Evanston Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Illinois, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Evanston in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Evanston, Illinois, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Evanston, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 201 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Evanston, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Evanston Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Evanston Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Evanston (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Evanston 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 Evanston is typically August, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Evanston across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,987+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,537 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,932 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,364, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Evanston
Evanston Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Evanston STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees 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 Evanston:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 87%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 74% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 55%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 33% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Evanston
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Evanston (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Evanston involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Evanston typically peaks in November 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 $352+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $220 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $146 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $96 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Evanston
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Evanston (2025)
Peak Season (August, July, June)
- Revenue averages $4,926 per month
- Occupancy rates average 63.2%
- Daily rates average $193
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,747 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 54.7%
- Daily rates hold near $193
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,313 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 39.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $193
Seasonality Insights for Evanston
- The Airbnb seasonality in Evanston shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Evanston's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,974, occupancy reaching a high of 67.0%, and ADRs peaking at $215.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,069, occupancy could drop to 38.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $179.
- 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 Evanston.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Evanston seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Evanston (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Evanston? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Evanston | The heart of Evanston, featuring shopping, dining, and close proximity to Northwestern University. Ideal for both tourists and business travelers looking for a vibrant urban experience. | Evanston Art Center, Downtown Evanston Shopping District, Northwestern University, Evanston History Center, Bicky Park |
| Main Street | A lively area with a mix of local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Perfect for guests wanting a local experience while still being close to attractions. | Kathy Osterman Beach, St. Francis Hospital, Main Street Metra Station, Local cafes and eateries, Evanston Farmers Market |
| Clark Street | A historic and charming street lined with boutiques, eateries, and bars. Attractive to those looking to explore local culture in a quaint setting. | Clark Street Beach, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Bensonville’s Arts District, Local shops and restaurants, Weekend art fairs |
| Harley Clarke | Known for its historical significance and beautiful landscapes along Lake Michigan. Offers a tranquil environment for guests seeking relaxation and nature. | Harley Clarke Mansion, Grosse Point Lighthouse, Dawes Park, Lighthouse Beach, Beautiful waterfront views |
| Evanston South | A residential area with close-knit community vibes, offers good local amenities. Suitable for families or longer stays. | Evanston Public Library, Southwestern Wildlife Project, Nearby parks, Family-friendly restaurants, Local events on weekends |
| Northwestern University Campus | Ideal for visitors attending university events, conferences, or sports. Provides a youthful vibe with lots of activities. | Ryan Field, Cahn Auditorium, Dittmar Memorial Gallery, University Library, Various sporting events |
| Central Street | Features a lovely mix of upscale eateries, shops, and is close to the train stations. Great for those looking for convenience and style. | Central Street Metra Station, Family-friendly restaurants, Nearby parks, Local boutiques, Seasonal festivals |
| Boat Launch Area | Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families wanting to engage in recreational activities like boating or picnicking by the lake. | Boating on Lake Michigan, Picnic areas, Dock for launches, Access to hiking trails, Fishing opportunities |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Evanston (2025)
While Evanston, Illinois, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Evanston to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Evanston (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Evanstonbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Stunning Beach House, Steps from Lake Michigan
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Spacious 7-Bedroom Home in Evanston
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Architectural Gem. Short Walk to Downtown/NU/Lake
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Evanston Historic Italianate - 4 Blocks to Lake!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Luxury living in prime location
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Oakton Oasis: 5 Bed, 5 Bath, Sleeps 14
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Evanston (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Evanston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mihyun (Michelle) | 9 | $627,437 | 667 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Aaron | 3 | $393,753 | 43 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Tedi | 3 | $307,508 | 121 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Toni | 1 | $260,772 | 35 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Craig | 4 | $229,377 | 289 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Faiz | 4 | $207,520 | 251 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Annie | 2 | $187,276 | 42 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Richard | 12 | $175,769 | 861 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Joel | 1 | $164,452 | 19 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Adam | 1 | $160,081 | 23 | 5.00/5.0 |
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 Evanston.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Evanston STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Evanston. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsEvanston Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Evanston
- The Evanston Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 76.1% of the 201 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Evanston, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (62.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 28.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 6.5% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others (combined 2.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Evanston Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Evanston
- The dominant room capacity in Evanston is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 29.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 48.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Evanston, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 26.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Evanston.
Evanston Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Evanston
- The most common guest capacity trend in Evanston vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (21.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Evanston STR market, accounting for 34.8% of listings.
- 30.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Evanston.
- On average, properties in Evanston are equipped to host 3.9 guests.
Evanston Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Evanston
- The most common availability pattern in Evanston falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 37.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 47.3% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Evanston (37.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 53.7% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Evanston Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
50 listings
27.6% of total
2 Nights
71 listings
39.2% of total
3 Nights
19 listings
10.5% of total
4-6 Nights
14 listings
7.7% of total
7-29 Nights
9 listings
5% of total
30+ Nights
18 listings
9.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Evanston is 2 Nights, adopted by 39.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (66.8%) of the Evanston Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 39.2% of Evanston hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 27.6% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 9.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Evanston.
Evanston Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
32 listings
17.3% of total
Moderate
42 listings
22.7% of total
Firm
45 listings
24.3% of total
Strict
66 listings
35.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Evanston
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Evanston is Strict, used by 35.7% of listings.
- A majority (60.0%) of hosts in Evanston utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 35.7% market standard in Evanston.
- With 35.7% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Evanston, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Evanston.
Evanston STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Evanston
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Evanston is 43 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 73 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 26 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (64 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (43 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Evanston.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 73 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 64 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Evanston averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Evanston (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Evanston
- Essential amenities in Evanston that guests expect include: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Air conditioning, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Iron, Hair dryer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Evanston: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Air conditioning, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Air conditioning, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Iron to increase appeal.
- 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 Evanston to stay competitive.
Evanston Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Evanston
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Evanston consists of primarily domestic travelers (90%), 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 89.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (89.5%) and Canada (1.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (62.2%) followed by Spanish (13.3%).
- 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 New York.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Evanston 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town of Sugar Creek | 17 | $8,213 | $658.36 | 50% |
| Twin Lakes | 26 | $6,719 | $515.43 | 45% |
| Town of Wilson | 13 | $6,118 | $585.55 | 38% |
| Summit | 10 | $5,464 | $466.57 | 39% |
| Fennville | 10 | $5,326 | $372.77 | 44% |
| Saugatuck Township | 140 | $5,282 | $462.94 | 43% |
| Laketown Township | 62 | $5,207 | $457.63 | 45% |
| Port Sheldon Township | 27 | $5,185 | $511.35 | 52% |
| Lake Geneva | 167 | $4,958 | $408.65 | 44% |
| Lake Villa | 10 | $4,889 | $294.85 | 57% |