Fort Wayne

As of May 2026, Fort Wayne, Auburn, Huntington have 613 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 12% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Fort Wayne generates $23K per year. High-performing properties earn $44K/year, while low-performing properties earn $8K/year. The substantial variance between top and bottom earners suggests that revenue potential is heavily concentrated in specific segments, as market-wide revenue has contracted despite lower supply.

Average home prices in Fort Wayne vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $153K, 2-bedroom homes average $186K, 3-bedroom properties are around $248K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $315K. These prices reflect median home values across the Fort Wayne, Auburn, Huntington area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Fort Wayne, with an average gross yield of 9% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 17%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield spread indicates that efficiency in operations is a primary differentiator in a market currently experiencing downward pressure on total revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Fort Wayne is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $174, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $40 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Fort Wayne, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $41K. These properties balance purchase price ($315K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Fort Wayne market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Fort Wayne area. Fort Wayne: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Zoning rules apply but minimal enforcement. Hosts operate freely. Auburn: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license may apply. Light oversight, hosts operate without restriction. Huntington: Lenient. No specific STR regulations in place. General zoning and business rules exist but rarely enforced for STRs. Minimal barriers to operation. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Fort Wayne Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 26%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous drop in supply and revenue suggests that the market is adjusting to lower travel demand, preventing a more severe glut in available inventory.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 7% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Fort Wayne listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (92%), Washing Machine (81%), Heating (80%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Internet, Lake Access, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 39% more ($39K/year vs $28K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Fort Wayne over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $1K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $1K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $794, February: $659, March: $1K, April: $1K. 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 Fort Wayne is $174, up 26% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $97/night, 2-bedroom properties average $149/night, 3-bedroom properties average $196/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $335/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Fort Wayne book an average of 27 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 25 days, 2-bedroom: 25 days, 3-bedroom: 27 days, 4+ bedroom: 35 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Fort Wayne Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 12%, revenue per listing decreased 26%, occupancy fell 8%, average nightly rates increased 26%, and lead time decreased 18%. These metrics reveal a market attempting to maintain pricing power through rate hikes despite a clear softening in overall booking frequency.

In Fort Wayne, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 31% higher occupancy than weekdays.