Independence, MO Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Independence Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Independence, MO presents an attractive opportunity for short-term rental investors, combining affordable home values averaging $290,997 with annual revenues around $22,855 — a ratio that keeps the barrier to entry manageable for newer investors. The market currently hosts just 48 active Airbnb listings, suggesting limited competition and room for well-positioned properties to capture demand. With an ADR of $193 (below Missouri's $240 state average) and occupancy at 30% (slightly above the 28% state average), the market rewards operators who can differentiate on guest experience and pricing strategy.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Independence 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 Independence

Low property costs relative to revenue potential, a still-small competitive field, and proximity to the Kansas City metro make Independence worth a closer look for STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Independence earns an ROI score of 64 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where the numbers work for investors who execute well, even if it isn't a top-tier cash-flow powerhouse. Revenue is distinctly seasonal: July leads at $2,422/month while January dips to $1,147, so operators should budget for roughly a 2:1 swing between peak and off-peak periods. The combination of low acquisition costs, modest but growing supply, and occupancy that edges above Missouri's state average creates a window for disciplined investors to build cash-flowing portfolios before the market matures further."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Independence

Average revenue by month in Independence

Independence shows clear summer-weighted seasonality, with July peaking at $2,422 and January bottoming out at $1,147 — roughly a $1,275 spread. The May-through-October stretch consistently delivers above-average revenue, making this six-month window critical for annual cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Independence

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 18 of the market's 48 listings, while 1-bedroom units are the scarcest at just 6. The relatively thin supply of 4-bedroom homes (9 listings) alongside their strong revenue performance could signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Independence

ADR rises sharply with size — 4-bedroom listings command $223/night, more than double the $104 rate for 2-bedroom units. Interestingly, 1-bedroom properties ($109) slightly outprice 2-bedrooms, suggesting the smallest units may be better-curated or positioned as premium studios.

Average RevPAN by property size in Independence

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $68, meaningfully outpacing 3-bedrooms at $46 and the $32 earned by both 1- and 2-bedroom listings. This gap highlights that larger properties generate substantially more revenue per available night despite similar occupancy rates across all sizes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Independence

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across all property sizes in Independence, ranging tightly from 29% (3-bedroom) to 31% (2- and 4-bedroom). This consistency suggests demand is evenly distributed by size, and revenue differences between configurations are driven almost entirely by nightly rates rather than fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Independence

Monthly revenue scales predictably with bedroom count, from $1,233 for 1-bedroom units up to $2,400 for 4-bedroom properties. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($1,360) to 3-bedrooms ($1,934) represents the steepest increase at roughly $574/month, making the 3-bedroom tier a strong value inflection point.

Average annual revenue by property size in Independence

Four-bedroom properties lead annual earnings at $28,808, nearly double the $14,796 generated by 1-bedroom listings. Three-bedroom units at $23,211/year offer the closest match to the market's overall $22,855 average, making them the most representative configuration for baseline investment modeling.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Independence

Parking (98%) and kitchens (96%) are near-universal, reflecting a guest base that expects practical, home-like essentials over resort-style luxury. Self check-in (88%), laundry facilities (75%), and backyard access (75%) round out the top tier, while premium amenities like hot tubs (4%) and pools (2%) are rare — a potential differentiator for investors willing to add them.

Understanding Independence's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Independence's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, signaling that the market's fundamentals — particularly its average revenue-to-price ratio and stable (if moderate) occupancy — make it a credible candidate for cash-flowing STR investments. All four calculation factors (revenue-to-price, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance) rate as "Average," meaning there are no glaring red flags but also no standout strengths pulling the score higher. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm that individual deals pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Independence

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Independence, Missouri may need to obtain a short-term rental permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Independence and Jackson County to ensure full compliance before hosting.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Missouri cities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules may impose additional constraints in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing any deed restrictions or association bylaws is essential before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Missouri are generally subject to state and local sales taxes, as well as transient guest or occupancy taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with Missouri's Department of Revenue and the City of Independence.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Independence is likely to see continued supply growth — active listings surged 134% year-over-year — but the market's small base means absolute numbers remain modest. Occupancy should hold steady in the 28–32% range, with summer months continuing to anchor the revenue calendar. ADR could see incremental gains of 2–4% as hosts refine pricing for peak periods like June through August. Investors entering now should plan for a ramp-up period and budget conservatively around the trailing $1,900/month revenue average while building reviews and optimizing their listings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Independence, MO

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Independence?

The average occupancy rate for active Airbnb listings in Independence is currently 30%, which slightly outperforms the Missouri state average of 28%. Occupancy is fairly consistent across property sizes, ranging from 29% for 3-bedroom units to 31% for 2- and 4-bedroom listings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Independence?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Independence earns approximately $1,904 per month or $22,855 annually. Revenue varies by property size — 4-bedroom listings lead at roughly $2,400/month ($28,808/year), while 1-bedroom units average around $1,233/month ($14,796/year). Peak summer months can push monthly earnings above $2,400.

Is Independence a good market for Airbnb investment?

Independence carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 64 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market's relatively low property costs (averaging $290,997) paired with annual revenues near $22,855 create a workable revenue-to-price ratio. With only 48 active listings, competition is limited, though investors should plan for seasonal revenue swings and budget accordingly.

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

The current average daily rate across all Independence Airbnb listings is $193, which sits below Missouri's $240 state average. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $109, 2-bedrooms come in at $104, 3-bedrooms at $158, and 4-bedroom properties command $223 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Independence?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Independence, MO, but hosts may need to secure permits or licenses from the city and comply with local regulations. Rules can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Independence and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Independence?

Peak season in Independence runs from May through October, with July topping the charts at $2,422 in average monthly revenue. June ($2,306) and May ($2,226) are also strong months. The off-peak window spans November through February, with January being the slowest month at $1,147 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Independence?

As of April 2026, there are 48 active Airbnb listings in Independence. The market has experienced significant growth, with active listings increasing 134% year-over-year. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest segment with 18 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (11), 4-bedrooms (9), and 1-bedrooms (6).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Independence?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Independence 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 for Independence and surrounding areas
• Historical occupancy rate and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue by bedroom count
• Amenity prevalence data drawn from active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may shift as supply and demand evolve. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change — always verify current rules with municipal authorities before investing.