Waukegan Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Illinois, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Waukegan in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Waukegan, Illinois, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Waukegan, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 52 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Waukegan, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Waukegan 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 Waukegan Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Waukegan (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Waukegan 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 Waukegan is typically May, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Waukegan across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,299+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,895 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,497 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,468, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Waukegan
Waukegan Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Waukegan STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while April 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 Waukegan:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 73% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 60%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 42% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Waukegan
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Waukegan (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Waukegan involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Waukegan typically peaks in December and dips lowest during October. 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 $332+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $250 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $164 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $117 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Waukegan
Get Live Waukegan Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Waukegan (2025)
Peak Season (May, July, August)
- Revenue averages $4,858 per month
- Occupancy rates average 63.7%
- Daily rates average $197
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,977 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 56.8%
- Daily rates hold near $197
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,844 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 51.8%
- Daily rates adjust to average $198
Seasonality Insights for Waukegan
- The Airbnb seasonality in Waukegan shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. 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 Waukegan's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,991, occupancy reaching a high of 69.0%, and ADRs peaking at $208.
- 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 $2,788, occupancy could drop to 45.2%, and ADRs may adjust down to $191.
- 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 Waukegan.
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 Waukegan seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Waukegan (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Waukegan? 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 Waukegan | The heart of Waukegan with access to local restaurants, shops, and cultural experiences. A central location that appeals to visitors wanting to experience city life. | Genesee Theatre, Waukegan Public Library, Waukegan Harbor, Lakefront Park, Zion National Park |
| North Beach | A beautiful beach area perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. Attracts visitors looking for a beach getaway with various recreational activities. | North Beach, Waukegan Municipal Beach, Lake Michigan, Fishing and boating opportunities, Picnic areas |
| Belvidere Park | A residential area that offers family-friendly accommodations and proximity to schools and parks. Ideal for longer stays and families traveling together. | Belvidere Park, Waukegan SportsPark, Local parks and recreation areas, Nearby shopping options |
| Theater District | Known for its vibrant arts scene, this district is perfect for visitors attending performances and events at local theaters. A cultural hotspot. | Genesee Theatre, The Waukegan Community Arts Council, Local galleries and street art, Dining options near the theaters |
| Waukegan Harbor | A scenic area along Lake Michigan, popular for outdoor activities and beautiful views. Great for those looking to relax by the water. | Waukegan Harbor, Fishing charter services, Lakefront parks, Scenic walks along the marina |
| West Side Waukegan | A diverse area with rich history and community events. An affordable option that attracts visitors looking to explore local culture. | Local festivals and events, Historical landmarks, Community parks, Variety of restaurants |
| North Waukegan | A quiet residential neighborhood that appeals to visitors looking for a peaceful stay while being close to city attractions and amenities. | Local parks, Close proximity to shopping centers, Family-friendly environment, Short drive to downtown attractions |
| South Waukegan | Emerging area with increasing popularity for unique stay options. A good blend of residential feel and local eateries, attracting a niche crowd. | Local markets, Community events, Access to public transportation, Variety of dining options |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Waukegan (2025)
While Waukegan, 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 Waukegan to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 2% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Waukegan (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Waukeganbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
The Navy House
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
*Entire house w/4 LG Bedrms, NAVY 4 miles/baseLake
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Peaceful home in waukegan
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Blue House ~ Spacious & Near Naval Academy
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ginormous 6 bdrms 4 baths Multiple Family Reunion
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
The Brick Arch
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Waukegan (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Waukegan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris | 11 | $457,390 | 642 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Spartan | 3 | $177,929 | 112 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Rebecca | 5 | $157,629 | 596 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Steve | 2 | $126,404 | 58 | 4.95/5.0 |
| David | 3 | $115,621 | 255 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Dennis | 2 | $92,480 | 354 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Sabrina | 1 | $81,508 | 60 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Jack | 1 | $79,629 | 24 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Kevin | 1 | $77,498 | 54 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Ted | 1 | $57,295 | 105 | 4.98/5.0 |
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 Waukegan.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Waukegan STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Waukegan. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWaukegan Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Waukegan
- The Waukegan Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 92.3% of the 52 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Waukegan, House properties are the most common (63.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 63.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique (combined 1.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Waukegan Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Waukegan
- The dominant room capacity in Waukegan is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 44.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 73.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Waukegan, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 46.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Waukegan.
Waukegan Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Waukegan
- The most common guest capacity trend in Waukegan vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (32.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Waukegan STR market, accounting for 51.9% of listings.
- 65.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Waukegan.
- On average, properties in Waukegan are equipped to host 5.9 guests.
Waukegan Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Waukegan
- The most common availability pattern in Waukegan falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 32.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 46.1% 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 Waukegan (32.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 55.8% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Waukegan Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
12 listings
23.5% of total
2 Nights
15 listings
29.4% of total
3 Nights
7 listings
13.7% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
2% of total
7-29 Nights
4 listings
7.8% of total
30+ Nights
12 listings
23.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Waukegan is 2 Nights, adopted by 29.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (23.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Waukegan, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 29.4% of Waukegan hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 23.5% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 23.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Waukegan.
Waukegan Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
6 listings
12.2% of total
Moderate
16 listings
32.7% of total
Firm
20 listings
40.8% of total
Strict
7 listings
14.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Waukegan
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Waukegan is Firm, used by 40.8% of listings.
- A majority (55.1%) of hosts in Waukegan utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 40.8% market standard in Waukegan.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 14.3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Waukegan.
Waukegan STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Waukegan
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Waukegan is 20 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 41 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 16 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (35 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (21 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (20 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Waukegan.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 41 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 35 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Waukegan averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Waukegan (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Waukegan
- Essential amenities in Waukegan that guests expect include: Wifi, Kitchen, Hot water, TV, Heating, Air conditioning, Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishes and silverware, Cooking basics. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Waukegan: Wifi, Kitchen, Hot water, TV, Heating, Air conditioning, Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishes and silverware, Cooking basics.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishes and silverware, Cooking basics.
- 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 Waukegan to stay competitive.
Waukegan Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Waukegan
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Waukegan consists of primarily domestic travelers (97%), 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 96.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (96.7%) and China (0.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (68%) followed by Spanish (20.5%).
- 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 Waukegan 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% |