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

Manhattan Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Manhattan, KS is a college-town market anchored by Kansas State University, creating recurring demand around academic calendars, athletic events, and family visits. With 183 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $20,373, the market offers accessible entry points — though a 26% average occupancy rate and ADR of $168 (slightly below the $174 state average) mean investors need to be strategic about property type and pricing. The 108% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which makes deal selection increasingly important.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Manhattan 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 Manhattan

Manhattan's university-driven demand cycle, relatively affordable home prices, and strong revenue potential for larger properties make it a market worth evaluating for investors comfortable with seasonal variation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Manhattan presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in a wide-open market. Revenue peaks in August ($2,177) and September ($2,142) align with the fall semester and football season, while February ($885) and January ($979) represent clear soft periods — a spread that underscores the market's seasonal character. Larger properties dramatically outperform smaller ones: 5-bedroom homes earn nearly 4.3× the annual revenue of 1-bedroom units. Investors who target the right property size and optimize for peak-season pricing can generate meaningful returns, but the below-average supply/demand balance and growing listing count mean passive operators may struggle."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Manhattan

Average revenue by month in Manhattan

Revenue in Manhattan peaks in August ($2,177) and September ($2,142), driven by fall semester and football season activity, then drops sharply in winter with February at just $885 — a nearly 2.5× spread that investors should plan for when modeling cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Manhattan

The market's supply clusters around 1- to 3-bedroom properties (50, 55, and 46 listings respectively), while 4-bedroom (21) and 5-bedroom (11) homes are notably scarce. Given that larger properties generate far higher revenue, the limited supply at those sizes may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Manhattan

ADR climbs steeply with bedroom count, from $87 for 1-bedroom units to $434 for 5-bedroom homes — a nearly 5× premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($121) to 3 bedrooms ($210) is particularly notable, suggesting that 3-bedroom properties hit a sweet spot where group-travel pricing kicks in.

Average RevPAN by property size in Manhattan

Revenue per available night scales almost linearly with size, from $21 for 1-bedroom listings to $101 for 5-bedroom properties. The 4-bedroom ($81) and 5-bedroom ($101) tiers deliver the strongest RevPAN, indicating that larger homes convert their higher nightly rates into real earnings despite market-wide occupancy being modest.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Manhattan

Occupancy is relatively flat across most sizes (23–27%), with 4-bedroom properties standing out at 32% — the highest in the market. This suggests group-travel bookings for 4-bedroom homes are more consistent, offering investors slightly better cash-flow predictability compared to other configurations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Manhattan

Monthly revenue differences are dramatic: 5-bedroom homes average $4,543 per month, more than four times the $1,066 generated by 1-bedroom units. Even 3-bedroom properties ($2,157) meaningfully outperform smaller units, reinforcing that size is the single biggest revenue lever in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Manhattan

At the top end, 5-bedroom properties generate $54,518 in average annual revenue — over four times what 1-bedroom units bring in ($12,801). For investors weighing acquisition cost against return potential, 4-bedroom homes at $31,423 annually also represent a strong configuration, especially given their higher occupancy stability.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Manhattan

Parking (99%) and kitchens (95%) are essentially table stakes in Manhattan, while washer/dryer access and self check-in (both 82%) signal that guests expect a home-like, self-service experience. Outdoor amenities like patios (54%), backyards (54%), and BBQ grills (40%) are common differentiators — investors should prioritize these to stay competitive.

Understanding Manhattan's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Manhattan's ROI Score of 44 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting average marks for revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth, but a below-average supply/demand balance driven by rapid listing growth. The score suggests the market can work for investors, but success depends on targeting the right property size and managing through seasonal demand swings. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a careful acquisition strategy will help separate viable deals from overheated ones.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Manhattan

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

Permit Requirements

Manhattan, Kansas may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Manhattan and Riley County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Manhattan include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or caps on the number of permits issued, so checking with local planning and zoning offices is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Manhattan's STR market is expected to maintain its event-driven demand cycle tied to Kansas State's academic and athletic seasons, with occupancy likely hovering in the 25–30% range market-wide. ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% as newer, well-amenitized properties push averages upward, but the rapid 108% supply growth means competition will intensify. Investors targeting larger properties — particularly 4- and 5-bedroom homes — are better positioned to capture group travel and gameday demand. Seasonal revenue swings will remain pronounced, so cash-flow planning should account for softer winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Manhattan, KS

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Manhattan?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Manhattan, KS is currently 26%, which falls slightly below the Kansas state average of 30%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom listings leading at 32% and 3-bedroom and 5-bedroom properties sitting at 23%. The relatively modest occupancy rates reflect the event-driven, seasonal nature of demand in this college-town market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Manhattan?

Airbnb hosts in Manhattan, KS earn an average of $1,697 per month or approximately $20,373 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average $12,801 annually, while 5-bedroom homes can generate up to $54,518. Peak earning months are August and September, when monthly revenues reach above $2,100.

Is Manhattan a good market for Airbnb investment?

Manhattan carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 44 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from university-driven demand and relatively affordable home prices ($415,661 average), but rising supply (108% year-over-year listing growth) and below-average occupancy make selectivity crucial. Investors targeting larger properties and optimizing for peak-season events are best positioned to succeed.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Manhattan, KS is $168, just under the state average of $174. ADR scales substantially with property size: 1-bedroom units average $87 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command $434. This steep pricing curve reflects the group-travel demand common in university markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Manhattan?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Manhattan, KS, though operators may need to obtain local permits or business licenses. Regulations can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. It's important to check with the City of Manhattan and Riley County for the most current rules, as STR regulations can evolve. Hosts are also responsible for applicable state and local tax obligations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Manhattan?

Peak season in Manhattan runs from late summer through fall, with August ($2,177 average monthly revenue) and September ($2,142) being the strongest months — coinciding with the start of K-State's academic year and football season. May and October also perform well above $1,950 and $2,014 respectively. The slowest months are January ($979) and February ($885), when university activity and travel demand are at their lowest.

How many Airbnbs are there in Manhattan?

Manhattan, KS currently has 183 active Airbnb listings. Supply is relatively evenly distributed among smaller sizes, with 55 two-bedroom, 50 one-bedroom, and 46 three-bedroom listings. Larger properties are less common — just 21 four-bedroom and 11 five-bedroom listings — which may present an opportunity given their higher revenue potential. Notably, active listings have grown 108% year-over-year.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Manhattan?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Manhattan 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, 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 still 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 how actively a host manages their listing.

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 across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data showing competitive standards across active listings

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Manhattan, KS city and county authorities before purchasing. Individual property performance depends on factors including location, condition, pricing strategy, and operational management.