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

Lawrence Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lawrence, KS offers a university-driven short-term rental market with 173 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $185, slightly above the Kansas state average of $174. Annual revenue averages $23,013 per listing, though occupancy sits at 29% — just below the state benchmark — suggesting that competition and seasonal demand patterns require thoughtful pricing and property selection. With an ROI score of 43 out of 100, this is a competitive market where selective deal sourcing matters more than broad-stroke investing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lawrence 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 Lawrence

Lawrence attracts STR investors primarily due to its university-anchored demand, relatively affordable home prices for Kansas, and the ability to command nightly rates above the state average.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lawrence presents a competitive opportunity rather than a wide-open market — the 201% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, but occupancy at 29% and below-average marks on both market growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest the field is getting crowded. Seasonality plays a clear role here, with monthly revenue ranging from $1,285 in January to $2,425 in July, meaning investors need to plan for meaningful off-peak dips. The strongest earning potential belongs to 4-bedroom properties, which pull in roughly $3,917 per month and stand out in a market where smaller units cluster around $1,600–$1,700. For investors willing to target the right property size and optimize for high-demand weekends, Lawrence can still pencil out — but there's little room for passive management."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lawrence

Average revenue by month in Lawrence

Lawrence shows clear seasonality, with revenue peaking in July at $2,425 and bottoming out in January at $1,285 — a spread of roughly $1,140. The May–October stretch consistently delivers above-average monthly income, while the winter months from January through March represent the slowest earning period, which is important for cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lawrence

The market's supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (55) and 2-bedroom (57) listings, which together account for about 65% of all inventory. With only 17 four-bedroom properties listed, larger homes face significantly less competition — a potential opening for investors targeting group travel and family demand.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lawrence

ADR scales steeply with property size in Lawrence, jumping from $97 for studios to $388 for 4-bedroom homes — nearly a 4x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 2-bedroom ($138) and 3-bedroom ($236) properties, suggesting that the added capacity to host larger groups commands a meaningful pricing premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lawrence

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $101 — nearly double the next tier (3-bedrooms at $52) and roughly 3x the $33 figure for studios. This gap indicates that despite lower occupancy rates, larger properties generate substantially more revenue per available night due to their pricing power.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lawrence

Studios and 2-bedroom properties share the highest occupancy at 34%, while 3-bedroom listings lag at just 22%, suggesting potential oversupply or pricing challenges at that size. Interestingly, 4-bedroom properties maintain a respectable 26% occupancy despite their premium ADR, reinforcing their strong revenue-per-night performance.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lawrence

Four-bedroom listings dominate monthly earnings at $3,917, more than double the $1,680 average for 2-bedroom units and nearly 2.5x the $1,569 that 1-bedroom properties generate. The revenue step-up from 2-bedroom to 3-bedroom ($1,680 to $2,219) is also notable, rewarding investors who acquire properties that can accommodate families or groups.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lawrence

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom homes earn approximately $47,005 — more than double the $20,167 generated by 2-bedroom properties and the highest among all sizes by a wide margin. Even 3-bedroom listings at $26,639 outperform smaller units considerably, making mid-to-large properties the clearest path to stronger returns in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lawrence

Kitchens (94%) and parking (93%) are near-universal in Lawrence listings, reflecting guest expectations for a home-like, car-friendly stay typical of a Midwest college town. Self check-in (83%) and laundry facilities (washer 83%, dryer 78%) are also standard, while differentiators like hot tubs (9%) and pet-friendliness (25%) remain relatively uncommon and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Lawrence's ROI Score: 43/100

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

Lawrence's ROI score of 43 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but tighter competition and supply dynamics require more careful deal selection. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance score below average — a reflection of the 201% year-over-year increase in listings outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and focus on property types where competition is thinnest, such as 4-bedroom homes, to improve their odds of strong returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lawrence

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

Permit Requirements

Lawrence, Kansas may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in college-town STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, and designated parking requirements. HOA rules may further limit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, and some jurisdictions impose caps on the number of permits issued, so it's important to research property-specific restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lawrence's STR market is likely to remain closely tied to the University of Kansas academic calendar and event schedule, with peak performance concentrated in the May–October window. ADR may hold steady or see modest gains of 1–3% given the market's already-above-average pricing, while occupancy could fluctuate between 25–33% depending on the season and listing quality. Supply growth has been notable — active listings grew by 201% year-over-year — which may put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Investors entering now should plan for softer winter months and budget conservatively around the trailing revenue figures."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lawrence, KS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lawrence?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lawrence is currently 29%, which sits just below the Kansas state average of 30%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios and 2-bedroom units performing best at 34%, while 3-bedroom listings average around 22%. Seasonal factors — especially the University of Kansas calendar — play a significant role in when properties stay booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lawrence?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, Airbnb hosts in Lawrence earn an average of $1,917 per month, or roughly $23,013 per year. Larger properties significantly outperform: 4-bedroom listings average $3,917 per month ($47,005 annually), while 1-bedroom units come in around $1,569 per month ($18,828 annually). Actual earnings depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well hosts capitalize on peak-season demand.

Is Lawrence a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lawrence earns an ROI score of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market features a solid average daily rate of $185 (above the state average) and meaningful revenue potential for larger properties, but occupancy at 29% and rapid supply growth mean investors need to be selective. Targeting underserved property sizes — particularly 4-bedroom homes — and optimizing for university-related demand periods are key strategies for generating strong returns here.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lawrence is $185, which is $11 above the Kansas state average of $174. ADR scales considerably with property size: studios average $97 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $388 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can accommodate larger groups, particularly families and groups visiting for university events.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lawrence?

Short-term rentals do operate in Lawrence, KS, with 173 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and other requirements can change, so prospective investors should verify the latest rules with the City of Lawrence and Douglas County before purchasing a property. Consulting a local real estate attorney or STR-experienced agent is also recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lawrence?

Peak season in Lawrence runs from May through October, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,425. August ($2,296) and May ($2,251) are also strong months, likely driven by graduation, summer visitors, and the start of the fall semester. The slowest months are January ($1,285) and February/March ($1,466 each), representing a nearly $1,140 swing from peak to trough.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lawrence?

Lawrence currently has 173 active Airbnb listings. The supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (55 listings) and 2-bedroom (57 listings) properties, which together make up nearly two-thirds of the market. Larger properties — especially 4-bedroom homes with just 17 listings — are comparatively underrepresented, which may signal a supply gap for investors considering bigger units.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lawrence?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Lawrence 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 remainder 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 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
• Trailing 12-month revenue figures reflecting actual historical booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value estimates 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 historical performance and market conditions as of April 2026; individual results may vary based on property quality, pricing, and management. Local regulations, zoning, and tax requirements are subject to change — investors should verify current rules with relevant authorities before purchasing.