Is Casey, Illinois Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Casey, Illinois, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Casey City Hall, as many small Illinois municipalities require short-term rental permits or business licenses, with Casey likely requiring a basic business license and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Contact the Clark County Health Department to determine if health permits are needed for short-term rentals, and check with your insurance provider about converting homeowner's insurance to a policy that covers short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings on Zillow or Realtor.com, focusing on homes near Casey's main attractions like the World's Largest attractions (wind chime, rocking chair, etc.) or properties with easy highway access since Casey sits along Interstate 70. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, towels, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, shopping at nearby stores in Effingham or ordering online. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Casey's unique attractions and your property's proximity to Interstate 70 for travelers, set competitive pricing by researching similar properties in nearby Effingham or Marshall, and write a detailed description mentioning local attractions and amenities. Manage your property by establishing a cleaning routine between guests, responding promptly to inquiries and reviews, maintaining a local contact for emergencies, and consider using automated messaging systems for check-in instructions, while keeping emergency contacts for local services in Casey and surrounding Clark County readily available.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Casey, Illinois, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Casey's main attractions like the World's Largest attractions (wind chime, rocking chair, etc.) and downtown area, as these draw significant tourist traffic. Look for 2-4 bedroom homes with unique character, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate families and groups visiting the roadside attractions. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 25 miles including Effingham and Mattoon, targeting properties that can command $80-150 per night during peak tourist seasons (spring through fall). Study competition on Airbnb and VRBO within Casey and surrounding Clark County, noting occupancy rates, guest reviews, and seasonal demand patterns. Utilize AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources like the Casey Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, while monitoring the Lincoln Highway Association events that drive visitors to the area. Consider properties near Interstate 70 for easy access, and factor in Casey's small-town charm and growing reputation as a quirky roadside destination when evaluating potential returns, with successful properties typically achieving 60-75% occupancy rates during tourist season.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Casey, Illinois, you must first contact the Casey City Hall at 217-932-2214 or visit their office at 638 East Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small rural community may not have established formal STR permitting processes yet. If permits are required, you'll likely need to submit a business license application along with proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance documentation showing minimum $1 million coverage, floor plans of the rental property, and a completed short-term rental registration form. Required documents typically include a valid ID, property tax records, zoning compliance verification, fire safety inspection certificate, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. Application fees generally range from $50-200 for initial permits plus annual renewal fees of $25-100, though Casey may charge less given its small size. The approval timeline is usually 2-4 weeks for complete applications, but could be longer if inspections are required. Specific Casey requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning laws, maintaining guest registries, providing emergency contact information to neighbors, ensuring adequate parking, and potentially limiting the number of guests or rental days per year, though you should verify current regulations directly with the city clerk as ordinances may have been recently updated or may still be in development.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Casey, Illinois are generally legal as the small rural community in Clark County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Illinois state regulations including collecting and remitting state and local taxes, obtaining proper business licenses, and following health and safety codes. Casey, known for its world's largest roadside attractions, has not implemented the restrictive zoning or registration requirements seen in larger Illinois cities like Chicago or Springfield. Property owners should verify compliance with Clark County zoning regulations and ensure their homeowner's insurance covers short-term rental activities. The village has not enacted recent changes specifically targeting STRs, likely due to its small size (population under 3,000) and tourism-friendly economy that benefits from visitors coming to see attractions like the world's largest wind chime and rocking chair. Operators should still check with Casey's village hall for any business license requirements and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits that apply to all rental properties in Illinois.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Casey, Illinois center around the downtown historic district near the courthouse square, which attracts visitors to the world's largest wind chime and other roadside attractions that draw curious travelers year-round. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Casey's famous giant objects like the world's largest rocking chair, mailbox, and pitchfork see steady tourism traffic from Route 36 travelers and social media enthusiasts seeking unique photo opportunities. Properties near the Casey Illinois Theatre and antique shops along the main commercial strip benefit from weekend visitors exploring small-town charm and attending local events. The areas close to Lincoln Trail State Park, about 10 miles southeast, also present opportunities for nature-focused travelers seeking outdoor recreation combined with Casey's quirky attractions. Investment properties near the railroad tracks and vintage downtown buildings appeal to history buffs and those seeking authentic Midwest small-town experiences, while locations with easy highway access serve business travelers passing through central Illinois.

