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

Ogallala Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ogallala, NE stands out as a small but compelling short-term rental market, driven largely by its proximity to Lake McConaughy — one of Nebraska's premier outdoor recreation destinations. With an average daily rate of $184 (above the state average of $172) and average annual revenue of $43,007, the market punches above its weight for a town of its size. A 77% year-over-year increase in active listings signals growing investor interest, while property values averaging $377,406 keep the entry point manageable relative to revenue potential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ogallala 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 Ogallala

Ogallala's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and Lake McConaughy's seasonal draw make it a market where modest property costs can translate into meaningful cash flow during peak months.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 74 out of 100 — rated an "Attractive Opportunity" — Ogallala offers a seasonal but lucrative window for short-term rental income. The market's extreme seasonality is the defining characteristic: July revenue reaches $9,722 per listing on average, while January drops to just $372, creating a roughly 26:1 peak-to-trough ratio. Investors who can stomach lean winters and capitalize on the June-through-September surge stand to earn well relative to their property investment. The small supply base of just 15 listings keeps competition contained, though the rapid growth rate warrants monitoring to ensure demand keeps pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ogallala

Average revenue by month in Ogallala

Ogallala's revenue profile is strikingly seasonal — July peaks at $9,722 per listing while January bottoms out at just $372, a spread of over $9,300. The June-through-September window accounts for the vast majority of annual earnings, making summer pricing optimization and maximum availability during those months essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ogallala

The entire active supply in Ogallala consists of 3-bedroom properties, with all 5 reported listings falling into this single category. This concentration could signal an opportunity for investors to differentiate with smaller or larger property configurations that aren't currently represented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ogallala

Three-bedroom listings — the only property size currently tracked in the market — command an ADR of $206, which sits above the overall market average of $184. This suggests that the broader market average may be pulled down by seasonal rate adjustments or listings not captured in the size-specific breakdown.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ogallala

Three-bedroom properties generate a RevPAN of $51, reflecting the interplay between their $206 ADR and 25% occupancy rate. While the nightly rate is healthy, the relatively modest occupancy pulls effective per-night revenue below what investors might see in year-round markets.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ogallala

Three-bedroom properties in Ogallala average a 25% occupancy rate, slightly below the market-wide 30% figure. This lower rate for the primary property type underscores the seasonal nature of demand, and investors should expect most bookings to concentrate within a four-to-five-month summer window.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ogallala

Three-bedroom properties earn an average of $3,367 per month, which closely tracks the overall market average of $3,583. While this monthly figure is modest compared to larger metro markets, it's notable given the low property values in the area, supporting a favorable revenue-to-cost ratio.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ogallala

At $40,414 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties deliver meaningful income against the area's $377,406 average home value — an implied gross yield of roughly 10.7%. This ratio is well above what most urban STR markets offer and is a key reason Ogallala scores well on revenue-to-price metrics.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ogallala

Every listing in Ogallala offers a kitchen, while parking (93%), dryer (87%), and pet-friendliness (87%) are near-universal — reflecting the family and outdoor-recreation guest profile drawn by Lake McConaughy. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (73%) and backyards (53%) are strong differentiators, while hot tubs and lake access remain rare at just 7%, presenting a potential competitive edge for new listings.

Understanding Ogallala's ROI Score: 74/100

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

Ogallala's ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects strong earning potential relative to modest home values. Occupancy stability scores as average — consistent with the market's pronounced seasonality — while both market growth trend and supply/demand balance rate above average, pointing to expanding but not yet saturated demand. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and a seasonal cash-flow model to confirm viability for their specific investment goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ogallala

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ogallala, Nebraska may need to obtain a local business permit or register with the city before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Ogallala and Keith County offices, as regulations in smaller Nebraska markets can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits per bedroom, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and any HOA or neighborhood covenant restrictions. Minimum-stay rules and permit caps are less common in smaller Nebraska markets but should still be confirmed before purchasing a property.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in Nebraska are generally subject to state and local lodging taxes, including the Nebraska Lodging Tax, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm whether Keith County or the City of Ogallala levies additional local occupancy or tourism taxes.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ogallala's summer-driven demand cycle should continue to anchor revenue, with July and August likely remaining the peak earning window. Given the above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics, we estimate ADR could hold steady or tick up 2–4% as the market matures and hosts refine their pricing strategies. Occupancy may fluctuate between 28–33% on an annual basis due to the pronounced off-season, though savvy operators who attract hunting, fishing, and event-related bookings could push beyond those averages. The rapid growth in listings bears watching — if supply outpaces demand, per-listing revenue could soften."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ogallala, NE

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ogallala?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ogallala is currently 30%, which sits just below the Nebraska state average of 32%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — summer months see robust demand driven by Lake McConaughy visitors, while winter occupancy drops considerably. Investors should plan for this seasonal rhythm when modeling cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ogallala?

Airbnb hosts in Ogallala earn an average of $3,583 per month and approximately $43,007 per year based on trailing 12-month data. However, revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer: July averages $9,722 per listing, while the slowest months can dip below $600. High-performing properties with strong amenities and pricing strategies may exceed these averages during peak season.

Is Ogallala a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ogallala earns an ROI score of 74 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. Key strengths include an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance, with only 15 active listings serving the area. The trade-off is pronounced seasonality — the bulk of income arrives between June and September. For investors comfortable with a summer-weighted revenue model, Ogallala offers compelling returns relative to property costs.

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

The average daily rate in Ogallala is $184, which exceeds the Nebraska state average of $172. Three-bedroom properties — the primary property type available — command an ADR of $206. These rates reflect the premium guests are willing to pay for proximity to Lake McConaughy and the outdoor recreation it offers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ogallala?

Short-term rentals operate in Ogallala, with 15 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify local permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable regulations with the City of Ogallala and Keith County before purchasing a property. Nebraska's lodging tax obligations also apply, and hosts should ensure full compliance with state and local tax requirements.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ogallala?

Peak season in Ogallala runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $9,722 per listing. August follows closely at $8,575, and June brings in roughly $6,957. This summer surge is fueled by Lake McConaughy recreation and warm-weather tourism. Revenue drops sharply from October through March, making the summer months critical for annual profitability.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ogallala?

There are currently 15 active Airbnb listings in Ogallala as of April 2026. This represents a 77% increase year over year, indicating rapid growth in supply. The small listing count means competition remains limited, but the growth trajectory suggests more investors are recognizing the market's potential.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ogallala?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ogallala 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, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder into 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 the Ogallala market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics derived from active listing performance
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should conduct independent due diligence before purchasing.