Is South Bloomfield, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in South Bloomfield, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Pickaway County Planning Commission and South Bloomfield village offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning restrictions. Contact the village clerk at (740) 983-6363 to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any required inspections. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or consider converting your existing home, ensuring it meets Ohio's residential building codes and has adequate parking. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Pickaway County, register for Ohio sales tax through the Ohio Department of Taxation since you'll need to collect lodging taxes, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms as required by Ohio law. Create your listing on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing research based on nearby Columbus market rates (typically $75-150/night for the area), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Columbus (30 minutes) and local attractions. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while staying compliant with Ohio's 7% lodging tax requirements and any local occupancy taxes that may apply in Pickaway County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in South Bloomfield, Ohio, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Deer Creek State Park, downtown Columbus (30 minutes north), and Circleville's Pumpkin Show venue, as these drive consistent visitor traffic. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and groups seeking rural retreats comprise the primary market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in nearby Circleville and Ashville, aiming for $80-150 nightly rates depending on size and amenities. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 10-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy patterns, guest reviews, and seasonal demand fluctuations tied to state park activities and Columbus events. Utilize tools like Rabbu and STR Helper for market analysis, while leveraging local resources such as Pickaway County tourism data, Columbus visitor bureau statistics, and Ohio State Park attendance figures to identify peak booking periods and optimize your investment strategy for this rural market that benefits from proximity to both natural attractions and Ohio's capital city.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in South Bloomfield, Ohio, contact the South Bloomfield Village Office at 740-983-6363 or visit their office at 115 S High Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and permit requirements. You will likely need to submit a completed application form, 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 $50-100. Required documents may also include a safety inspection certificate, smoke and carbon monoxide detector verification, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and neighbor notification letters. The application process typically takes 30-45 days for review and approval, during which time the village may conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety requirements, and zoning regulations. South Bloomfield likely requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide trash collection arrangements, and display the permit number in all rental listings, though you should verify current specific requirements directly with the village office as regulations may have been updated recently.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in South Bloomfield, Ohio are generally permitted as the village does not appear to have specific ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with standard zoning regulations that typically allow residential rental activities in appropriate zones, and properties must meet basic safety and occupancy requirements under Ohio state law and Pickaway County regulations. The village, being a small community of approximately 800 residents, has not implemented the restrictive STR regulations seen in larger Ohio cities like Columbus or Cleveland, though operators should verify current zoning compliance with the village administrator and ensure proper business licensing and tax registration with the state. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, but Ohio's statewide approach has generally remained supportive of property rights while allowing municipalities to establish reasonable regulations, meaning South Bloomfield STR operators primarily need to focus on meeting standard residential rental requirements and any applicable county health department standards for rental properties.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in South Bloomfield, 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 Deer Creek State Park, capitalizing on outdoor recreation tourism including fishing, hiking, and camping from April through October. The area near US Route 23 corridor offers strong potential for business travelers visiting nearby Circleville and commercial facilities, while properties close to the Pickaway County Fairgrounds benefit from annual fair events and agricultural shows that draw thousands of visitors each summer. Additionally, homes within 15 miles of Circleville's Pumpkin Show, one of Ohio's largest festivals attracting over 400,000 visitors annually in October, provide excellent seasonal rental opportunities, and the rural farmland areas appeal to agritourism visitors and those seeking peaceful retreats from Columbus, which is approximately 30 miles north.

In South Bloomfield, Ohio, Airbnb hosts are subject to Ohio state sales tax at 5.75% on lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. Pickaway County imposes an additional lodging tax of 3% on short-term rentals, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 8.75%. The Village of South Bloomfield does not currently impose a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023. Airbnb typically collects and remits these taxes automatically for hosts through their platform, including both state and county taxes, with remittance occurring monthly to the Ohio Department of Taxation and Pickaway County. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with the Ohio Department of Taxation, file monthly returns, and remit taxes by the 23rd of the following month. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings. Hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections, and properties used exclusively for long-term rentals (30+ days) are exempt from these transient occupancy taxes but may be subject to regular property tax assessments.

Starting an Airbnb in South Bloomfield, Ohio requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in rural Ohio communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property costs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup expenses total $2,000-3,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations or touch-ups. Permits and fees amount to $500-800 including business license registration with Ohio, potential township permits, and tax registration. Insurance costs $1,200-1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits require $300-500 for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs total approximately $8,000-12,000 including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($50-75 per turnover), maintenance and supplies ($200-400/month), Airbnb host fees (3% of bookings), marketing expenses, and property management software subscriptions, assuming 40-60% occupancy rates typical for rural Ohio markets.

Airbnb properties in South Bloomfield, Ohio typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 depending on property size and amenities, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 for whole homes and $45-$75 for private rooms. 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-$1,200 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. Key success factors include proximity to Ohio State University (30 miles north), competitive pricing during peak seasons like football weekends and summer months, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. Properties with unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or rural charm tend to command premium rates, while those offering corporate housing for nearby logistics companies like Amazon fulfillment centers can achieve higher occupancy rates. The market benefits from lower competition compared to Columbus, but hosts must account for seasonal fluctuations and the rural location's impact on booking frequency, with most successful properties achieving 50-70% annual occupancy rates.

Based on South Bloomfield, Ohio market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and financing structure. Properties in this rural Pickaway County market, located approximately 20 miles south of Columbus, generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months due to lower property acquisition costs ($150,000-$250,000 average) and moderate seasonal demand from visitors to nearby Deer Creek State Park and business travelers to the Columbus metropolitan area. The market benefits from limited short-term rental competition and average daily rates of $80-$120, with occupancy rates typically reaching 45-60% annually, though investors should expect slower ramp-up periods compared to major metropolitan markets and seasonal fluctuations that may impact cash flow during winter months.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in South Bloomfield, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the Columbus metropolitan area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Capital Partners, RE/MAX Revealty, and Coldwell Banker King Thompson, with agents like those at Ohio Real Estate Investors Association providing specialized Airbnb investment guidance. National services that can help identify profitable properties in South Bloomfield include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Property management companies such as RedAwning, Vacasa, and local Columbus-area firms like Short Term Rental Management Ohio can assist with operations once properties are acquired. Additional services include STR Helper for market research, Rabbu for property analysis, and local investment groups through the Central Ohio Real Estate Investors Association that focus on short-term rental opportunities in smaller Ohio markets like South Bloomfield.