Is Stoutsville, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Stoutsville, Ohio, begin by researching local regulations through Fairfield County and Stoutsville village offices, as this small community may have specific zoning restrictions for short-term rentals that typically require properties to be in residential or mixed-use zones. Contact the Fairfield County Building Department to obtain necessary permits, which likely include a business license ($50-100), occupancy permit, and potentially a short-term rental permit if required by local ordinance. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Stoutsville's residential areas, focusing on homes near attractions like Tar Hollow State Park or within 30 minutes of Lancaster for better booking potential, with properties typically ranging $80,000-150,000. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local touches highlighting Ohio's rural charm, budgeting approximately $5,000-10,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos showcasing the peaceful rural setting and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on comparable properties in nearby areas like Lancaster or Logan. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and maintaining the property regularly while building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors in the Stoutsville area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Stoutsville, Ohio, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Hocking Hills State Park, Lancaster's historic downtown, or Ohio University (45 minutes away), as these drive consistent visitor traffic. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and groups comprise the primary market in rural Ohio. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Lancaster, Logan, and Athens, aiming for $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities. Research competition by analyzing existing STRs within a 10-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy patterns, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Fairfield County tourism boards and local real estate agents familiar with the Hocking Hills tourism market. Properties near Route 33 corridor or within walking distance of local lakes, hiking trails, or historic sites typically perform best, with optimal investment targets being homes under $200,000 that can generate 15-25% annual returns through strategic positioning for weekend getaways and outdoor recreation visitors.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Stoutsville, Ohio, you must first contact the Fairfield County Building Department at 210 East Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130, as Stoutsville falls under county jurisdiction for zoning matters. Begin by submitting a zoning compliance application along with a detailed site plan showing your property layout, parking arrangements, and occupancy limits. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy and emergency exits. You'll need to pay an initial application fee of approximately $150-200, plus an annual renewal fee of $100-125. The property must comply with residential zoning requirements, maintain adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, and limit occupancy to no more than 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting complete documentation, and you must also register with the Ohio Department of Commerce for tax collection purposes and obtain any necessary business licenses from Fairfield County.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Stoutsville, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. As a small village in Fairfield County with approximately 500 residents, Stoutsville operates under basic zoning ordinances that typically allow residential rentals in appropriate zones, though specific STR regulations may not be comprehensively codified. Property owners must comply with Ohio state requirements including business registration, tax collection (5.75% state sales tax plus local taxes), and safety standards. The village likely requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and follow residential use guidelines, with potential restrictions in certain residential zones to preserve neighborhood character. Recent changes across Ohio since 2019-2021 have generally favored property rights while allowing local municipalities to implement reasonable regulations, and Stoutsville has not implemented any known blanket prohibitions on short-term rentals, though operators should verify current zoning compliance and permit requirements with the village administration before establishing an STR business.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Stoutsville, Ohio include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local antique shops, and properties near the Hocking Hills region (approximately 20 minutes south), which benefit from year-round tourism to attractions like Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. The area around Lancaster (15 minutes north) offers opportunities for business travelers visiting Anchor Hocking Corporation and other manufacturing facilities, while properties near the Fairfield County Fairgrounds capture seasonal demand during the annual county fair and other events. Rural properties with acreage appeal to families seeking peaceful retreats and hunters during Ohio's hunting seasons, particularly near state wildlife areas. The proximity to Columbus (45 minutes) makes Stoutsville attractive for visitors seeking affordable accommodations outside the city while still accessing urban amenities, and properties near Clear Creek Metro Park and other outdoor recreation areas benefit from weekend warriors and nature enthusiasts throughout spring, summer, and fall months.

Airbnb properties in Stoutsville, 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 quarterly. Fairfield County, where Stoutsville is located, imposes an additional 3% transient guest tax on short-term rentals under 30 days, collected through the county auditor's office with monthly remittance required by the 15th of the following month. The Village of Stoutsville does not currently impose a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023. Hosts must register with both the state and county, obtain necessary permits, and file returns even in months with no activity. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and properties rented fewer than 3 times annually for less than 30 days total, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Stoutsville, Ohio would be 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 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-$100), short-term rental permit if required ($100-$300), and potential zoning compliance costs ($200-$500). 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 total $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($50/month), maintenance reserves ($100/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing budget add approximately $3,000-$4,500, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% generating $1,500-$2,500 monthly revenue during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Stoutsville, Ohio, typically generate modest profitability due to the area's rural location and limited tourist demand, with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for entire homes and occupancy rates around 40-55% annually. Property owners generally see gross revenues of $8,000-15,000 per year, but after accounting for expenses including mortgage payments, utilities ($150-200/month), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs, net profit margins typically range from 15-25%. Success factors in this market include proximity to Hocking Hills State Park (about 30 minutes away), competitive pricing strategies, exceptional cleanliness standards, and targeting weekend getaway travelers from Columbus (45 minutes north). Properties with unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or scenic views command premium rates and achieve higher occupancy, with some successful hosts reporting annual net profits of $3,000-6,000 on properties valued around $150,000-200,000. The market faces challenges from seasonal demand fluctuations, with peak performance during fall foliage season and summer months, while winter occupancy often drops below 30%, making year-round profitability dependent on maintaining low operating costs and strategic pricing adjustments.

Based on Stoutsville, 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 Ohio market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$120 and occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. Initial investment requirements average $80,000-$150,000 for suitable properties, with monthly operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, and maintenance typically running $800-$1,200. The market benefits from proximity to Columbus (30 miles) and seasonal demand from Hocking Hills tourism, though competition from established vacation rental markets requires strategic pricing and property differentiation to achieve optimal returns.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Stoutsville, Ohio. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker King Thompson (established 1950s), RE/MAX Central Ohio, and Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty, with agents like those at Ohio Real Estate Investors Association offering specialized STR guidance. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014) for property analysis, AirDNA (2015) for market data, Awning (2017) for full-service STR investment management, Roofstock (2015) for turnkey rental properties, and BiggerPockets marketplace connecting with local investors. Regional companies such as Columbus-based STR Management Co. and Ohio Valley Property Solutions provide market-specific expertise, while services like RedAwning, Vacasa (2009), and local property management firms including Buckeye Property Management assist with ongoing operations. Additional resources include local real estate investment groups, Fairfield County economic development offices, and specialized STR consultants who understand Ohio's regulatory environment and Stoutsville's proximity to Columbus markets.