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

Lincoln Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lincoln, NE presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity anchored by its role as a university city and state capital, generating steady visitor traffic from athletics, government, and events. With 212 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $155, and average annual revenue of $21,454, the market offers a moderate entry point — especially given average home values around $423,705. Occupancy currently sits at 28%, below the Nebraska state average of 32%, but the strong seasonal swing from fall football weekends through summer travel creates meaningful revenue peaks for well-positioned hosts.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lincoln 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 Lincoln

Lincoln's combination of university-driven event demand, relatively affordable property values, and a still-developing STR supply base makes it an intriguing consideration for investors seeking Midwestern markets with upside.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lincoln earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with a 59/100 ROI score, reflecting a market where revenue potential is balanced by moderate occupancy and growing competition. Seasonality is a key feature here — September leads the year at $2,467 in average monthly revenue, while February dips to just $872, creating a roughly 2.8x spread between peak and trough. Investors targeting larger properties can meaningfully outperform the market average, with 5-bedroom units generating nearly $46,787 annually. The rapid expansion of supply (113% YoY growth) is the primary factor to watch, as it could compress occupancy rates further if Lincoln's demand growth doesn't accelerate in tandem."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lincoln

Average revenue by month in Lincoln

Lincoln displays pronounced seasonality, with September topping the chart at $2,467 in average revenue and February bottoming out at just $872 — a nearly 3x spread. The summer-through-fall stretch (June–October) consistently delivers the strongest months, while winter represents a significant revenue trough that investors should plan for in their cash flow projections.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lincoln

Supply is concentrated in smaller units, with 1-bedroom (66) and 2-bedroom (65) listings making up over 60% of Lincoln's 212 active Airbnbs. Larger configurations — especially 5-bedroom (8 listings) and 6+ bedroom (6 listings) — are notably scarce, which may signal less competition and greater pricing power for investors willing to target the group-travel segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lincoln

ADR scales sharply with property size in Lincoln, climbing from $99 for 1-bedroom units to $641 for 6+ bedroom homes. The steepest jump occurs between 4-bedroom ($217) and 5-bedroom ($297) properties, suggesting a strong premium for hosting larger groups — though investors should weigh the higher acquisition and furnishing costs against these elevated nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lincoln

RevPAN climbs steadily with bedroom count, from $28 for 1-bedroom units to $131 for 6+ bedroom properties. The 5-bedroom tier stands out with $94 RevPAN and the highest occupancy in the market (32%), making it potentially the most efficient size when balancing nightly revenue against fill rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lincoln

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across most property sizes, hovering between 27% and 29% for 1- through 4-bedroom units. Five-bedroom properties lead at 32%, while 6+ bedroom homes lag at just 21% — suggesting that the largest homes, despite commanding premium rates, may sit empty more often and require careful pricing to maintain cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lincoln

Monthly revenue differences are substantial: 1-bedroom units average $1,090, while 6+ bedroom homes bring in $6,203 — nearly six times as much. The 4-bedroom ($3,067) and 5-bedroom ($3,898) tiers represent a sweet spot where revenue is strong and supply is limited, potentially offering the best risk-adjusted returns.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lincoln

Annual revenue ranges from $13,081 for 1-bedroom units to $74,437 for 6+ bedroom properties, underscoring how powerfully size drives income in Lincoln. For investors evaluating return on capital, the 4-bedroom tier at $36,815 annually and the 5-bedroom tier at $46,787 may offer the most compelling yield relative to property acquisition costs in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lincoln

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence — essentially a must-have in this car-dependent market — followed by kitchen (93%) and self check-in (86%). Laundry facilities, backyard access, and a dedicated workspace round out the top amenities, signaling that Lincoln guests prioritize home-like convenience and practicality over luxury features like pools (3%) or hot tubs (3%).

Understanding Lincoln's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Lincoln's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is reasonable but not exceptional. All four calculation factors — Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance — currently rate as average, meaning there's no glaring weakness but also no standout strength pulling the score higher. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a targeted property strategy (particularly larger homes) to capture the upside this market offers.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lincoln

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

Permit Requirements

Investors operating short-term rentals in Lincoln, Nebraska should verify whether a local STR permit, business license, or registration is required by the City of Lincoln. Requirements can change, so it's best to check directly with the city's planning or licensing department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in many Nebraska municipalities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA-level prohibitions. Lincoln investors should confirm zoning compliance and review any homeowners association covenants that may apply to their specific property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Nebraska are typically subject to state and local lodging taxes, sales taxes, and possibly a city-level occupation tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional or the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lincoln's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with revenue peaking in September (around $2,467/month on average) driven by university events and fall activities. Active listings grew 113% year-over-year, which could moderate occupancy further if demand doesn't keep pace — investors should plan for occupancy in the 26–30% range. ADR may edge up modestly, perhaps 1–3%, as larger properties continue commanding premium nightly rates, but the rapid supply growth warrants close monitoring of market saturation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lincoln, NE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lincoln?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lincoln, NE is currently 28%, which sits below the Nebraska state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 5-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 32%, while 6+ bedroom properties trail at 21%. Seasonal factors — particularly university events and football season — can push occupancy well above the annual average during peak months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lincoln?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lincoln earn approximately $1,787 per month or $21,454 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $13,081 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can bring in around $46,787, and 6+ bedroom homes top the market at roughly $74,437 per year. Peak months like September can push monthly revenue above $2,400.

Is Lincoln a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lincoln scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from university-driven demand, manageable home prices averaging $423,705, and strong revenue potential for larger properties. However, occupancy rates are moderate at 28% and the market has seen significant supply growth (113% year-over-year), so investors should carefully evaluate property size, location, and pricing strategy to maximize returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lincoln is $155, which is slightly below the Nebraska state average of $172. ADR scales significantly with property size — from $99 for 1-bedroom units up to $641 for 6+ bedroom properties. Investors targeting mid-size to large homes can capture meaningfully higher nightly rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lincoln?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Lincoln, NE, but investors should verify current local regulations, permits, and zoning requirements directly with the City of Lincoln's planning or licensing offices. Rules can evolve, and some neighborhoods or HOAs may impose additional restrictions. Consulting with a local real estate attorney or the city's code enforcement division is advisable before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lincoln?

Peak season in Lincoln runs from roughly June through October, with September standing out as the highest-revenue month at an average of $2,467. This aligns with the University of Nebraska football season and fall events. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $997 and $872, respectively — roughly a third of peak-season earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lincoln?

As of April 2026, there are 212 active Airbnb listings in Lincoln, NE. The supply is fairly evenly split between 1-bedroom (66 listings) and 2-bedroom (65 listings) units, with fewer options in the 3-bedroom (39), 4-bedroom (26), 5-bedroom (8), and 6+ bedroom (6) categories. Notably, active listings have grown 113% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lincoln?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Lincoln 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 up the remaining data to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like September) and slower periods (like February). Individual host results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location, 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 rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data showing guest expectations across the market

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. Individual results will vary based on property location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local STR regulations may change; investors should verify current rules with the City of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska before purchasing or listing a property.