Is Youngstown, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Youngstown, Ohio combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a unique and evolving investment landscape.
• While Youngstown's property values are generally lower compared to larger metropolitan areas, offering a more accessible entry point for investors.
• The current market conditions are influenced by ongoing revitalization efforts and a gradual shift towards a more diversified economy.
• Investment potential largely hinges on identifying niche markets or specific events that draw visitors, as general leisure tourism is not as prominent.
• Therefore, a careful analysis of local demand drivers and a targeted approach are crucial for profitability, as broad-based demand may not support consistent high occupancy rates.

$800–$2,200 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and rental analytics, Airbnb hosts in Youngstown, Ohio typically earn between $800 to $2,200 per month, with the average falling around $1,400 monthly for entire home listings.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months when local universities are hosting events and graduation ceremonies.
• The market experiences moderate demand fluctuations tied to Youngstown State University's academic calendar, local healthcare facility visits, and regional business travel.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to downtown areas and the university campus, property condition and amenities, competitive pricing strategies.
• Properties near Butler Arts Center and Arms Family Homestead typically command higher rates, while listings in residential neighborhoods further from main attractions see lower but more consistent bookings.
• The relatively affordable real estate market in Youngstown allows for potentially strong return on investment ratios.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–15%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with average nightly rates ranging from $45-75 and occupancy rates around 55-65% due to the city's industrial tourism and healthcare visitors.
• The payback period for initial investment usually spans 7-10 years, considering property acquisition costs averaging $35,000-65,000 for suitable rental properties in neighborhoods like Oak Hill and Mahoning Commons.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals yielding 6-9% ROI in Youngstown's market, short-term rentals can outperform by 2-6 percentage points.
• Properties near Youngstown State University and downtown medical facilities tend to achieve the higher end of ROI ranges, while suburban locations may struggle to maintain consistent bookings.

Youngstown, Ohio averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Airbnb occupancy rates in Youngstown, Ohio typically average around 45-55% annually, which is below both the Ohio state average of approximately 60-65% and the national average of 63-68%.
• The city experiences seasonal fluctuations with peak occupancy occurring during summer months (June through August) when rates can reach 65-70%.
• Spring and fall months see moderate occupancy rates of 50-60%, while winter months typically drop to 35-45% due to harsh weather conditions and reduced travel demand.
• Youngstown's lower occupancy rates compared to state and national averages reflect the city's economic challenges, smaller tourism market.

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

• The best Airbnb investment neighborhoods in Youngstown, Ohio include the Historic Arts District downtown, which offers proximity to the Butler Arts Center, Stambaugh Building.
• The Oak Hill Collaborative area provides affordable properties with ongoing revitalization efforts and access to Idlewild Presbyterian Church events and community activities.
• The McGuffey Center neighborhood attracts visitors due to its proximity to Youngstown State University, offering steady demand from visiting families, prospective students.
• The Wick Park Historic District features beautiful Victorian homes and walkability to downtown attractions.
• The Mahoning Commons area benefits from its central location and ongoing development projects, attracting both business and leisure travelers.
• The Buckeye area offers affordable entry points with proximity to major highways and local amenities, suitable for budget-conscious travelers and longer-term stays.
• Finally, the Hazelton neighborhood provides good value properties near parks and community centers, appealing to families and groups visiting for local events and activities.

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

• Youngstown, Ohio requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their properties with the city.
• Properties are generally limited to occupancy based on square footage calculations of approximately two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests.
• Owner-occupancy requirements are not mandated city-wide, allowing for non-resident ownership of short-term rentals.
• Zoning restrictions primarily limit short-term rentals in single-family residential areas while allowing more flexibility in mixed-use and commercial districts.
• The registration process involves submitting an application with property details, proof of insurance, safety compliance documentation.
• Recent regulatory changes have focused on increasing enforcement of existing regulations, implementing stricter noise ordinances, requiring more detailed safety inspections.

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

• Short-term rentals in Youngstown, Ohio are subject to several fees and taxes including Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75%, Mahoning County's lodging tax of 3%, and Youngstown's local lodging tax of 3%.
• Property owners must obtain a business license from the city costing approximately $25-50 annually, register with the Ohio Department of Commerce for tax collection purposes with fees around $25, and may need a zoning permit or conditional use permit ranging from $100-300 depending on the property location and zoning district.
• Additional costs include potential fire safety inspections at $75-150 per inspection, health department permits if applicable at $50-100, and quarterly or annual tax filings with associated processing fees of $10-25 per filing.
• Property owners are also responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax at Ohio's rate of 5.75% plus local rates typically adding another 1-3%.