Grand Island, NE Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Grand Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grand Island, NE presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 70 out of 100, driven by above-average occupancy stability and positive market growth trends. With just 44 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $190—outpacing the Nebraska state average of $172—this small but growing market offers investors relatively low competition and favorable pricing power. Average annual revenue sits at $22,711 against average home values of $353,276, creating a workable revenue-to-price ratio for investors willing to explore a market outside the typical tourist hotspots.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Grand Island 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 Grand Island

Investors are drawn to Grand Island for its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, low competition, and steady demand driven by regional events and travel patterns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grand Island earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, reflecting a market where healthy demand and relatively affordable property prices converge. Seasonality is a defining characteristic here—revenue swings from around $496 in January to nearly $2,974 in December, with a strong summer-through-fall corridor that generates the bulk of annual income. The market's above-average occupancy stability helps offset the lower winter months, and the recent surge in listing growth suggests that travelers are increasingly discovering Grand Island as a destination. Investors who can manage through the quieter early-year months stand to benefit from a market that rewards operational savvy and strategic pricing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grand Island

Average revenue by month in Grand Island

Grand Island shows sharp seasonality, with December ($2,974) and June ($2,919) delivering the highest monthly revenue while January ($496) represents the low point—a nearly 6x spread that investors should plan around when projecting cash flow. A strong late-summer-through-fall stretch and a surprising November spike ($2,648) help extend the earning season beyond typical summer peaks.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grand Island

Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 16 listings, followed closely by 2-bedrooms (14) and 1-bedrooms (9). The relatively even distribution suggests no single property type dominates, though the smaller 1-bedroom segment may offer a less crowded niche for investors targeting budget-conscious travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Grand Island

ADR scales dramatically with size in Grand Island: 3-bedroom listings command $246 per night—more than double the $109 rate for 2-bedrooms and over 2.5 times the $96 for 1-bedrooms. This steep premium suggests that larger properties cater to groups or families willing to pay significantly more per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grand Island

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $41, outperforming both 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units which each sit at $27. This gap highlights that while 3-bedrooms command higher nightly rates, their lower occupancy pulls effective per-night revenue down to match the smallest units.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grand Island

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 38%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 28%, while 3-bedroom properties trail significantly at just 11%. Investors considering larger properties should weigh the higher nightly rates against substantially fewer booked nights, which impacts cash-flow predictability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grand Island

Despite occupancy challenges, 3-bedroom properties still top monthly revenue at $2,342 thanks to their premium ADR, while 2-bedrooms earn $1,797 and 1-bedrooms bring in $1,387. The $555 monthly gap between 2- and 3-bedroom units may not justify the higher acquisition and maintenance costs for all investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grand Island

Three-bedroom units lead annual revenue at $28,106, followed by 2-bedrooms at $21,571 and 1-bedrooms at $16,652. Given that 2-bedroom properties combine solid revenue with the market's highest occupancy rate, they may offer the most balanced risk-reward profile for investors prioritizing consistent bookings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grand Island

Kitchens (100%), parking (98%), and laundry facilities (93% washer, 89% dryer) are essentially table stakes in Grand Island, reflecting a guest base that expects home-like convenience. Self check-in (80%) and backyards (66%) are also highly prevalent, while premium amenities like hot tubs (9%) and pools (5%) remain rare—potentially offering differentiation for hosts willing to invest in standout features.

Understanding Grand Island'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

Grand Island's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property costs align favorably for investors. The score is bolstered by above-average marks in occupancy stability and market growth trend, while the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance come in at average levels—suggesting room for upside as the market matures. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and property-level analysis to validate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Grand Island

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Grand Island, Nebraska may need to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Grand Island and the State of Nebraska, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in this area include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules or permit caps, so it's worth reviewing any deed restrictions or community guidelines before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Nebraska are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, sales taxes, and potentially tourism-related levies. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Grand Island's STR market is expected to continue its upward trajectory given above-average growth trends and strengthening occupancy stability. Revenue patterns suggest pronounced seasonality with summer and late-fall peaks, so investors should anticipate monthly earnings ranging from roughly $500 in January to nearly $3,000 during the strongest months. ADR may see modest gains in the 2–4% range as supply catches up with demand, though occupancy rates—currently at 24% market-wide—could tighten further as the listing count stabilizes after its recent 257% year-over-year growth. These estimates reflect current conditions and seasonal patterns, and actual performance will depend on property quality and local economic factors."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grand Island, NE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grand Island?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grand Island is currently 24%, which falls below the Nebraska state average of 32%. However, occupancy varies significantly by property size—2-bedroom listings lead at 38%, while 1-bedrooms average 28% and 3-bedrooms come in at 11%. The market's above-average occupancy stability rating suggests that demand, while not the highest in absolute terms, remains consistent throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grand Island?

Airbnb hosts in Grand Island earn an average of $1,892 per month, which translates to approximately $22,711 annually based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom units average $16,652 per year, 2-bedrooms bring in about $21,571, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $28,106 annually. Monthly earnings also fluctuate with seasonality, ranging from around $496 in January to nearly $2,974 in December.

Is Grand Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grand Island scores 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and growth trends, with an ADR of $190 that exceeds the state average. With only 44 active listings and average home values around $353,276, the competitive landscape is manageable and the entry cost is reasonable. Investors should factor in the market's seasonality and verify local regulations before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Grand Island is $190, which is $18 above the Nebraska state average of $172. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $96, 2-bedrooms come in at $109, and 3-bedroom properties command a significant premium at $246 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grand Island?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Grand Island, NE, though hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations regarding occupancy limits, noise, parking, and other operational requirements may apply. We recommend checking directly with the City of Grand Island and consulting Nebraska state guidelines before listing a property to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grand Island?

Peak season in Grand Island spans from late spring through early fall, with June ($2,919), August ($2,669), and September ($2,508) being standout months. Interestingly, November ($2,648) and December ($2,974) also deliver strong revenue, likely tied to holiday travel and regional events. The slowest period runs from January through April, when monthly revenue can dip to around $496–$812.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grand Island?

As of April 2026, there are 44 active Airbnb listings in Grand Island. The supply is distributed across 9 one-bedroom properties, 14 two-bedroom properties, and 16 three-bedroom properties. The market has experienced significant year-over-year listing growth of 257%, reflecting rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Grand Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Grand Island 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. 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. 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 data. 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
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment comparison
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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 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.