Frankfort, KY Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Frankfort Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Frankfort, Kentucky's state capital, presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors thanks to favorable revenue-to-price ratios and relatively affordable home values averaging $356,319. With 113 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $33,071, the market benefits from steady government and tourism-related demand while keeping acquisition costs well below many competing Kentucky markets. The current ADR of $220 sits below the $333 state average, but the lower buy-in creates a compelling yield equation that earned an ROI score of 70 out of 100.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Frankfort 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 Frankfort

Frankfort's combination of an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and its role as Kentucky's capital create a compelling case for investors seeking affordable STR entry with dependable demand drivers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Frankfort represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who prioritize yield over raw revenue volume. The market's seasonal pattern shows a clear double-peak structure — April through May and September through October deliver the strongest months, while January and February are notably softer at roughly $1,429 and $1,727 respectively. This roughly $2,000 spread between peak and off-peak months means cash-flow planning is essential, but the overall return profile remains compelling given the affordable entry price. The below-average supply/demand balance is worth monitoring as the listing count has grown substantially, though the above-average growth trend suggests underlying demand is also expanding."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Frankfort

Average revenue by month in Frankfort

Frankfort shows a distinct double-peak seasonality, with October ($3,502) and September ($3,424) delivering the highest monthly revenue, closely followed by May ($3,311) and April ($3,283). January is the weakest month at $1,429 — roughly 59% below the October peak — so investors should budget for meaningful revenue swings between seasons.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Frankfort

One-bedroom properties dominate Frankfort's supply with 39 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (28) and 3-bedroom (27) units. The 4- and 5-bedroom segments are notably thin at just 8 listings each, which could signal less competition and a potential opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Frankfort

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Frankfort — from $140 for 1-bedroom units up to $474 for 5-bedroom properties, more than tripling across the range. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($222) to 4 bedrooms ($316) represents a 42% premium, making mid-to-large properties particularly compelling for rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Frankfort

Five-bedroom properties deliver far and away the best RevPAN at $126, more than double any other size category. Two-bedroom ($53), 4-bedroom ($52), and 3-bedroom ($51) units cluster closely together, while 1-bedroom listings trail at $39, suggesting smaller units struggle to convert their lower nightly rates into strong per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Frankfort

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 32%, making them the most consistently booked property type in Frankfort. Four-bedroom units lag at just 17%, indicating that while they command higher nightly rates, filling them consistently requires more strategic pricing and marketing effort.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Frankfort

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with size, from $1,736 for 1-bedroom units to $5,564 for 5-bedroom properties — a more than threefold difference. The 3-bedroom tier at $3,563 per month represents a strong middle ground, offering substantially more revenue than smaller units without the lower occupancy challenges of 4-bedroom properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Frankfort

Five-bedroom properties top the annual revenue charts at $66,778, followed by 4-bedroom units at $52,159 — both well above the market average of $33,071. For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue, larger properties clearly outperform, though acquisition costs and the thinner supply in those segments should factor into the analysis.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Frankfort

Parking and kitchen access are near-universal at 97% of listings, and self check-in follows closely at 93%, establishing these as baseline expectations for Frankfort guests. Differentiating amenities like hot tubs (26%), pet-friendliness (26%), and waterfront access (10%) are far less common and could help listings stand out in a market seeing rapid supply growth.

Understanding Frankfort's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Frankfort's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects strong yield potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability is rated average and market growth is trending above average, though the below-average supply/demand balance — likely influenced by 80% year-over-year listing growth — signals that competition is intensifying. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a clear property differentiation strategy to capture the best returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Frankfort

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Frankfort, Kentucky may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Frankfort and Franklin County offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Kentucky markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA restrictions. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so prospective hosts should confirm whether any such limitations apply in Frankfort.

Tax Obligations

Kentucky imposes state sales tax and transient room tax obligations on short-term rentals, and Frankfort may levy additional local occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit certain taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax responsibilities with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Frankfort's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with peak revenue months in September and October likely pushing monthly earnings above $3,400 and quieter winter months settling closer to $1,400–$1,700. The above-average market growth trend suggests listing activity and demand are still on the upswing, though the 80% year-over-year growth in active listings warrants attention — rapid supply increases could moderate occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate ADR holding steady or rising modestly by 2–4% as the market matures, with occupancy rates hovering around 25–30% depending on property size and positioning."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Frankfort, KY

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Frankfort?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Frankfort is currently 27%, which sits just below the Kentucky state average of 28%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 32%, while 4-bedroom properties see the lowest rates at 17%. These figures reflect recent trailing performance across active listings in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Frankfort?

Airbnb hosts in Frankfort earn an average of $2,755 per month and approximately $33,071 per year, based on trailing 12-month historical booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $20,835 annually, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $66,778. Peak earning months are October ($3,502) and September ($3,424), with January being the slowest at $1,429.

Is Frankfort a good market for Airbnb investment?

Frankfort scores 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's key strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values of $356,319 paired with $33,071 in annual revenue create a favorable yield equation. Investors should note that the supply/demand balance is currently rated below average, so careful property selection and competitive amenity offerings will be important for standing out.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Frankfort is $220, compared to the Kentucky state average of $333. Rates vary considerably by size: 1-bedroom properties average $140 per night, while 5-bedroom listings command $474 per night. This below-state-average ADR reflects Frankfort's positioning as a more affordable destination, which can help sustain demand across a broader traveler base.

Are short-term rentals legal in Frankfort?

Short-term rentals operate in Frankfort, with 113 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits, registrations, or licenses. Investors should check with the City of Frankfort and the state of Kentucky for the most current rules regarding STR operations, zoning requirements, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Frankfort?

Peak season in Frankfort follows a double-peak pattern. The strongest revenue months are October ($3,502) and September ($3,424), followed closely by May ($3,311) and April ($3,283). The slowest months are January ($1,429) and February ($1,727). This pattern aligns with pleasant weather seasons and likely reflects legislative sessions, events, and tourism tied to Kentucky's capital city.

How many Airbnbs are there in Frankfort?

There are currently 113 active Airbnb listings in Frankfort as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with an 80% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 39 listings, followed by 2-bedroom (28) and 3-bedroom (27) properties, with 4- and 5-bedroom homes each accounting for 8 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Frankfort?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Frankfort are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 for the Frankfort market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture the most recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.