Cape Girardeau, MO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cape Girardeau Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cape Girardeau presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with an average daily rate of $154 that sits well below Missouri's $240 state average while still delivering a 30% occupancy rate that edges out the statewide benchmark. The market's 61 active listings and 67% year-over-year listing growth signal rising investor interest, and average annual revenue of $21,074 against home values around $368,749 offers a reasonable revenue-to-price relationship for a smaller Midwestern market. As a regional hub with a university presence and Mississippi River proximity, Cape Girardeau draws a diverse mix of visitors that supports steady, if modest, demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cape Girardeau short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau appeals to investors seeking affordable Midwestern property with favorable revenue-to-price ratios and growing short-term rental demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 61 out of 100, Cape Girardeau lands in "Attractive Opportunity" territory — a market where the numbers work for disciplined investors who select the right property type. Seasonality is a real factor here: revenue dips to around $1,000 in January before climbing to $2,228 in November, so cash reserves for the quieter winter and early spring months are essential. The supply landscape remains relatively small at just 61 active listings, which limits direct competition but also means the market hasn't been fully tested at scale. Investors focusing on 3- and 4-bedroom properties stand to capture the strongest returns, as these sizes deliver the highest RevPAN and annual revenue figures."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cape Girardeau

Average revenue by month in Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau shows pronounced seasonality, with November leading at $2,228 in average revenue and January bottoming out at just $1,000 — a spread of more than 2x. The strongest earning window stretches from May through December, giving investors roughly eight months of above-average performance to offset the quieter winter.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cape Girardeau

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 23 listings (38% of the market), followed by 19 two-bedroom properties. Three- and four-bedroom homes are comparatively scarce at 9 and 8 listings respectively, which could represent an opportunity for investors willing to target larger configurations where competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cape Girardeau

ADR climbs steadily from $121 for 1-bedroom listings to $212 for 4-bedroom properties, representing a 75% premium at the top end. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($161) to 4 bedrooms ($212) is especially notable, suggesting strong pricing power for larger homes that can accommodate groups or families.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cape Girardeau

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $67 — nearly 60% more than the $42 and $39 earned by 1- and 2-bedroom listings, respectively. Three-bedroom units hold their own at $43, but 4-bedroom properties clearly stand out as the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cape Girardeau

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 35%, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units hover around 26–27%. Four-bedroom properties recover to 32%, which — combined with their significantly higher ADR — explains their outsized revenue performance and suggests dependable demand for group-sized accommodations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cape Girardeau

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,421 for 1-bedroom listings to $3,412 for 4-bedroom properties, with a meaningful step up at the 3-bedroom tier ($2,250). Investors targeting larger units can expect roughly 2.4x the monthly income of a 1-bedroom, making the additional acquisition and operating costs worth evaluating carefully.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cape Girardeau

Four-bedroom properties are the clear revenue leaders at $40,947 annually — more than double the $18,685 generated by 2-bedroom units. Even 3-bedroom homes at $27,000 per year represent a substantial jump over smaller configurations, suggesting that investors prioritizing larger properties in Cape Girardeau have the strongest path to meaningful returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cape Girardeau

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of this market, while kitchens (90%) and self check-in (82%) round out the top three essentials. Outdoor spaces like backyards (62%) and patios (54%) are common differentiators, and the relatively low presence of premium amenities like hot tubs (8%) and waterfront access (10%) suggests an opportunity for listings that offer standout features.

Understanding Cape Girardeau's ROI Score: 61/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Cape Girardeau's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with workable fundamentals rather than exceptional ones. The score is anchored by average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics, lifted by an above-average market growth trend that signals increasing demand and investor interest. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a careful property selection strategy — particularly targeting 3- and 4-bedroom homes — can help investors capitalize on the opportunity this score identifies.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cape Girardeau

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Cape Girardeau. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Cape Girardeau, Missouri may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of Cape Girardeau and the Missouri Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Cape Girardeau can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional limitations on STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing covenants before purchase is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Missouri are typically subject to state sales tax and local lodging or transient guest taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with local tax authorities to avoid surprises.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Cape Girardeau can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cape Girardeau's above-average market growth trend suggests continued momentum in STR demand. Revenue is likely to remain concentrated in the second half of the year, with monthly earnings potentially ranging from $1,800 to $2,300 during the October–December peak window. Occupancy may stabilize around 28–32% as newly added supply is absorbed, and ADR could see a modest 1–3% increase driven by larger properties commanding higher nightly rates. Investors entering now should budget conservatively for the slower January–April stretch while positioning for stronger fall and winter performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cape Girardeau, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cape Girardeau?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cape Girardeau is currently 30%, which slightly exceeds the Missouri state average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings leading at 35% and 2-bedroom units at 26%. These figures reflect trailing 12-month booking data across active comparable listings in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cape Girardeau?

Airbnb hosts in Cape Girardeau earn an average of $1,756 per month, or approximately $21,074 annually based on trailing 12-month booking performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average about $17,052 per year, while 4-bedroom properties generate roughly $40,947 annually. Individual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, property quality, and guest experience.

Is Cape Girardeau a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cape Girardeau scores 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from average revenue-to-price ratios, stable occupancy, and above-average growth trends. With home values around $368,749 and annual revenue averaging $21,074, investors can achieve reasonable returns — particularly with larger properties that command higher nightly rates and revenue per available night.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cape Girardeau?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cape Girardeau is $154, which is notably lower than the $240 Missouri state average. ADR scales with property size, starting at $121 for 1-bedroom listings and climbing to $212 for 4-bedroom properties. This pricing structure reflects the market's position as an affordable Midwestern destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cape Girardeau?

Short-term rentals operate in Cape Girardeau, with 61 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need to obtain permits or business licenses. We recommend checking directly with the City of Cape Girardeau and consulting Missouri state requirements to confirm current rules before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cape Girardeau?

Peak season in Cape Girardeau runs from roughly May through December, with the strongest months being November ($2,228 average revenue), December ($2,151), and May ($2,128). The slowest period falls in January and February, when monthly revenue drops to around $1,000–$1,103. This seasonal pattern means investors should plan for meaningful revenue swings throughout the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cape Girardeau?

As of April 2026, there are 61 active Airbnb listings in Cape Girardeau. The supply is dominated by smaller properties, with 23 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom listings making up the majority. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom properties account for 17 listings combined. The market has seen 67% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating increasing investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cape Girardeau?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cape Girardeau are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of the date indicated and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.