Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Rockford market averaged 700 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 6% from a year earlier and up 80% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

An average Rockford listing earns $40K/year. High-performing listings earn $95K, while low-performing listings earn $11K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

Median Rockford home prices by size are 1-bedroom $99K, 2-bedroom $209K, 3-bedroom $277K, and 4+ bedroom $345K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Rockford is 37%, producing RevPAR of $80 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Rockford. Rockford: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed, safety inspections. Standard enforcement with complaint-based action.
Galena: Moderate. Registration required, sales tax collection, occupancy limits enforced. Active monitoring due to tourism impact on small town.
Madison: Strict. Owner-occupancy required for most residential zones, annual license mandatory, 6% room tax, conditional use permits needed. Active enforcement with inspections and fines for violations. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Rockford Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Rockford Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 21%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and June; it is lowest in February and January.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), Heating (99%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Pool (+159%), Hot Tub (+126%), Heating (+119%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Rockford is $290, up 22% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Rockford book an average of 32 days in advance, up 3% from last year. Booking windows range from 22 days for 1-bedroom listings to 39 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Rockford?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 48% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.West Rockford and Western Edges	$29.6K 26 listings	22.6% 26 listings
2.McHenry, Wonder Lake and Johnsburg	$54.0K 22 listings	17.5% 22 listings
3.Fox Lake and Southern Chain Country	$41.1K 40 listings	16.0% 40 listings
4.Loves Park, Machesney Park and Northern Country	$36.0K 28 listings	16.0% 28 listings
5.East Rockford and Cherry Valley	$30.0K 85 listings	15.9% 85 listings
6.Oregon, Byron and Rock River Country	$32.0K 30 listings	14.0% 30 listings
7.Crystal Lake, Algonquin and Southern McHenry	$42.3K 38 listings	13.0% 38 listings