Is Bloomingburg, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bloomingburg, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Fayette County Planning Commission and Bloomingburg village office, as this small village may have specific short-term rental ordinances or require business licenses. Contact the Fayette County Health Department for any required permits and ensure compliance with Ohio state tax requirements by registering with the Ohio Department of Taxation for lodging taxes. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or considering converting existing residential property, ensuring it meets safety codes and has adequate parking. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, while incorporating local charm that reflects rural Ohio character. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to attractions such as nearby state parks, Paint Creek Lake, or historic sites in the region, and set competitive pricing based on similar properties within a 30-mile radius including Washington Court House or Chillicothe. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and monitoring guest reviews to continuously improve your offering in this rural Ohio market.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Bloomingburg, Ohio, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of major attractions like Deer Creek State Park and Lake, as this small village benefits from outdoor recreation tourism. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, lake access, or scenic views that appeal to families and groups seeking rural retreats. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 15 miles, including nearby Jeffersonville and Mount Sterling, with estimated nightly rates ranging $80-150 for standard properties and $150-250 for premium lakefront or luxury amenities. Competition research should examine occupancy rates and guest reviews for existing STRs in Fayette County, noting that limited inventory creates opportunities but also indicates smaller market demand. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Fayette County Visitors Bureau for tourism trends, while connecting with local real estate agents familiar with recreational properties and checking county zoning regulations for STR compliance in this rural market where agricultural and residential properties dominate.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bloomingburg, Ohio, contact the Bloomingburg Village Office at 740-437-7493 or visit their office at 13 S High Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and application procedures. You will likely need to submit a completed rental permit application, 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 pay an estimated application fee of $100-200 plus annual renewal fees of $75-150. The village may require a safety inspection, compliance with zoning ordinances, parking requirements of at least two spaces per unit, occupancy limits based on square footage, and adherence to noise ordinances. Submit all documents to the Village Administrator, schedule any required inspections, and allow 30-45 days for processing and approval. Once approved, display your permit number in all rental listings and renew annually by December 31st with updated insurance documentation and any required re-inspections.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bloomingburg, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. As a small village in Fayette County with approximately 900 residents, Bloomingburg operates under basic zoning ordinances that typically allow residential rentals including short-term accommodations in residential zones, though operators must comply with Ohio's transient occupancy tax requirements and obtain proper business licenses. The village likely requires STR operators to register with local authorities and maintain properties according to housing codes, with potential restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods. Recent changes across Ohio have generally favored allowing STRs while giving municipalities authority to regulate them through zoning and safety requirements, and Bloomingburg appears to follow this approach without implementing outright bans, though specific operational requirements such as owner occupancy mandates or permit caps may apply and property owners should verify current regulations with the village clerk or zoning administrator before operating an STR.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bloomingburg, Ohio include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and antique shopping, particularly during the annual Pumpkin Show events that draw thousands of visitors each October. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Deer Creek State Park (approximately 15 minutes away) offer strong potential due to outdoor recreation tourism, fishing, and camping activities that generate consistent seasonal demand from Columbus and Cincinnati metro areas. Properties near the intersection of State Routes 22 and 762 provide convenient access for business travelers visiting local agricultural operations and manufacturing facilities, while also serving as a midpoint stop for travelers between Columbus and Chillicothe. The tree-lined residential streets in the central part of town, particularly around Grove Street and Walnut Street, offer attractive historic homes that can be converted to charming vacation rentals appealing to families seeking quiet getaways within an hour of major Ohio cities, with additional demand spikes during local festivals and high school sports tournaments that bring visiting teams and families to the area.

Airbnb properties in Bloomingburg, Ohio are subject to Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all transient accommodations including short-term rentals. Fayette County, where Bloomingburg is located, does not impose an additional county lodging tax as of 2023. The city of Bloomingburg itself does not currently levy a specific municipal lodging or occupancy tax on short-term rentals. Ohio's state lodging tax is typically collected by platforms like Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the Ohio Department of Commerce on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts may need to register and remit taxes directly if using platforms that don't provide this service. Hosts must file monthly returns by the 23rd of the following month when collecting taxes independently. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees or during specific circumstances, though most typical Airbnb bookings would not qualify for these exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Bloomingburg, Ohio, the total costs would be approximately $165,000-$185,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Ohio communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$800. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental rider would cost $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would be $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings estimated at $150/month), and marketing would total approximately $6,300-$7,500, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-50% during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Bloomingburg, Ohio, typically generate modest profitability with average annual revenues ranging from $8,000-$15,000 for entire home listings, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and Airbnb fees typically consume 60-75% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 25-40%. Properties in this small rural community of approximately 1,000 residents benefit from proximity to Mount Gilead State Park and seasonal hunting tourism, with peak occupancy rates of 45-60% during fall hunting season and summer months, though winter occupancy often drops to 15-25%. Successful operators like those managing renovated farmhouses or cabins near recreational areas report annual profits of $3,000-$6,000 per property, with key success factors including competitive pricing at $75-$120 per night, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting outdoor enthusiasts and weekend getaway travelers from Columbus and Cleveland markets approximately 60-90 minutes away. Properties requiring significant upfront renovation investments of $15,000-$30,000 typically achieve payback periods of 4-7 years, while turnkey properties show faster returns but lower overall profit potential due to higher acquisition costs and increased competition from similar listings in nearby Mount Gilead and Delaware.

Airbnb investments in Bloomingburg, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the rural market dynamics and limited tourism infrastructure in this small Fayette County community. Properties averaging $80,000-120,000 purchase price can expect gross rental yields of $8,000-15,000 annually, with occupancy rates around 35-50% due to the town's proximity to larger markets like Columbus (45 miles) and limited local attractions. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for renovation costs of $15,000-25,000 for most properties, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with stronger performance during summer months and hunting season. The market benefits from lower property taxes and operating costs compared to urban areas, but faces challenges with limited guest demand outside of visitors to nearby Deer Creek State Park and business travelers, making careful property selection and competitive pricing essential for achieving the higher end of these ROI projections.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Bloomingburg, Ohio. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty in nearby Columbus and RE/MAX Results in Delaware, Ohio have experience with investment properties in rural Ohio markets including Fayette County where Bloomingburg is located. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which offers full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, and AirDNA for short-term rental market intelligence. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while HostGPO provides purchasing power for furnishing and supplies. Local property management companies like Ohio Property Management Group and Central Ohio Property Management can assist with ongoing operations, and regional investment firms such as Ohio Real Estate Investors Association (OREIA) provide networking and educational resources for short-term rental investments in smaller Ohio markets like Bloomingburg.