Garden City, KS Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Garden City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Garden City, KS is a compact short-term rental market with just 17 active Airbnb listings and an ROI score of 71 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. With an average occupancy rate of 33% — outpacing the Kansas state average of 30% — and average annual revenue of $23,418 per listing, the market offers a favorable revenue-to-property-value dynamic given average home values of $348,811. The limited supply and above-average growth trend suggest this small western Kansas community has room for well-positioned investors to capture demand that isn't yet being fully served.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Garden City short-term rental market shows:

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

Why Investors Consider Garden City

Garden City's low listing count, above-average occupancy relative to Kansas, and healthy revenue-to-price ratio make it a compelling niche market for investors seeking less competitive opportunities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Garden City presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors willing to operate in a smaller, less saturated market. The 71/100 ROI score reflects a balanced profile: revenue relative to property prices is average, but occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand dynamics all rate above average. Seasonality is notable — October leads as the top-earning month at $3,329 in average revenue, while January dips to just $804 — so investors should plan for cash flow variability across the year. The tight supply of just 17 listings means a well-managed property can capture outsized market share, though the small market size also means individual listing performance may be more volatile."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Garden City

Average revenue by month in Garden City

Revenue in Garden City swings substantially through the year, peaking in October at $3,329 and bottoming out in January at just $804 — a spread of over $2,500. A secondary peak appears in March ($2,443) and late summer through fall (August–September at $2,290–$2,384), suggesting demand drivers that extend beyond typical summer tourism patterns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Garden City

The market's supply is concentrated in just two property sizes: 2-bedroom units (7 listings) and 3-bedroom units (5 listings). The absence of 1-bedroom or studio listings could indicate an untapped niche, though it may also reflect the type of traveler demand — likely groups or families rather than solo visitors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Garden City

Three-bedroom properties command a 46% ADR premium over 2-bedroom units ($199 vs. $136), a significant jump that reflects the higher willingness to pay for additional space in this market. Given that 3-bedrooms also outperform on occupancy, the added investment in a larger property appears well-justified.

Average RevPAN by property size in Garden City

RevPAN tells a clear story: 3-bedroom listings generate $76 per available night compared to just $26 for 2-bedrooms, nearly a 3x difference. This gap — driven by both higher ADR and substantially better occupancy — makes 3-bedroom properties the standout configuration for revenue efficiency in Garden City.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Garden City

Three-bedroom properties fill at double the rate of 2-bedrooms, with 38% occupancy versus 19%. The 2-bedroom segment's notably lower occupancy suggests either an oversupply relative to demand for that size or a mismatch with what travelers to Garden City are typically seeking.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Garden City

Monthly revenue for 3-bedroom listings averages $2,065, modestly outpacing the $1,915 earned by 2-bedroom units. While the dollar difference appears small, the underlying occupancy and RevPAN data strongly favor the larger size, indicating 3-bedrooms achieve their revenue more efficiently.

Average annual revenue by property size in Garden City

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties earn roughly $24,783 compared to $22,984 for 2-bedrooms — an approximately $1,800 gap. Given the dramatically better occupancy and RevPAN metrics for 3-bedrooms, investors eyeing Garden City should prioritize this configuration for the strongest return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Garden City

Kitchens and parking are universal across Garden City listings (100%), reflecting a market where guests expect home-like functionality and convenient vehicle access — consistent with a rural Kansas location. Self check-in (88%) and washer availability (77%) round out the top tier, signaling that convenience-oriented amenities are table stakes rather than differentiators.

Understanding Garden City's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Garden City's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average marks in occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — three of the four calculation factors rate above average. The revenue-to-price ratio comes in at average, reflecting that while annual revenue of $23,418 is modest in absolute terms, it pairs with home values that are reasonable for western Kansas. Investors should complement this score with local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to validate the opportunity for their specific situation.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Garden City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Garden City, Kansas may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Garden City and Finney County, as local regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Kansas communities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking standards. Homeowner association rules and any neighborhood-specific covenants should also be reviewed before purchasing, as these can impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Kansas are generally subject to state and local sales tax, as well as any applicable transient guest or lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Garden City's STR market is likely to continue its upward trajectory, supported by above-average occupancy stability and a strong supply/demand imbalance that favors hosts. Seasonal revenue data suggests fall months — particularly October — will remain the peak earning window, while January may continue as the softest period. Investors can reasonably anticipate ADR holding steady in the $145–$160 range, with occupancy potentially ticking up 1–3 percentage points as awareness of the market grows. However, with listing growth already accelerating significantly year-over-year, new entrants should monitor supply carefully to ensure the demand-supply balance holds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Garden City, KS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Garden City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Garden City is currently 33%, which sits above the Kansas state average of 30%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings averaging 38% while 2-bedroom properties come in at 19%. This suggests larger properties better match the type of demand present in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Garden City?

Airbnb hosts in Garden City earn an average of $1,951 per month and $23,418 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Three-bedroom properties tend to outperform, pulling in approximately $2,065 monthly compared to $1,915 for 2-bedroom units. Revenue varies seasonally, with October being the strongest month at $3,329 and January the weakest at $804.

Is Garden City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Garden City scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability, a favorable supply/demand balance with only 17 active listings, and a growing demand trend. While the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values around $348,811, the low competition and steady occupancy make it appealing for investors comfortable with a smaller market.

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

The average daily rate in Garden City is $151, which is slightly below the Kansas state average of $174. Rates vary by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $136 per night while 3-bedroom properties command $199 per night. The premium for larger units is significant and reflects the demand profile in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Garden City?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Garden City, Kansas, though operators should check with the City of Garden City and Finney County for any required permits, business licenses, or zoning restrictions. Local regulations may evolve, so verifying current rules before investing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Garden City?

Peak season in Garden City centers around the fall months, with October standing out as the top revenue month at $3,329 in average earnings. September ($2,384) and March ($2,443) also perform well above the annual average. January is the slowest month at $804, making winter the off-peak period. Investors should budget for this seasonal swing.

How many Airbnbs are there in Garden City?

As of April 2026, there are 17 active Airbnb listings in Garden City. The market is split between 2-bedroom properties (7 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (5 listings), with the remaining listings in other configurations. This very low supply creates limited competition but also means the market can be sensitive to new entrants.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Garden City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Garden City are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. 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 into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Garden City market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.