Kansas is home to many thriving short-term rental markets, but identifying the top-performing cities can be overwhelming, especially when combing through data from countless locations across the state.
To simplify this process, we analyzed data from markets statewide and compiled a list of the top 6 cities for investors and landlords seeking potentially high-return rental properties in the coming year.
As always, we recommend thorough underwriting and analysis of any prospective property and a review of local short-term rental regulations before making any investment decisions.
How We Created This List
First, we looked at all Airbnb listings in Kansas that met the following criteria as of January 2025:
- Average Rating: 4.8 stars and above
- Guest Review Count: Minimum of 10
- Average Daily Rate: $1 (minimum) to $2,000 (maximum)
- Occupancy Rate: 1% (minimum) to 99% (maximum)
- Property Size: 1 to 10 bedrooms
- Property Type: Entire homes
We did this to eliminate Airbnb listings from our analysis that fall outside of what we consider "realistic" situations. This left us with a total of 852 Airbnb listings across the state of Kansas to work with.
Next, we grouped these listings by city and eliminated markets that didn't have at least 75 Airbnb listings meeting the above criteria. We took this step to avoid outlier cities we felt didn't have enough data to be considered at this current time. This left us with 6 cities in Kansas to rank.
Then, we needed to arrive at a gross yield number for each of our remaining cities in order to create our rankings. We did this by taking the average annual Airbnb revenue for each city and combining it with the cities median property value (from Zillow as of December 2024) to calculate our gross yield for each city.
Finally, we ordered the cities by highest gross yield.
The Top 6 STR Markets in Kansas
1. Kansas City, KS
Kansas City, KS, is a thriving hub for short-term rental properties, offering real estate investors a lucrative market. With attractions like the Kansas Speedway and the historic Strawberry Hill, visitors have plenty to explore. Sports enthusiasts can catch a game at the Children's Mercy Park, home to Sporting Kansas City. Annual events like the Renaissance Festival draw thousands of tourists, creating opportunities for vacation rentals and Airbnb hosts. This vibrant tourism scene promises rental income and good cash flow for those investing in vacation homes here.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 11.0%
- Average Property Value: $274,526 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $30,112 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 47% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 75 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 73%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Kansas City, KS →
2. Wichita, KS
Wichita, KS, offers a vibrant short-term rental market ideal for real estate investors seeking good returns. Known for its rich aviation history, popular attractions like the Sedgwick County Zoo, and vibrant Old Town district, it draws tourists year-round. Sports enthusiasts flock to see the Wichita Thunder and the Wind Surge teams, while events like the Wichita Riverfest attract large crowds. Vacation rentals near these hotspots provide lucrative opportunities for Airbnb hosts to generate rental income, making Wichita one of the best places for vacation homes and short-term rental properties.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 8.2%
- Average Property Value: $318,156 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $26,188 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 40% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 281 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 98%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Wichita, KS →
3. Hutchinson, KS
Hutchinson, KS is emerging as a promising short-term rental market for 2025, offering rich opportunities for real estate investors. Known for its annual Kansas State Fair and the renowned Cosmosphere, this vibrant city has attractions that draw tourists year-round. The local housing market is ripe for real estate investing, especially in vacation homes and short-term rental properties like Airbnb. With thriving tourism, rental income potential is high, providing a good return and cash flow for vacation rental property owners catering to guests seeking unique travel experiences.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 8.1%
- Average Property Value: $244,879 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $19,801 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 36% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 85 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 111%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Hutchinson, KS →
4. Manhattan, KS
Manhattan, KS, an emerging gem for real estate investors, offers vibrant short-term rental opportunities. Known as "The Little Apple," it's home to Kansas State University with its bustling college events and sports, drawing numerous visitors year-round. Key attractions include the scenic Flint Hills and the renowned Aggieville district, perfect for vacation rentals. Hosting events like the Country Stampede and Purple Power Play, the area's tourism thrives, ensuring rental property owners a good return and steady cash flow.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.7%
- Average Property Value: $397,666 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $30,751 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 38% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 169 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 83%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Manhattan, KS →
5. Topeka, KS
Topeka, KS is a promising hub for short-term rental properties, offering rich tourism experiences and robust rental income potential. Visitors are drawn to attractions like the Kansas State Capitol, the Topeka Zoo, and Lake Shawnee, making it one of the best places for vacation rentals. Sports fans flock to watch the Topeka Golden Giants, while events like the Tulip Time Festival attract tourists year-round. For real estate investors seeking a good return, Topeka’s housing market offers ideal conditions for investment property in a vibrant, growing community.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.5%
- Average Property Value: $312,419 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $23,542 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 40% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 87 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 86%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Topeka, KS →
6. Lawrence, KS
Lawrence, KS is a vibrant college town home to the University of Kansas, boasting a lively arts scene and historic charm that make it one of the best places for short-term rental markets. Attractions like the Spencer Museum of Art and the University of Kansas sports events draw tourists year-round. The city's eclectic downtown offers unique shops and restaurants, enhancing its appeal for Airbnb guests. With special events like the Lawrence Busker Festival, real estate investors find good returns and reliable rental income in this thriving tourism hub.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 6.2%
- Average Property Value: $459,643 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $28,682 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 42% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 155 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 82%
