Hays, KS Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Hays Short-Term Rental Market Overview

With 56 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $16,815, Hays offers a small-market entry point for STR investors looking at western Kansas. The market's ADR of $133 sits below the $174 state average, and occupancy runs at 26%, but above-average occupancy stability and a 139% year-over-year growth in listings signal rising investor interest. Home values averaging $384,118 paired with modest revenue figures mean deal sourcing needs to be selective to achieve attractive returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hays 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 Hays

Hays appeals to investors seeking an emerging small-market opportunity with above-average occupancy stability and growing demand, though the revenue-to-price ratio requires careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hays presents a competitive but measured opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects solid occupancy stability offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning property acquisition costs can be challenging to justify without strategic pricing. Seasonality plays a clear role: July ($1,963) and October ($1,755) are standout revenue months, while February ($782) represents a notable trough. Investors who can secure properties below the $384,118 average home value and optimize for peak-season demand will be best positioned to generate meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hays

Average revenue by month in Hays

Hays shows clear seasonality, with July ($1,963) and October ($1,755) standing out as the highest-earning months, while February ($782) marks the deepest trough. The roughly $1,200 spread between peak and off-peak months underscores the importance of pricing dynamically and budgeting for slower winter periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hays

Supply in Hays is concentrated in one- and two-bedroom units, with 19 listings each, making up nearly 68% of the 56 total active listings. Three-bedroom (8) and four-bedroom (5) properties are notably underrepresented, which could signal less competition and potential opportunity for investors targeting larger-group travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hays

ADR scales predictably from $86 for one-bedroom listings up to $180 for four-bedroom properties, with each bedroom increment adding roughly $30–50 to the nightly rate. The jump from one to two bedrooms ($86 to $132) offers the steepest percentage increase, suggesting two-bedroom units may deliver a strong rate-to-cost balance.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hays

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $35, edging out four-bedrooms ($31) and one-bedrooms ($30), while three-bedroom units lag at just $22. The gap reflects the impact of low occupancy (14%) on three-bedroom properties despite their higher ADR, making two-bedrooms the clear efficiency leader in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hays

One-bedroom listings fill the most nights at 35% occupancy, well above the market average, while three-bedroom properties trail at just 14%. The steep drop-off for larger units suggests that consistent demand in Hays skews toward smaller accommodations, and investors in bigger properties should prepare for more volatile booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hays

Three-bedroom listings top monthly revenue at $1,593, followed closely by two-bedrooms at $1,514, despite the three-bedrooms' lower occupancy — their higher ADR compensates. One-bedroom units generate $1,141 monthly, while four-bedrooms come in at $1,302, suggesting that the largest properties don't necessarily command the best revenue in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hays

Three-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $19,126, with two-bedrooms close behind at $18,170, making both configurations the strongest earners. Four-bedroom listings ($15,626) and one-bedrooms ($13,703) trail noticeably, indicating that mid-size properties currently offer the best return potential relative to their operating costs in Hays.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hays

Kitchen and parking are virtually universal at 98% of listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent western Kansas market. Self check-in and laundry facilities (89% each) are also near-standard, while differentiators like hot tubs (4%) and pet-friendly policies (38%) remain less common and could give listings a competitive edge.

Understanding Hays's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Hays earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band — a market where demand exists but returns depend heavily on acquisition price and operational execution. The score is lifted by above-average occupancy stability, while a below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, reflecting modest revenue relative to $384,118 average home values. Investors should pair these data points with on-the-ground regulatory research and focus on properties priced below market averages to improve their return profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hays

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Hays, Kansas may need to register or obtain a permit from the city before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Hays and Ellis County offices, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Hays include occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants in certain neighborhoods may further restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Kansas requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state and local sales taxes, as well as any applicable transient guest taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection on behalf of hosts in Kansas, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hays is likely to see continued supply growth given the 139% year-over-year listing increase, which could put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue should peak around July and October, with softer months like February potentially dipping below $800. ADR may hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases as the market matures, while occupancy could settle in the 24–28% range as new listings are absorbed. Investors entering now should plan for a ramp-up period and price competitively during shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hays, KS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hays?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hays is currently 26%, which is slightly below the Kansas state average of 30%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — one-bedroom listings lead at 35%, while three-bedroom units average just 14%. Seasonality and pricing strategy both play a role in how consistently a listing stays booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hays?

Airbnb hosts in Hays earn an average of $1,401 per month, which works out to approximately $16,815 annually based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies by property size: three-bedroom listings lead with about $19,126 per year, while one-bedroom units average roughly $13,703. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue close to $1,963.

Is Hays a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hays earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and average growth trends, but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio means investors need to be selective about acquisition costs. With average home values around $384,118 and annual revenues near $16,815, careful deal sourcing and operational efficiency are key to making the numbers work.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Hays is $133, which is below the Kansas state average of $174. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $86, two-bedrooms come in at $132, three-bedrooms at $154, and four-bedroom properties command $180 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hays?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Hays, Kansas, though operators may need to meet local registration or permitting requirements. Regulations can vary and are subject to change, so investors should verify current rules with the City of Hays and consult any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hays?

Peak season in Hays centers on the summer months and early fall. July leads with average revenue of $1,963, followed by strong months in October ($1,755) and November ($1,658). The slowest period is February, when average revenue drops to around $782. Understanding this seasonal pattern is critical for cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hays?

As of April 2026, there are 56 active Airbnb listings in Hays. The supply is evenly split between one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties (19 each), with eight three-bedroom and five four-bedroom listings rounding out the inventory. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 139%.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hays?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Hays 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 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. Individual results will 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 Hays, KS market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data across active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.