Airbnb properties in Casey, Illinois are subject to the Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax at a rate of 6% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the state and remitted monthly by hosts earning over $2,500 annually. Additionally, Clark County (where Casey is located) imposes a local lodging tax of approximately 3-5% on short-term rental accommodations, typically collected through the booking platform or directly by hosts and remitted quarterly to the county treasurer. The Illinois Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a tax account and file returns by the 20th of each month following the reporting period, while county taxes are generally due within 30 days of the quarter's end. Properties rented for more than 30 consecutive days to the same guest are typically exempt from these occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for rentals under a certain dollar threshold or for properties used primarily as the owner's residence with minimal rental activity throughout the year.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Casey, Illinois is approximately $95,000-$125,000. Property purchase costs around $65,000-$85,000 based on median home prices in rural Illinois communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for essential furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees vary but typically include business license ($50-$200), potential zoning permits ($100-$500), and safety inspections ($200-$400). Insurance costs $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs of $150-$250. First six months of operating expenses including utilities ($900-$1,500), cleaning supplies and services ($600-$1,200), maintenance reserves ($500-$1,000), marketing ($300-$600), and platform fees to Airbnb total approximately $3,500-$6,000, bringing the complete startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Casey, Illinois, a small town of approximately 2,800 residents, typically generate modest returns due to limited tourism demand and lower nightly rates averaging $45-75 compared to major markets. Properties in Casey have gained some traction since 2018-2019 when the town became known for its collection of "World's Largest" roadside attractions, including the world's largest rocking chair and mailbox, which attract road trip tourists and curiosity seekers. A typical 2-3 bedroom home converted to Airbnb might generate $8,000-15,000 annually in gross revenue with occupancy rates of 35-50%, while expenses including utilities ($1,200-1,800), cleaning fees ($2,400-3,600), insurance ($800-1,200), maintenance ($1,500-2,500), and platform fees (3% of bookings) total approximately $6,000-9,000 annually. This results in net profit margins of 25-40% or roughly $2,000-6,000 per year, making properties profitable but requiring low acquisition costs and minimal financing to achieve acceptable returns. Success factors include proximity to the town's tourist attractions along Route 36, competitive pricing for the rural Illinois market, professional photography highlighting unique local features, and targeting niche markets like road trip enthusiasts and families seeking quirky Midwest destinations, with properties owned by investors like local entrepreneurs who purchased homes for under $60,000 showing the strongest returns.

Airbnb investments in Casey, Illinois typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are estimates given Casey's small market size of approximately 2,800 residents. Properties in this rural Illinois community generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from travelers visiting nearby attractions like Lincoln Trail State Park and those seeking affordable rural accommodations, though occupancy rates tend to be seasonal at 45-65% annually. Initial investment costs are relatively low with median home prices around $80,000-$120,000, making the barrier to entry accessible, but investors should expect longer booking gaps compared to major metropolitan markets and may need to target weekend getaways and hunting season visitors to optimize returns.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Casey, Illinois and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Century 21 offices in nearby Mattoon and Charleston, with agents like those at Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX who understand the rural Illinois vacation rental market. National services such as Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets offer market analysis tools for small-town Illinois markets, while companies like Awning and RedAwning provide property management services for investors purchasing in Casey. Local property management companies such as Prairie Property Management and Central Illinois Rental Services can assist with day-to-day operations, and investment-focused real estate firms like Roofstock and HomeUnion occasionally feature properties in smaller Illinois markets. Regional mortgage brokers and lenders familiar with investment properties in rural Illinois, including First Mid Bank & Trust and Busey Bank, can provide financing options for Airbnb investments in the Casey area.