Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Columbia market averaged 968 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 1% from a year earlier and up 108% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

An average Columbia listing earns $28K/year. High-performing listings earn $57K, while low-performing listings earn $11K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Median Columbia home prices by size are 1-bedroom $153K, 2-bedroom $188K, 3-bedroom $276K, and 4+ bedroom $365K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Columbia is 30%, producing RevPAR of $60 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Columbia. Columbia: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed, occupancy limits enforced. City actively monitors complaints and violations.
Jefferson City: Lenient. No specific STR regulations beyond general business licensing. Minimal oversight, hosts operate freely with standard lodging tax compliance.
Lake of the Ozarks: Lenient. Unincorporated areas have minimal county rules, business license needed. Multiple municipalities with varying basic requirements. Light enforcement, tourism-friendly market. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Columbia Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Columbia Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 6%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and September; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (98%), Heating (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Internet (+48%), Washing Machine (+14%), Bbq (+13%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Columbia is $236, up 14% year-over-year. Rates peak in November and are lowest in February.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Columbia book an average of 36 days in advance, up 1% from last year. Booking windows range from 34 days for 3-bedroom listings to 40 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Columbia?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 89% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Hermann & Gasconade County	$48.8K 23 listings	18.6% 23 listings
2.Central Columbia	$35.4K 53 listings	14.3% 53 listings
3.Fulton & Eastern Counties	$33.9K 25 listings	13.8% 25 listings
4.Greater Columbia & Boone County	$30.5K 89 listings	12.3% 89 listings
5.Jefferson City & Cole County	$28.6K 52 listings	12.3% 52 listings