Columbus

As of May 2026, Columbus, Hocking Hills, Athens, Granville have 4,582 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 0% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Columbus generates $43K per year. High-performing properties earn $93K/year, while low-performing properties earn $18K/year. The wide revenue variance, despite stable supply, suggests that market success is heavily segmented rather than uniformly distributed across existing inventory.

Average home prices in Columbus vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $142K, 2-bedroom homes average $220K, 3-bedroom properties are around $303K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $395K. These prices reflect median home values across the Columbus, Hocking Hills, Athens, Granville area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Columbus, with an average gross yield of 15% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 33%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield disparity indicates that top-tier assets capture significantly more value than the market average despite current revenue headwinds.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbus is 39%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $256, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $85 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Columbus, with an average gross yield of 19% and annual revenue of $76K. These properties balance purchase price ($395K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Columbus market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Columbus area. Columbus: Moderate. Business registration required, zoning compliance needed, safety inspections. Enforcement exists but not aggressive. Hocking Hills: Lenient. Minimal county regulations, basic permits only. Light enforcement, many operate informally. Athens: Moderate. City registration required, occupancy limits, parking rules. Moderate enforcement in student areas. Granville: Lenient. Village has minimal STR-specific rules, follows general zoning. Very light enforcement, small market. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Columbus Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 14%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in RevPAR amidst static supply levels points to a softening in guest spending power or broader demand shifts.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak fall season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 14% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Columbus listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (97%), Tv (85%), Heating (71%), Washing Machine (70%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Air Conditioning, Hot Tub, with Pool properties earning approximately 59% more ($84K/year vs $53K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Columbus over the last 12 months: May: $3K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $3K, October: $3K, November: $3K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $2K, March: $3K, April: $3K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Columbus is $256, up 15% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $157/night, 2-bedroom properties average $202/night, 3-bedroom properties average $269/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $477/night. Rates peak in October and are lowest in February.

Guests in Columbus book an average of 32 days in advance, down 16% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 28 days, 2-bedroom: 32 days, 3-bedroom: 33 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Columbus Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 0%, revenue per listing decreased 14%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 15%, and lead time decreased 16%. These metrics show a market attempting to offset lower utilization with higher pricing, resulting in a compressed revenue environment.

In Columbus, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 78% higher occupancy than weekdays.