Is Logan, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Logan, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Hocking County Planning Commission and Logan City Hall, as Ohio allows short-term rentals but municipalities can impose restrictions. Contact Logan's Building Department at (740) 385-3496 to determine if you need a business license or special permits, and check if your property is zoned for commercial use or if residential short-term rentals are permitted in your specific area. Find a suitable property by searching Logan's real estate market, focusing on areas near Hocking Hills State Park since Logan attracts outdoor tourists year-round, with average property prices ranging from $80,000-$200,000 depending on size and location. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Logan City (approximately $25-$50), register with the Ohio Department of Commerce if required, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Furnish your property with essential amenities like Wi-Fi, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, and outdoor gear storage since many guests visit for hiking and outdoor activities, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Hocking Hills attractions, Old Man's Cave, and Ash Cave, setting competitive rates around $75-$150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing keyless entry systems, creating a guidebook with local attractions and dining recommendations, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while monitoring reviews to ensure consistent 4.5+ star ratings for optimal visibility in search results.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Logan, Ohio, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Hocking Hills State Park and Lake Logan, as these areas drive the majority of tourist traffic seeking outdoor recreation and scenic beauty. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins, chalets, or homes with amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, game rooms, and pet-friendly features, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak seasons (spring through fall). Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting that properties closer to hiking trails and waterfalls typically achieve 70-85% occupancy rates compared to 45-60% for standard residential areas. Research competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and local Facebook groups like "Hocking Hills Cabin Owners" to understand market saturation, with the sweet spot being areas with fewer than 5 STRs per square mile. Utilize tools like Rabbu, PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, and the Hocking County Auditor's website for property values, while partnering with local property management companies such as Hocking Hills Property Management who understand seasonal demand patterns and can provide insights on properties that consistently generate $40,000-80,000 annually in markets serving Columbus weekend visitors and regional tourists.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Logan, Ohio, you must first contact the Logan City Building Department at City Hall located at 10 South Main Street or call (740) 385-3496 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the necessary application forms. Required documents typically include a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Logan Fire Department, liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, and a $150-200 application fee payable to the City of Logan. You must schedule inspections with both the building department and fire department to ensure compliance with safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Logan requires STR operators to maintain a local contact person available 24/7, display the permit number in all advertising, collect and remit local lodging taxes, and limit occupancy to no more than 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission of complete application and successful inspections, with annual renewal required by December 31st each year including a $75 renewal fee and updated insurance documentation.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Logan, Ohio, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals or STRs as of 2023. However, operators must comply with standard zoning regulations, building codes, and safety requirements that apply to residential properties, and may need to obtain business licenses or permits depending on the scale of operation. The city follows Ohio state regulations regarding lodging establishments, which may require registration with the Ohio Department of Commerce for certain types of rental operations. Logan, being located in Hocking County near popular tourist destinations like Hocking Hills State Park, has seen increased STR activity, but the city has not implemented the restrictive ordinances seen in some larger Ohio municipalities. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance in their specific neighborhood, as residential areas may have restrictions on commercial activities, and ensure they meet all tax obligations including transient occupancy taxes and income reporting requirements.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Logan, Ohio are downtown Logan near the Hocking River and Main Street corridor, which attracts visitors to local festivals and events throughout the year, and the neighborhoods surrounding Hocking Hills State Park approximately 10 miles southeast, where tourists flock year-round for hiking, rock formations, and outdoor recreation at Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. The area near Lake Logan offers waterfront appeal for families and fishing enthusiasts, while properties within walking distance of the historic downtown square benefit from antique shopping, local restaurants, and the annual Washboard Music Festival. The residential areas along State Route 664 toward the state park provide easy access for nature tourists while maintaining lower property costs than prime park-adjacent locations, and neighborhoods near the fairgrounds capitalize on county fair visitors and agricultural events, making these districts particularly attractive for short-term rental investments due to consistent seasonal demand from outdoor recreation enthusiasts, festival attendees, and weekend getaway travelers from Columbus and Cincinnati.

Airbnb properties in Logan, Ohio are subject to Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which includes both the state sales tax component and specific transient occupancy tax. Hocking County, where Logan is located, imposes an additional county lodging tax of 3% on short-term rental accommodations under 30 days. The City of Logan levies a municipal lodging tax of 3% on transient accommodations. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2019 for Ohio properties, and the platform remits payments monthly to the appropriate state and local tax authorities. Property owners must register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and obtain a vendor's license, file monthly returns even when Airbnb collects taxes, and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees or tax-exempt organizations, though hosts remain responsible for verifying exemption eligibility and maintaining proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Logan, Ohio, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in Hocking County. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Ohio generally cost $200-$500 for business licenses and short-term rental permits, though Logan may have specific requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rentals run $1,200-$2,400 annually, or $600-$1,200 for six months. Utility setup and deposits cost approximately $500-$800, with six months of utilities averaging $1,800-$2,400 depending on property size and season. First six months operating costs including cleaning supplies, maintenance, marketing, and platform fees typically total $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $2,000-$4,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Logan, Ohio, located in the scenic Hocking Hills region, demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $120-250 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $25,000-65,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 15-20% for utilities and supplies, and 10-15% for property management if outsourced, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for successful operators. Properties near Hocking Hills State Park, Old Man's Cave, and Cedar Falls command premium rates, with luxury cabins featuring hot tubs, fire pits, and hiking access achieving the highest profitability, as demonstrated by several operators who report annual profits of $15,000-30,000 per property. Success factors include strategic location within 10 miles of major attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and seasonal pricing optimization that capitalizes on peak demand during fall foliage season (September-November) and summer months, with some properties achieving 85%+ occupancy during these periods while maintaining rates 20-40% above off-season pricing.

Airbnb investments in Logan, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, depending on property type and location within the market. Properties near Hocking Hills State Park and outdoor recreation areas command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while standard residential properties average $60-100 per night during peak seasons. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even points accelerated by Logan's proximity to Columbus (45 minutes) attracting weekend visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. The market benefits from consistent demand from tourists visiting Hocking Hills, with occupancy rates typically reaching 60-75% annually, though seasonal fluctuations occur with summer and fall months performing strongest due to hiking, camping, and foliage tourism.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Logan, Ohio. In the Logan area, local real estate agents like those at Hocking Hills Realty and Century 21 Home Planning specialize in investment properties near popular tourist destinations like Hocking Hills State Park. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property recommendations, AirDNA for market data analysis, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investments. Local property management companies such as Hocking Hills Property Management and Ohio Vacation Rentals offer services to help investors manage their short-term rental properties. Additional national platforms like BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while Roofstock and Arrived Homes focus on rental property investments. Regional real estate firms including RE/MAX and Coldwell Banker have agents experienced in investment properties throughout southeastern Ohio, and vacation rental management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa provide comprehensive property management services for Airbnb investors in the Logan market.