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Quincy, IL

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STR Regulations for Quincy, Illinois

Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Quincy, Illinois, as evidenced by the city's hotel/motel tax being applied to short-term rentals. Investors must comply with local, county, and state regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Quincy, IL

The following steps outline the typical process for starting an STR business in Quincy, based on available regulations.

  1. Property Selection and Zoning Compliance: Verify that your property is zoned for short-term rental use. The City of Quincy website provides a comprehensive guide to its zoning districts. STRs are generally permitted in commercial districts (C1A, C1B, C2, C3, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5) and certain residential districts with specific allowances. It is crucial to confirm the zoning of your specific property before proceeding. (See "Specific Regulations" and "Sources" below).

  2. Financial Setup:

    • Hotel/Motel Tax Registration: You are responsible for collecting and remitting the City of Quincy's Hotel/Motel Room Rental Use or Privilege Tax. This tax is currently set at 8% of the listing price, including any cleaning fees, for reservations 30 nights and shorter. While Airbnb collects this tax on behalf of hosts listed on its platform, hosts must understand their obligation. Non-Airbnb platforms or direct bookings will require the host to collect the tax. The Airbnb article provides a specific reference for Quincy's tax rules (see "Sources" below).

  3. Platform Registration and Listing: If you plan to list on a major platform like Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com, you will need to create a host account and register your property. During this process, you will provide property details and confirm your understanding of local tax laws. As noted, Airbnb will automatically collect and remit the required taxes for reservations in Quincy.

  4. Business License and Other Permits: While specific permits are not detailed in the provided sources, it is standard practice for municipalities to require a general business license for any commercial operation. Investors should contact the City of Quincy to inquire about any specific business licenses, registration, or safety inspections required for operating an STR.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The following requirements are based on the available information for Quincy and the state of Illinois.

  • City of Quincy Hotel/Motel Tax: A key legal requirement is the collection and remittance of the 8% hotel/motel tax for all reservations under 30 nights. This is a local excise tax.
  • State of Illinois Hotel Operators Occupation Tax: Airbnb collects the Illinois state tax (5.98-6.17%) on behalf of hosts for qualifying reservations.
  • Zoning Verification: A property must be located in a zoning district that allows for the type of short-term rental operation you intend to run (e.g., a full home rental in a C-District, a short-term rental of a room in an R-District).
  • Potential Business License: While not explicitly mentioned in the sources, a general business license from the City of Quincy is likely required. Investors must verify this requirement.
  • State-Level Regulations: Hosts should be aware of any state-level guidelines or tax obligations. Airbnb's policy is to collect and remit state-level taxes where applicable, but hosts are ultimately responsible for all tax obligations.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

This section breaks down the regulations at the city, county, and state level.

  • City of Quincy Regulations:

    • Tax: The primary regulation is the Hotel/Motel Room Rental Use or Privilege Tax of 8%, applied to the listing price including cleaning fees for stays of 30 nights or fewer.
    • Zoning: The permissibility of an STR is determined by the underlying zoning district of the property. Commercial (C) and Downtown (D) districts are the most likely to permit such uses, but investors must consult the city's zoning map and ordinances for specific allowances and any potential restrictions (e.g., limits on the number of rentals, owner-occupancy requirements).

  • Adams County Regulations:

    • County-level short-term rental regulations are not mentioned in the provided sources. It is essential to contact Adams County directly to determine if there are any additional county-level permits, taxes, or guidelines that apply to properties within the city limits.

  • State of Illinois Regulations:

    • Tax Collection: The primary state-level regulation is the collection of the Illinois Hotel Operators Occupation Tax. Airbnb automatically collects and remits this tax on behalf of hosts for qualifying reservations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

For questions regarding zoning, business licenses, and local regulations, contact the City of Quincy.

Source Pages

  1. Airbnb Help: Occupancy tax collection and remittance in Illinois (This source provides the tax rates for Quincy and other cities, and confirms that short-term rentals are subject to these taxes.)
  2. City of Quincy, IL - Zoning Districts (This source provides the zoning structure and districts within the city, which is a primary regulatory factor for short-term rentals.)
  3. Localgov Blog: Short-Term Rental Ordinances in the News (This source confirms Quincy, Illinois, as an active case study for short-term rental administration and tax compliance.)

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Quincy?

Quincy hosts earn a median $22,189/year with $127 ADR and 65% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $31,257+ per year.

See the full Quincy market breakdown

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Quincy

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
10/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
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Photos of Quincy

Overview of Quincy

Quincy sits on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in western Illinois, serving as the county seat of Adams County, Illinois. The city has a population of roughly 40,000 residents and carries the longtime nickname "Gem City," a name that reflects the tidy brick streetscapes and preserved 19th-century architecture that distinguish its downtown. Quincy's character is decidedly Midwestern, with roots in river commerce, German and Irish immigration, and a quiet but resilient civic pride. The nearest major city is St. Louis, Missouri, which lies about 110 miles to the south along the Mississippi corridor, while Quincy itself functions as a regional hub for a wide swath of rural western Illinois and northeast Missouri.

Just across the river from Quincy lies Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. The historic district sits only about 30 minutes east by car, where visitors can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home, climb the riverfront lighthouse, or wander the downtown that inspired the worlds of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. The two river towns are close enough for easy day trips, and the contrast between Illinois and Missouri literary lore gives the region a layered, dual-character feel for travelers.

A short drive north brings guests to Nauvoo, Illinois, a small Mississippi River town famous as the early headquarters of the Latter-day Saint movement in the 1840s. Roughly an hour from Quincy, Nauvoo features a meticulously restored 19th-century village where costumed interpreters demonstrate period crafts, and the temple site overlooks the broad river valley. The town offers a quiet, reflective atmosphere and a deep well of American religious history that draws visitors year-round.

Closer to home, the Quincy area blends small-city livability with the kind of Midwestern outdoor escapes that make for relaxed afternoons. The historic downtown, with its preserved Italianate and Romanesque buildings, lends itself to walking tours, and the river bluffs provide scenic overlooks of the Mississippi. Wineries, orchards, and working farms dot the surrounding countryside, particularly in the rolling hills south of town, giving short-term visitors an easy introduction to rural Illinois life and regional food traditions.

What makes Quincy a compelling base for short-term rentals is the combination of small-city amenities, deep regional history, and proximity to several major heritage destinations within an hour's drive. Guests can spend a morning wandering Quincy's downtown squares, an afternoon in Hannibal exploring Twain's haunts, and a full day further north at Nauvoo, all without long stretches on the road. For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path slice of the Mississippi River, the city offers a rare blend of architectural preservation, river scenery, and access to some of the most storied small towns in the Midwest.

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