Is Jeffersonville, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Jeffersonville, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Fayette County Planning Commission and Jeffersonville village offices, as most small Ohio municipalities require short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning restrictions and may require a business license or conditional use permit. Contact the Fayette County Health Department for any required health permits and ensure compliance with Ohio fire safety codes by installing proper smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on homes near attractions like the Fayette County Fair grounds or within 30 minutes of Columbus for better booking potential. Obtain necessary permits by submitting applications to Jeffersonville's building department (estimated cost $50-200) and register for Ohio state taxes through the Ohio Department of Taxation. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting nearby attractions like Deer Creek State Park (20 minutes away) and set competitive pricing around $75-125 per night based on comparable properties in rural Ohio markets. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, and maintaining the property to meet Airbnb's standards while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and potential local inspections.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Jeffersonville, Ohio, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Hocking Hills State Park, Lake Logan, and downtown Lancaster, as proximity to outdoor recreation and events drives demand. Target 2-4 bedroom homes with modern amenities, hot tubs, fire pits, and scenic views, particularly cabins or rustic properties that appeal to weekend getaway seekers, with purchase prices ideally under $200,000 to maintain healthy profit margins. Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, aiming for properties that can command $100-180 per night during peak seasons (spring through fall), while researching competition density through Airbnb and VRBO searches to identify underserved areas within a 10-mile radius. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, connect with local real estate agents familiar with Hocking County investment properties, and review Fairfield County tourism data and event calendars to understand seasonal demand patterns. Consider properties near the Hocking River or with acreage for privacy, ensure reliable internet for remote workers, and factor in Ohio's STR regulations and local zoning requirements while targeting areas with limited hotel options to maximize occupancy rates.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Jeffersonville, Ohio, you must first contact the Fayette County Building Department at 1415 US Highway 22 SW, Washington Court House, OH 43160, as Jeffersonville falls under county jurisdiction for zoning and permitting. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with a property survey, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and septic system inspection if applicable. The application fee is approximately $150 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee, and you may need a $200 zoning compliance review if the property requires rezoning approval. Contact the Fayette County Health Department for septic and water system approvals, which typically cost $100-200. The entire process takes 4-6 weeks from submission to approval, provided all inspections pass and documentation is complete. Jeffersonville requires STR properties to maintain a local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Jeffersonville, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. As a small village in Fayette County, Jeffersonville follows Ohio state law which permits STRs but allows municipalities to regulate them through zoning ordinances. The village likely requires STR operators to comply with residential zoning restrictions, obtain proper business licenses, and follow safety codes including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements. Properties must typically maintain residential character and may face limitations on the number of guests or parking. Recent changes in Ohio law around 2021-2022 have generally favored property rights while still allowing local communities to establish reasonable regulations. STRs are typically prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use unless specifically permitted, and operators must collect and remit state sales tax and local lodging taxes where applicable. Given Jeffersonville's rural character and small size, enforcement may be complaint-driven rather than proactive, but operators should verify current zoning compliance with the village administration and ensure proper registration with the Ohio Department of Commerce.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Jeffersonville, Ohio include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local antique shops, and properties within a 10-mile radius of the Ohio State University Fayette Campus, capturing overflow demand from parents visiting students and university-related business travelers. The areas near Deer Creek State Park (approximately 15 minutes away) are particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Properties along or near US Route 35 offer convenience for business travelers and those attending events at nearby venues, while neighborhoods close to the Fayette County Fairgrounds benefit from seasonal demand during the annual county fair and other agricultural events. The residential areas near local manufacturing facilities like Crown Equipment Corporation's operations provide steady demand from contractors, consultants, and temporary workers, making these locations viable for consistent bookings throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Jeffersonville, Ohio are subject to Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Ohio Department of Commerce. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit Ohio sales tax of 5.75% on short-term rental income, with quarterly filings required through the Ohio Business Gateway if gross receipts exceed $1,000 annually. Fayette County, where Jeffersonville is located, does not impose a separate county lodging tax as of 2023, though hosts should verify current local ordinances as some municipalities have begun implementing their own short-term rental taxes ranging from 1-3%. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions exempt rentals under $2,000 annually, but hosts must register with the state and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions, guest information, and tax collections for audit purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Jeffersonville, Ohio is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Ohio communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $6,300. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add $3,000-$5,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Jeffersonville, Ohio, typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Properties within 30 minutes of Columbus perform better due to business traveler demand, while those near Alum Creek State Park capitalize on recreational visitors during summer months. Success factors include professional photography, rapid guest communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and competitive pricing that adjusts for local events and seasonal demand. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 with a $1,200 monthly mortgage can generate $2,500-$3,200 monthly gross revenue during peak months, resulting in annual net profits of $8,000-$18,000 after all expenses, representing a 4-10% return on investment before considering property appreciation.

Airbnb investments in Jeffersonville, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in this small Fayette County community, with median home prices around $85,000-$120,000, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months when targeting travelers visiting nearby attractions like Deer Creek State Park or business visitors to the Columbus metro area 45 minutes away. Average daily rates of $75-$95 with 45-55% occupancy rates during peak seasons allow investors to generate $18,000-$28,000 in annual gross rental income on typical 2-3 bedroom properties, while operating expenses including cleaning, utilities, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue, resulting in net cash flows of $10,000-$16,000 annually on initial investments of $100,000-$150,000 including acquisition and renovation costs.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Jeffersonville, Ohio. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker King Thompson (established 1965), RE/MAX Premier Choice, and Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Chen focusing on short-term rental investments in the Columbus metro area. National services include Awning (2017), which offers full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, Mashvisor (2014) for property analysis and market data, and AirDNA (2015) for vacation rental analytics. Local property management companies serving the area include Red Awning, Vacasa, and HostGPO, while investment-focused firms like Roofstock (2015) and Arrived Homes (2019) occasionally feature properties in the greater Columbus region. Regional real estate investment groups such as Central Ohio Real Estate Investors Association provide networking and deal flow opportunities, and companies like BiggerPockets (2004) offer educational resources and connections to local investors and agents specializing in short-term rental properties throughout Ohio.