Is Crawfordsville, Indiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Crawfordsville, Indiana combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a potentially viable opportunity, primarily driven by the city's local charm, community events, and proximity to larger metropolitan areas like Indianapolis.
• Current market conditions in Crawfordsville indicate a relatively stable real estate market with more accessible property values compared to major tourist destinations.
• While Crawfordsville may not boast the high-volume tourism of a major city, its tourism trends are supported by events, collegiate activities (Wabash College).
• This steady, albeit niche, demand can lead to consistent occupancy rates, especially for well-marketed properties.
• The investment potential lies in balancing reasonable property costs with the potential for solid rental income from visitors seeking local experiences.

$800–$1,500 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb hosts in Crawfordsville, Indiana typically earn between $800-$1,500 per month.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months and fall festival seasons, with revenues increasing approximately 25-40% above baseline during these periods.
• Properties near Wabash College or downtown areas command higher rates, with whole-home listings averaging $65-$85 per night compared to private rooms at $35-$50 per night.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to the college campus, property condition and amenities, professional photography quality, and responsive host communication.
• Rural or suburban properties further from main attractions generally see lower occupancy rates around 35-50%.
• These estimates are derived from regional vacation rental market analysis and comparable small college town data.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods averaging 7-10 years due to the city's modest tourism demand and lower property values ranging from $80,000-$150,000 for investment-suitable properties.
• The market benefits from proximity to Wabash College and occasional business travelers, with average daily rates around $75-$95 and occupancy rates of 45-60% annually.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Crawfordsville that yield 6-8% ROI with more stable monthly income of $700-$1,100, Airbnb properties can achieve higher returns but require more active management and face seasonal fluctuations, with peak performance during college events and summer months while experiencing significant downturns during winter periods when occupancy can drop to 25-35%.

Crawfordsville, Indiana averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Crawfordsville, Indiana typically experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging around 45-55% annually.
• Winter months generally see occupancy drop to 30-40% as travel decreases and weather conditions become less favorable for leisure trips.
• The city's occupancy rates tend to run slightly below Indiana's statewide average of approximately 58-62% and significantly below the national Airbnb average of 65-70%, primarily due to its smaller size.
• Seasonal fluctuations are particularly pronounced around academic calendar events, with notable spikes during Wabash College graduation, homecoming, and move-in periods.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The downtown historic district offers the strongest Airbnb potential in Crawfordsville due to its walkable proximity to Wabash College, the Lane Place mansion, and local restaurants.
• The Wabash College area neighborhoods provide consistent demand from prospective students, visiting professors, and families attending campus events.
• The Sugar Creek area appeals to outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby state parks and offers larger properties suitable for group bookings at $70-100 per night with lower competition.
• Neighborhoods near the Ben Hur Museum and General Lew Wallace Study attract history buffs and cultural tourists, particularly during summer months, supporting rates of $65-95 nightly.
• The residential areas around Crawfordsville High School work well for sports tournament weekends and graduation events, offering family-friendly accommodations at $55-85 per night.
• Properties near the industrial corridor serve business travelers and contractors, providing steady weekday demand at moderate rates of $50-75 nightly.
• The tree-lined neighborhoods around Milligan Park combine quiet residential appeal with easy access to downtown attractions.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Crawfordsville, Indiana currently operates under relatively permissive short-term rental regulations that require property owners to obtain a business license through the city clerk's office and comply with standard zoning ordinances that generally allow short-term rentals in residential areas with some restrictions in historic districts.
• Properties must maintain occupancy limits based on bedroom count (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests), adhere to parking requirements of one space per bedroom.
• There are no owner-occupancy requirements for short-term rentals, allowing for non-resident ownership, though properties must designate a local contact person available 24/7 for issues.
• The registration process involves submitting an application with property details, proof of insurance, and paying annual fees of approximately $50-75, with renewals required yearly.
• Recent changes implemented around 2022-2023 have included stricter noise ordinance enforcement, requirements for posted house rules regarding quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM).

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Crawfordsville, Indiana are subject to Indiana's state innkeeper's tax of 7% on gross rental receipts.
• Montgomery County may impose an additional local innkeeper's tax of up to 5%, though the specific rate varies by municipality within the county.
• Property owners must register their short-term rental as a business with the Indiana Secretary of State, which typically costs around $30-50 for initial registration.
• Annual business registration renewal fees are approximately $30.
• The City of Crawfordsville requires a business license for short-term rental operations, with fees generally ranging from $25-75 annually depending on the business classification.
• Property owners must also ensure compliance with local zoning regulations and may need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, which can cost $50-100.