Yankton, SD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Yankton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Yankton, South Dakota presents an intriguing short-term rental opportunity with a strong revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth. With just 20 active Airbnb listings and a notable 311% year-over-year growth in supply, this small but expanding market offers an average daily rate of $364—well above the $261 state average. The combination of limited competition and healthy pricing makes Yankton worth a closer look for investors seeking emerging markets with room to grow.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Yankton 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 Yankton

Yankton attracts STR investors with its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, limited existing supply, and strong seasonal demand that drives premium nightly rates.

Expert Market Assessment

"Yankton earns a Standout Opportunity designation with an ROI score of 78 out of 100, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply-demand dynamics. The market shows pronounced seasonality—July is the clear peak at $5,314 in average revenue, while February dips to just $659—so investors should plan for meaningful cash flow swings throughout the year. Occupancy at 20% sits below the state average of 43%, which is the main metric tempering an otherwise promising profile. For investors comfortable with a seasonal revenue model and willing to optimize pricing during off-peak months, Yankton offers a compelling entry point into a growing market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Yankton

Average revenue by month in Yankton

Yankton exhibits sharp seasonality, with July ($5,314) and August ($4,829) driving the bulk of annual income, while February ($659) marks the lowest point. The roughly 8x spread between peak and trough months means investors need strong summer performance to carry the property through quieter winter periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Yankton

Active supply in Yankton is split between 3-bedroom (5 listings) and 5-bedroom (6 listings) properties, with no data on 1-, 2-, or 4-bedroom options currently tracked. This narrow size distribution could signal an opportunity for investors to differentiate with property types not yet well-represented in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Yankton

ADR scales meaningfully with size in Yankton: 5-bedroom properties command $520 per night compared to $359 for 3-bedroom units, a 45% premium. The jump suggests strong group and family demand willing to pay substantially more for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Yankton

Five-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $86 compared to just $33 for 3-bedroom listings, making larger homes significantly more efficient at converting available nights into revenue. This 2.6x difference underscores that in Yankton, going bigger translates directly into better per-night yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Yankton

Occupancy rates are modest across the board, with 5-bedroom properties filling 17% of available nights and 3-bedroom units at just 9%. While these figures reflect the market's strong seasonality, the higher occupancy for larger homes suggests they capture a greater share of the available demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Yankton

Five-bedroom properties lead convincingly with $4,503 in average monthly revenue—more than double the $1,914 that 3-bedroom listings generate. For investors weighing property size decisions in Yankton, the larger format clearly delivers stronger monthly cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Yankton

At $54,044 in average annual revenue, 5-bedroom properties in Yankton earn roughly 2.4 times what 3-bedroom listings bring in at $22,975. Given average home values of $440,292, the larger property configuration offers a notably better revenue-to-investment ratio for STR-focused buyers.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Yankton

Every listed property in Yankton offers parking (100%), reflecting the car-dependent nature of the area, while kitchens (85%), patios or balconies (75%), and self check-in (75%) round out the essentials. Outdoor amenities like backyards, BBQ grills, and outdoor furniture are common, signaling that guests expect a recreation-oriented experience—investors should prioritize these features to remain competitive.

Understanding Yankton's ROI Score: 78/100

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

Yankton's ROI score of 78 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity tier, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply-demand balance that reward early movers in this small market. The one area to monitor is occupancy stability, which scores below average due to the market's pronounced seasonal swings—investors should model conservative off-peak months when projecting returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a strong seasonal pricing strategy will help maximize the opportunity Yankton presents.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Yankton

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

Permit Requirements

Operators looking to list a short-term rental in Yankton, South Dakota should verify whether a local permit, business license, or registration is required by contacting the City of Yankton and consulting South Dakota state guidelines. Requirements can change, so confirming current rules before purchasing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Yankton may include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA restrictions for properties in managed communities. Investors should review any applicable zoning ordinances and neighborhood covenants before committing to a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in South Dakota are typically subject to state sales tax and any applicable local lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Yankton's STR market is likely to continue expanding as investor interest grows, though the rapid 311% supply increase bears watching for potential saturation in a market of this size. Summer months—June through August—should remain the primary revenue engine, with ADRs potentially holding steady or rising 1–3% given the area's strong pricing power relative to the state average. Occupancy, currently at 20% on an annualized basis, may see modest improvement as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing strategies for shoulder and off-peak seasons. Investors should plan conservatively around seasonal cash flow, budgeting for softer months from January through April."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Yankton, SD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Yankton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Yankton is currently 20%, which falls below the South Dakota state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 5-bedroom properties averaging 17% and 3-bedroom properties averaging 9%. The lower annualized occupancy reflects Yankton's highly seasonal demand, with the bulk of bookings concentrated in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Yankton?

Airbnb hosts in Yankton earn an average of $2,409 per month and approximately $28,919 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary substantially by property size—5-bedroom properties average $54,044 annually, while 3-bedroom listings bring in around $22,975. Peak summer months like July can generate over $5,300, while slower months such as February may yield closer to $659.

Is Yankton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Yankton scores 78 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity rating. The market benefits from a strong revenue-to-price ratio, above-average growth trends, and favorable supply-demand balance with only 20 active listings. The primary consideration is seasonal demand concentration in summer, so investors should be prepared for lower revenue during winter months and factor that into their financial planning.

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

The average daily rate in Yankton is $364, which is 39% higher than the South Dakota state average of $261. ADR scales with property size: 3-bedroom listings average $359 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $520 per night. This premium pricing reflects the market's appeal to groups and families, particularly during peak summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Yankton?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Yankton, but investors should verify current permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Yankton and South Dakota state authorities before purchasing a property. Local regulations can evolve, and any applicable HOA rules should also be reviewed. Consulting a local real estate attorney or regulatory office is recommended to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Yankton?

Peak season in Yankton runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at $5,314 in average revenue. June and August follow closely at $4,346 and $4,829, respectively. The off-peak months span from late fall through early spring, with February being the slowest period at just $659 in average revenue. This sharp seasonal pattern is common in markets driven by outdoor recreation and summer tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Yankton?

As of April 2026, there are 20 active Airbnb listings in Yankton. The market has seen significant growth, with a 311% year-over-year increase in active listings. Current supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom (5 listings) and 5-bedroom (6 listings) properties, suggesting potential opportunity for other property sizes that may be underrepresented.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Yankton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Yankton 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 aggregate the results 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 Yankton market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night metrics
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size based on trailing 12-month data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Occupancy rates and revenue can vary significantly based on property quality, listing optimization, pricing strategy, and seasonal demand patterns. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.