Is Antioch, Illinois Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Antioch, Illinois, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Antioch Planning and Zoning Department, as the village may require short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Contact the Lake County Health Department for any required health permits and ensure compliance with Illinois state tax requirements including the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, working with local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX offices in the area, or exploring neighborhoods near Chain O'Lakes for tourist appeal. Obtain necessary permits from Antioch Village Hall, which may include a business license, short-term rental permit, and fire safety inspection. Furnish the property with quality furniture from retailers like Ashley HomeStore in nearby Gurnee or online platforms, ensuring amenities like WiFi, kitchen essentials, and comfortable bedding. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Chain O'Lakes State Park and Wisconsin border attractions, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the $80-150 per night range. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols with local services, implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Antioch's noise ordinances and occupancy limits, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and potential village inspections.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Antioch, Illinois, focus on lakefront or near-lake locations within walking distance of Chain O' Lakes State Park and downtown areas, as these command premium rates year-round with peak summer demand. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, boat access, and parking for multiple vehicles, as guests often bring watercraft and recreational equipment. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the $150-300 nightly range during peak season (May-September) and $80-150 off-season, while calculating potential annual revenue of $35,000-65,000 against acquisition and operating costs. Study competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR Helper to assess occupancy rates, seasonal trends, and market saturation in specific neighborhoods like Channel Lake and Fox Lake areas. Utilize Zillow, Realtor.com, and local MLS data through Lake County realtors to identify properties under $400,000 with strong rental potential, while leveraging tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, and connecting with local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning who understand Antioch's seasonal tourism patterns and regulatory requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Antioch, Illinois, you must first contact the Antioch Building Department at Village Hall located at 874 Main Street to determine current short-term rental regulations, as requirements may have been updated since 2023. Typically, you'll need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and a completed fire safety inspection. The application fee is estimated at $200-400 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-150. You must also obtain a business license from the Village Clerk's office, register for local taxes, and ensure compliance with zoning requirements as STRs may only be permitted in certain residential zones. The property must meet all building and fire codes, include working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain adequate parking spaces. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days after submitting a complete application, pending inspections and any required corrections. Once approved, you'll receive a permit that must be renewed annually and displayed prominently in the rental unit, with occupancy limits strictly enforced based on property size and local ordinances.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Antioch, Illinois are generally permitted but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. STRs are typically allowed in residential zones but may face restrictions in certain neighborhoods or historic districts. Property owners must register their rentals with the city, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with building and fire safety codes. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration requirements to address neighbor complaints and ensure tax compliance. The city has implemented a complaint-driven enforcement system and requires contact information for a local representative who can respond to issues within a reasonable timeframe, reflecting Antioch's approach to balance tourism revenue with residential community concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Antioch, Illinois include the Chain O'Lakes waterfront district along the Fox River and surrounding lakes, which attracts summer tourists, boaters, and fishing enthusiasts from Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. The historic downtown Main Street corridor offers charm for visitors attending local festivals and events while providing easy access to restaurants and shops. Properties near Antioch Community High School and the business district along Route 173 cater to visiting families for school events, sports tournaments, and business travelers. The residential neighborhoods around Channel Lake and Loon Lake are particularly attractive due to their proximity to water activities, seasonal tourism from May through September, and weekend getaway appeal for urban dwellers seeking lakefront experiences. Areas near the Metra station provide additional value for guests commuting to Chicago, while properties close to Chain O'Lakes State Park benefit from year-round outdoor recreation tourism including camping, hiking, and winter activities.

Airbnb properties in Antioch, Illinois are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax at 6% and the Illinois Use Tax at 6.25%, both collected by the state. Lake County imposes a 3% hotel/motel tax on short-term rentals under 30 days, while the Village of Antioch levies a 3% transient occupancy tax on stays less than 30 consecutive days. Airbnb typically collects and remits the state taxes automatically for hosts, but hosts are generally responsible for registering with Lake County and the Village of Antioch to collect and remit local taxes monthly or quarterly depending on volume. The Village of Antioch requires hosts to obtain a business license and register for tax collection, with remittance due by the 15th of the following month. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though specific exemption criteria vary by jurisdiction. Total effective tax rates can reach approximately 18.25% when all applicable taxes are combined, making compliance with both state automatic collection through platforms and local self-remittance requirements essential for Airbnb hosts operating in Antioch.

To start an Airbnb in Antioch, Illinois, the total costs would be approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $320,000-$350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($100-$300), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$1,200. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage run $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3% of bookings), marketing expenses, and miscellaneous supplies totaling approximately $8,000-$12,000 depending on occupancy rates and property condition.

Airbnb properties in Antioch, Illinois typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and lakefront proximity to Chain O'Lakes. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with lakefront homes and those near recreational areas achieving higher occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak summer months compared to 35-50% for standard residential properties. Success factors include strategic pricing during fishing season and summer recreation periods, professional photography highlighting lake access, responsive guest communication, and maintaining high cleanliness standards. Properties within walking distance of Chain O'Lakes State Park or with boat access command premium rates and achieve occupancy rates 20-30% higher than average suburban homes, with some lakefront properties generating $40,000-$55,000 annually when properly marketed to Chicago-area weekend visitors seeking outdoor recreation experiences.

Airbnb investments in Antioch, Illinois typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on average property acquisition costs of $180,000-$250,000 and nightly rates of $85-$120 during peak summer months due to proximity to Chain O'Lakes recreational area. Properties generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with occupancy rates averaging 55-65% annually, higher during May through September when Chicago-area visitors seek lakefront access. The market benefits from lower property taxes compared to Cook County and strong demand from weekend travelers, though winter months see significant occupancy drops to 25-35%, requiring investors to account for seasonal cash flow variations when calculating returns.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Antioch, Illinois. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Realty agents in the Lake County area, RE/MAX professionals focusing on vacation rental investments, and Keller Williams agents with STR expertise. National services like Mashvisor (founded 2014) offer property analysis tools, while AirDNA provides market data and revenue projections for the Antioch market. Awning (2017) specializes in short-term rental property management and investment guidance, and Roofstock (2015) occasionally features STR-suitable properties in the Chicago suburbs. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa serve the Chain O'Lakes region where Antioch is located. Investment-focused brokerages like BiggerPockets-affiliated agents and local firms such as @properties and Baird & Warner have agents experienced in analyzing cap rates and occupancy potential for Airbnb properties near Fox Lake and the Chain O'Lakes area, which attracts seasonal tourists to Antioch.