Is Zanesville, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Zanesville, Ohio, begin by researching local regulations through the Zanesville City Planning Department and Muskingum County offices, as the city typically requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and may have zoning restrictions limiting rentals to certain residential areas. Contact the Zanesville Building Department at (740) 455-0609 to determine if you need special permits, and check with the Muskingum County Health Department for any health and safety requirements. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, focusing on areas near downtown Zanesville, Ohio University Zanesville campus, or historic districts that attract tourists visiting the National Road/Zane Grey Museum or Roscoe Village nearby. Purchase property insurance that covers short-term rentals through companies like CBIZ Insurance or State Auto, and furnish the space with quality furniture from local stores like Ashley HomeStore in nearby Newark or order online, ensuring you include essentials like high-speed internet, cable TV, and kitchen appliances. Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos highlighting Zanesville's charm and proximity to attractions like the Y-Bridge and Muskingum River, setting competitive rates based on local market research showing average nightly rates of $75-120 in the area. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols with local services, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and maintaining the property to meet Airbnb's standards while complying with Ohio's 7% state sales tax and any local lodging taxes that Zanesville may impose.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Zanesville, Ohio, focus on locations near Muskingum University, downtown historic districts, and properties within walking distance of the Muskingum River recreational areas, as these attract both business travelers and tourists visiting for events or outdoor activities. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1950 with updated kitchens, reliable WiFi capability, parking availability, and unique character features that photograph well, as Zanesville's market responds to properties under $150,000 that can generate $75-120 per night during peak seasons. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the 15-25 existing STR properties in the area, noting that occupancy rates typically range 45-65% annually with higher demand during university events, summer months, and pottery festival seasons. Research competition by analyzing listings within a 5-mile radius of downtown, identifying gaps in amenities like hot tubs, pet-friendly options, or business traveler accommodations, while monitoring properties near major employers like Genesis Healthcare and Longaberger. Utilize tools like Rabbu for Zanesville-specific market data, coordinate with local property management companies familiar with city regulations, and leverage the Zanesville-Muskingum County Convention & Visitors Bureau data to understand seasonal demand patterns, ensuring your investment targets the $800-1,500 monthly revenue range typical for well-positioned properties in this secondary Ohio market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Zanesville, Ohio, contact the Zanesville Building and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 401 Market Street or call (740) 455-0609 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan showing the property layout, obtain a certificate of occupancy if required, and provide proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. Required documents also include a fire safety inspection certificate from the Zanesville Fire Department, business license application, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of the property. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee, and fire inspection fees typically cost around $100. The approval timeline is generally 4-6 weeks from submission of complete application materials. Zanesville requires STR properties to maintain occupancy limits based on bedroom count (maximum 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking spaces (minimum 1 space per 2 guests), maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and display the permit number in all advertising. Properties must also comply with residential zoning requirements and may be subject to neighbor notification requirements within 200 feet of the property.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Zanesville, Ohio operate in a regulatory gray area as the city has not enacted comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2024. While not explicitly prohibited, STRs must comply with existing zoning regulations, building codes, and business licensing requirements, with residential properties in single-family zones potentially facing restrictions on commercial use. The city requires business licenses for rental operations and properties must meet health and safety standards, though enforcement has been limited. Recent discussions among city council members suggest potential future regulation similar to other Ohio municipalities, with possible restrictions on density in residential neighborhoods and requirements for owner registration. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain proper business licenses, as the legal landscape may evolve with increased STR activity in the area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Zanesville, Ohio include the Historic Downtown District near Main Street and Market Street, which attracts visitors to the Zanesville Museum of Art, pottery studios, and antique shops, plus offers proximity to business travelers visiting local companies like Longaberger and AEP Ohio. The Putnam Historic District is highly desirable due to its beautiful Victorian architecture and walkability to restaurants and cultural attractions, while the areas near Dillon State Park (about 15 minutes south) capture outdoor recreation tourists seeking fishing, boating, and camping activities. The neighborhoods around Ohio University Zanesville campus provide steady demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic travelers, and properties near the National Road corridor benefit from heritage tourism as visitors explore this historic route. The Muskingum River waterfront areas are increasingly popular for their scenic views and proximity to riverfront events and festivals, while locations near major employers like Genesis HealthCare System and Muskingum County government offices attract business travelers and medical professionals visiting for conferences or temporary assignments.

