Kearney, NE Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Kearney Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kearney, NE presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with a ROI score of 65 out of 100, driven largely by above-average occupancy stability and a favorable revenue-to-price balance. The market currently hosts 43 active Airbnb listings with an average daily rate of $196—notably higher than Nebraska's $172 state average. With average annual revenue of $28,308 per listing and home values around $461,195, investors can find a manageable entry point relative to many larger metro areas while still capturing meaningful rental income.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kearney 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 Kearney

Kearney's combination of a comparatively affordable housing market, above-average daily rates for Nebraska, and stable occupancy patterns makes it a compelling option for STR investors seeking smaller-market diversification.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kearney represents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable with a smaller, event-driven market. Seasonality is clearly visible—March and July stand out as peak months with revenues exceeding $3,000, while January bottoms out near $974, creating a roughly 3:1 spread between the best and weakest months. The above-average occupancy stability flagged in the ROI score is encouraging, though the current 25% market-wide occupancy rate suggests that property selection and operational execution matter a great deal here. Investors who target two-bedroom properties and maintain competitive pricing should find Kearney's revenue profile attractive relative to its modest acquisition costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kearney

Average revenue by month in Kearney

Kearney shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($3,279) and March ($3,063) as the strongest revenue months and January ($974) as the clear low point—a 3.4x spread between peak and trough. Investors should budget for softer winter months while capitalizing on summer and early-spring demand surges.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kearney

One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 13 listings, followed by two-bedrooms (10) and three-bedrooms (9), with just 6 four-bedroom properties on the market. The limited supply of larger homes could represent an opportunity, though occupancy data suggests two-bedroom units are the strongest performers in terms of demand.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kearney

ADR scales steadily from $104 for one-bedroom units to $227 for four-bedroom properties, offering a clear premium for larger configurations. The jump from one to two bedrooms ($104 to $165) is the steepest relative increase, making two-bedroom properties a compelling balance between nightly rate and acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kearney

Two-bedroom listings dominate RevPAN at $73 per available night—more than three times the $20 figure for one-bedrooms and well above the $48 and $30 posted by three- and four-bedroom properties respectively. This underscores that higher ADR alone doesn't guarantee better yield; occupancy plays a decisive role in Kearney.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kearney

Occupancy rates vary dramatically by size: two-bedroom properties lead at 45%, roughly double the market average, while four-bedroom units lag at just 13%. Investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency should take note—two-bedroom units are far more likely to stay booked throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kearney

Two-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $2,699, narrowly edging out four-bedrooms ($2,646) and three-bedrooms ($2,541), while one-bedroom units trail at $1,364. The relatively tight revenue range among two- through four-bedroom units suggests diminishing returns for larger properties when factoring in higher operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kearney

Two-bedroom listings lead annual revenue at $32,396, followed by four-bedrooms at $31,756 and three-bedrooms at $30,497, with one-bedrooms generating $16,374. For investors seeking the best return potential relative to purchase price and operational complexity, the two-bedroom configuration stands out as the clear frontrunner in Kearney.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kearney

Parking (98%), kitchen (95%), and self check-in (93%) are near-universal in Kearney listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent market where convenience is paramount. Over half of listings also offer pet-friendly stays and dedicated workspaces, suggesting demand from both traveling families and remote workers—amenities that could help differentiate a new listing.

Understanding Kearney's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Kearney's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is average but occupancy stability is above average—an important factor for investors who value predictable cash flow. Market growth trends and supply/demand balance both register as average, meaning the fundamentals are solid without signaling overheating or saturation. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research will help investors confirm whether Kearney fits their portfolio strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kearney

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Kearney, Nebraska may be required to obtain a permit or business registration before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Kearney and Buffalo County offices, as local rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Nebraska municipalities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, off-street parking mandates, and HOA-level restrictions that may further limit rental activity. It's wise to review both city zoning codes and any applicable homeowner association covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Nebraska are generally subject to state and local lodging taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kearney's STR market is expected to maintain steady demand, supported by above-average occupancy stability and consistent seasonal patterns. The summer months (July–August) and March appear to be reliable revenue peaks, suggesting ADR increases of 2–4% are possible during high-demand windows. Year-over-year listing growth of 103% indicates new supply is entering the market, so investors should monitor how that expansion affects occupancy rates, which currently sit at 25%—below the 32% state average. Overall, revenue per listing is likely to remain in the $27,000–$30,000 annual range, with performance hinging on property quality and pricing discipline."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kearney, NE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kearney?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kearney is currently 25%, which falls below Nebraska's state average of 32%. However, occupancy varies significantly by property size—two-bedroom listings lead at 45%, while four-bedroom properties average just 13%. Selecting the right property configuration is key to achieving strong occupancy in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kearney?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kearney earn approximately $2,359 per month, or about $28,308 annually, based on a trailing 12-month historical average. Two-bedroom properties tend to be the top earners, generating roughly $32,396 per year, while one-bedroom units average around $16,374 annually. Actual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, guest reviews, and property quality.

Is Kearney a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kearney earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio given home values around $461,195. While it's a smaller market with 43 active listings, the relatively affordable entry point and consistent demand drivers make it worth considering for investors who do their due diligence on local regulations and property selection.

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

The average daily rate in Kearney is $196, which is 14% higher than Nebraska's statewide average of $172. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom units average $104 per night, two-bedrooms command $165, three-bedrooms reach $186, and four-bedroom properties top the range at $227.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kearney?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Kearney, NE, though operators may need to obtain local permits or business registrations. Regulations can include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax obligations. We recommend verifying current rules with the City of Kearney and consulting a local real estate attorney before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kearney?

Peak season in Kearney spans the summer months, with July ($3,279) and August ($3,153) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. March also shows a notable spike at $3,063, likely driven by regional events or spring travel. The slowest period is January, when average revenue dips to around $974.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kearney?

As of April 2026, there are 43 active Airbnb listings in Kearney. The supply is distributed across property sizes: 13 one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedrooms, 9 three-bedrooms, and 6 four-bedroom properties. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 103%, indicating the market is still expanding.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kearney?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kearney are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.