7% and an appealing annual revenue of $47,054. To capture these returns, operators must navigate a highly competitive environment of 5,070 active listings while managing a moderate occupancy rate of 41% and a $277 average daily rate.
Yield
14.1%
Revenue
$57.6K
Listings
5,267
All Illinois Short-Term Rental Markets
Every market below links to its full BNBCalc market page. Rankings use gross yield first, then annual revenue when yield is missing.
Active listings are Airbnb and Vrbo listings observed as active in the selected market metadata segment. The all-bedrooms view uses all active listings in that market; bedroom filters use the active listing count for the selected bedroom group.
For US markets, BNBCalc ranks state market pages by gross yield: annual Airbnb and Vrbo short-term rental revenue divided by estimated property value. Gross yield is a fast way to compare market-level opportunity before operating expenses, financing, taxes, insurance, seasonality, and local rules.
Annual revenue uses ADR, adjusted occupancy, and estimated cleaning revenue when cleaning and stay data exists.
ADR is nightly-only and excludes cleaning fees and other guest fees.
Occupancy is adjusted occupancy of bookable nights, excluding host-blocked nights.
Gross yield uses annual revenue divided by estimated property value; it does not include operating expenses, financing, taxes, or local regulation risk.
Compare Rental Demand in Illinois
For long-term rental context, compare statewide Section 8 Fair Market Rent data alongside short-term rental market performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Airbnb and Vrbo Markets
The best short-term rental market in Illinois for Airbnb and Vrbo investors by gross yield is Centralia, with 17.3% gross yield, $27,556 in average annual revenue, and 189 active listings.
US markets are ranked by gross yield, which compares annual short-term rental revenue from demand sources like Airbnb and Vrbo with estimated property value. Gross yield is useful for comparing markets before expenses, financing, taxes, and local regulation are included.
Gross yield is usually better for market comparison because it accounts for both revenue potential and property value. Revenue alone can favor expensive markets where purchase prices may reduce investor returns.
Monthly revenue is calculated from the average yearly revenue per listing over the last twelve months (LTM), divided by 12. This figure represents gross booking revenue across short-term rental demand sources, including Airbnb and Vrbo, before expenses like cleaning fees, platform fees, and property management costs.
ADR is the average nightly price that guests pay to book a short-term rental in a given market. It's calculated by dividing the total revenue by the number of booked nights. Higher ADR markets typically have premium properties or are in high-demand tourist destinations.