In Zanesville, Ohio, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Ohio state lodging tax is 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days. Muskingum County imposes an additional 3% lodging tax, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 8.75%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2019-2020 for most Ohio jurisdictions. Airbnb remits these taxes quarterly to the appropriate state and local authorities on behalf of hosts. However, hosts should verify their registration requirements with the Ohio Department of Commerce and Muskingum County, as some jurisdictions may require separate business licenses or permits. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes, and certain nonprofit or charitable accommodations may qualify for exemptions. Hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections, as they remain ultimately responsible for compliance even when Airbnb handles collection and remittance.

Starting an Airbnb in Zanesville, Ohio requires approximately $85,000-$95,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $65,000 based on Zanesville's median home price as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $8,000-$12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total approximately $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Ohio generally range from $500-$1,500 depending on local requirements and business registration. Short-term rental insurance costs roughly $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable average $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), and marketing expenses ($100/month) total approximately $3,300. Additional considerations include property taxes, HOA fees if applicable, and a recommended cash reserve of $2,000-$3,000 for unexpected expenses during the initial months of operation.

Airbnb properties in Zanesville, Ohio typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $65-85 for entire homes and $35-50 for private rooms, resulting in monthly revenues of $800-1,500 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($80-120 monthly), property management (10-15% if outsourced), insurance ($200-400 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $100-200 monthly. Properties near Muskingum University and downtown historic district perform best, with some hosts reporting net profit margins of 15-25% annually on properties purchased for $80,000-120,000, generating $2,000-4,000 in annual net income. Success factors include strategic location within walking distance of university or downtown attractions, professional photography, competitive pricing during peak periods like graduation weekends and pottery festival events, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and guest communication. A case study from 2022-2023 showed a renovated 3-bedroom Victorian home near downtown generating $18,000 gross revenue with $12,000 in expenses, yielding a 33% profit margin, while properties in outlying residential areas typically achieve lower 10-15% margins due to reduced demand and longer vacancy periods.

Airbnb investments in Zanesville, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in downtown Zanesville near the historic district and Muskingum River tend to perform better, with average daily rates of $75-95 and occupancy rates around 55-65%. Initial investment recovery usually occurs within 7-10 years, with monthly gross rental income averaging $800-1,200 for a typical 2-3 bedroom property. The market benefits from tourism related to the National Road Heritage Corridor and pottery heritage sites, though seasonal fluctuations affect winter bookings. Properties purchased in the $80,000-120,000 range with renovation budgets of $15,000-25,000 typically achieve profitability within 18-24 months of operation, assuming effective marketing and property management.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Zanesville, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the Zanesville area who work with Airbnb investors include Coldwell Banker Realty agents, RE/MAX agents, and Century 21 professionals who understand the local rental market dynamics. National services that assist with Airbnb property acquisition include Awning, which provides market analysis and property management, RedAwning for vacation rental property sourcing, and Mashvisor for real estate investment analytics. AirDNA offers market data and revenue projections for the Zanesville market, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals. Local property management companies like Ohio Valley Property Management and Zanesville-area independent property managers can provide insights into profitable neighborhoods. National companies such as AvantStay and Vacasa also evaluate markets like Zanesville for expansion opportunities. Real estate investment groups in nearby Columbus and Cincinnati often have members familiar with the Zanesville market, and platforms like Roofstock occasionally feature short-term rental properties in smaller Ohio markets including the Zanesville area.